Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses platelets to improve tissue healing and function. It is typically provided via injection. Cleburne PRP contains cytokines and growth factors that aid in injury repair and healing. Tennis elbow, knee osteoarthritis, sports injuries, wounds, and even hair loss are all treated with it. Several studies have demonstrated its potential benefits in lowering pain, increasing function, and promoting tissue repair in a variety of applications.
What happens during the procedure?
During the procedure, blood is taken from the arm and centrifuged to separate its constituents. Platelets are concentrated to produce platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with some white and red blood cells eliminated.
Various PRP products with varied platelet, white blood cell, and red blood cell concentration can be obtained depending on the technique. Other products, such as platelet-poor plasma (PPP) or platelet lysate (PL), which include diverse cytokines, proteins, and growth factors and are potentially beneficial for a variety of therapeutic applications, may also be generated.
Are there any risks involved?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections carry minimal hazards such as bleeding, discomfort, and infection, which are inherent with any injection. There is little chance of allergies or cross-infection when using the patient’s own platelets. However, the composition of PRP products varies greatly between preparations and patients, making it difficult to predict their usefulness or limitations, which is still being studied.
Are the costs covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover only a small portion of the cost of PRP injections, requiring hefty out-of-pocket expenses. Costs vary depending on location and consumption. In San Francisco, for example, hair loss treatments cost $900 for one session and $2,500 for three sessions, and knee injections cost $500 to $1,200 per treatment. PRP is classified as experimental by insurance companies, and greater coverage is subject to further scientific validation.
What is the recovery time:
Rest may be indicated following PRP treatments for an injury rather than the injections. Daily activities can usually resume after PRP. PRP boosts healing or development over time, perhaps delivering notable changes in the treated area in a few weeks or months, so immediate effects may not be visible.
Final thoughts:
PRP injections can be used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, treat tendon injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, jumper’s knee), treat acute sports injuries, aid in postsurgical repair of tendons and ligaments, and potentially alleviate osteoarthritis.