Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a treatment option for various orthopaedic injuries and conditions which have traditionally required surgery or other extensive treatments. PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets and other growth factors. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors and signaling proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. PRP injections are used in orthopaedics with increasing frequency and effectiveness. Injuries currently being treated with the PRP technique are arthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, and other joints. Also, PRP is utilized for soft-tissue injuries such as tendonitis, muscle sprains and tears and various types of ligament injuries such as Achilles tendonitis and knee tendonitis. PRP is also used to treat various injuries and conditions affecting joints such as rotator cuff and meniscus injuries. Using a small amount of the own patient’s blood, specifically prepared platelets are taken and re-injected into the affected area. These platelets release special growth factors that lead to tissue healing. The body has remarkable ability to heal itself, and by re-injecting concentrated platelets, we are facilitating the natural healing process.
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