Would you like to know about the benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy? Read on to learn everything that you need to know on the subject.
Did you know that almost one-quarter of the population deals with arthritis? Most treatments for arthritis involve intensive therapy or surgery.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy works towards reducing arthritic pain and improving mobility. Not only does PRP work at using your own healing powers for managing arthritis, but it can also improve cosmetic features. Are you dealing with pesky bald spots on your head?
PRP therapy can help with that as well. Plus, this treatment is available at our Miami Beach MedSpa.
Ultimately, it’s a treatment that can do almost anything. If you have an interest in how PRP therapy can benefit you, then keep reading on.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Before diving into PRP therapy, it is helpful in knowing what components make it up. At its core – platelet-rich plasma includes platelets and plasma. Both of these parts are found in your bloodstream.
Platelets help with blood clotting and repair damaged blood cells. Plasma is another major aspect of your blood. Its two main components are water and protein.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy works by concentrating your body’s plasma into an injectable dosage. Practitioners use a specialized machine that isolates the plasma and platelet. When plasma becomes isolated in this form, it can bring nutrients and other beneficial substances into a localized area.
Before administering, your qualified practitioner will typically numb the area before injecting.
In return, your body immediately starts targeting the areas of concern. This can provide fast results and make you feel or look better.
Additionally, because it garners your body’s natural healing mechanisms, there are minimal complications.
It can often reduce more intensive surgical corrections and reduce chronic pain.
PRP Therapy Benefits
Platelet-rich plasma has shown plenty of benefits for your health and well-being. Some of the areas that PRP therapy is used for include:
- Hair rejuvenation
- Skin improvements
- Joint pain
PRP can include Botox and other dermal fillers when focusing on improving one’s cosmetic appearance. These combinations can work towards reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring.
In addition to improving your skin, PRP shows positive benefits for joint and arthritic pain. In fact, many people opt for PRP therapy over surgical interventions.
It uses your body’s intrinsic healing system for bringing nutrients into injured areas. Essentially, it re-starts the healing process and helps break down scar tissue in the joint.
PRP Therapy Tips
Before receiving PRP therapy, you should be aware of a couple of things. Your health practitioner will likely recommend that you stop taking ibuprofen or aspirin. There might be other certain medications and supplements that your practitioner will have you stop taking a day or two before your injections.
Since you will have your blood drawn, be sure to drink fluids and eat something before going in. The only major side effect might be some lightheadedness from having your blood taken.
There can also be bruising or slight soreness in the area that was injected. Your practitioner can advise on proper guidelines but try and not to wash the area for at least 48 hours.
It is contraindicated for people who have cancer, anemia, or low platelet levels to receive PRP therapy.
What Do the Studies Show?
One comprehensive study looked at multiple reviews in determining how effective PRP therapy was for arthritic joints. They found that over 60% of studies showed that PRP therapy was effective in reducing arthritic pain and immobility.
Another study examined how useful PRP therapy was after surgery. Tendinitis is a common injury that PRP therapy is thought to benefit. Carpal tunnel pain is a debilitating injury that causes pain, weakness, and numbness.
During surgery, the surgeon releases the carpal ligament. Afterward, they irrigated the area with either platelet-rich plasma or platelet-poor plasma. The goal of this study was to examine how effective plasma and platelet was in the healing process.
They monitored the patients for six weeks following the surgery. They largely examined pain, mobility, and strength. One of the biggest indicators of a full recovery from this surgery is hand-grip.
The researchers found that both groups benefitted from plasma therapy. However, the platelet-rich group returned to prior hand-grip levels at the six-week mark whereas the platelet-poor group did not.
The researchers speculated that their study, and past ones, indicate plasma and platelets’ role in soft-tissue healing. It also points to the benefit PRP therapy can be for patients during surgery and post-operatively.
Cosmetic Benefits
PRP is not solely beneficial for musculoskeletal issues. It can also improve your appearance and give you back that youthful glow. After participants received PRP therapy to their cheeks, almost three-quarters of them reported positive results.
The results also showed significant improvements at the six-month mark. This is when most experts suggest that people will start seeing results for cosmetic uses.
They find that the most significant improvements were in patients’ nasolabial folds (the area from the corners of your mouth to your nose) and crow’s feet. After that, the next favorable spot for treatment was forehead wrinkles.
In general, the researchers found overall facial improvements with fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and pigmentation. The most substantial facial changes were in clients under 40 years old.
The researchers also determined that PRP therapy was safe and effective for skin treatments. Additionally, the side effects were minimal and lasted two weeks or less in most participants.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
You don’t have to wait any longer to achieve the results you want out of your skin or cosmetic appearance. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can work on your appearance, rejuvenate hair follicles, and manage chronic pain. And it’s available right here in Miami Beach.
Additionally, it is a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects. It is a great option for anyone and can reduce your need for surgical interventions. Contact us today and let one of our skilled staff members talk with you about your PRP therapy options.
Keyword(s): Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy