Is PRP The New Miracle Treatment?
Recently, medical research has focused on ways for your body to heal itself.
One of the most promising of these treatments is platelet-rich plasma, or PrP.
Platelet-rich plasma involves the withdrawal of the patient’s own blood. The platelets are concentrated and then reinjected into specific parts of the patient’s body.
It has been used to treat a wide range of conditions from orthopedic injuries to hair loss and sexual issues.
The History of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments
Dr. Robert Marx, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, pioneered the medical use of platelet concentrates in the 1970’s. He used them to speed bone graft healing in facial reconstruction surgery.
In the 1980’s, growth factors in platelets were recognized for their ability to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair.
The use of PrP’s was extended to a wide variety of medical uses during the 1990’s. New uses included orthopedics, sports medicine and would healing.
By the 2000’s, PrP began to receive significant publicity due to its use by professional athletes like Tiger Woods to treat a variety of sports injuries.
How is PrP Prepared?
The basic procedure for platelet-rich plasma treatments is the same for all of its medical uses:
- A small amount of blood is withdrawn from the patient to be treated
- Platelets in the blood are concentrated using a centrifuge
- The plasma layer which contains the concentrated platelets is extracted
- The concentrated PrP is injected into the part of the body which requires treatment.
Why Does PrP Work?
Platelets make your blood clot to support healing when a wound occurs. They also contain growth factors and other substances which encourage tissue regeneration.
Concentrating the platelets to create PrP is thought to increase the potency of the healing factors present in the platelets. The growth factors in platelets may also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, since the platelets are taken from the patient’s own blood, there is minimal risk of adverse allergic or immunological reactions.
What Can PrP Be Used For?
The growth factors and bioactive molecules found in platelet-rich plasma promote tissue regeneration and repair.
This has contributed to its use in a growing number of medical applications, including:
- Dental and Oral Surgery
Platelet-rich plasma is often used to speed healing and reduce complications in tooth extractions and dental implant procedures.
- Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Treatment of sports-related injuries like sprains and strains can benefit from the use of PrP.Injection of PrP has also been used to speed healing from sports-related injuries such as tendinitis and rotator cuff injuries. It has also been used to assist in recovery from orthopedic surgery.
- Arthritis
PrP has shown positive results for treatment of arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Wound Healing
Difficult-to-heal wounds, including diabetic skin ulcers, have shown promising results when treated with PrP. - Dermatology
PrP has become common in both restorative and aesthetic dermatology. PrP-based treatments have been used to improve skin tone and texture plus wrinkle removal.
- Hair Loss
PrP injections into the scalp have shown promising results for reversal of male- and female-pattern baldness. - Sexual Issues
The “P-shot” has been used to treat erectile disfunction in men Similarly, the “O shot” has shown promise in treating sexual dysfunction in women.
Should You Try PrP?
Platelet-rich plasma is still a very new treatment.
Very few comprehensive studies have been done on the specific benefits of PrP. Most of the available information is from anecdotal reports. However, what’s been reported is very encouraging.
Consult with your trusted medical advisor if you think you might benefit from PrP. If you do try PrP, make sure you are treated by certified medical personnel.
The news today is full of reports about potential “miracle” treatments. At Renew Youth, we can help you separate fact from fiction while you pursue your healthiest you.
Want to learn more? To schedule your free 30 minute consultation, call us today at 800-859-7511 or use our convenient contact form.
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