PRP is non-invasive and its use and benefits are vast in regenerative medicine that it is no surprise that its gained such popularity in recent years. This novel wound healing mechanism has been thought to be revolutionary. But what is it exactly? How does it work?
What is PRP?
PRP is a treatment which uses your own blood to regenerate tissue. When we have a wound our blood regroups and kick starts a healing process. This specific process is harnessed by the PRP process and directed to specific tissue which needs regeneration. Your blood is made out of 4% platelets and after a specific process, this percentage is increased hence the name Platelet Rich Plasma. This plasma, rich with platelets, is then injected into the tissue which needs regeneration or healing.
Recent Popularity
PRP has recently gained popularity when two Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward had undergone this treatment to recover from an injury to reduce the recovery period so they would be ready for the Super Bowl.
PRP has been around since the 80s and since then it has passed many medical trials and researchers believe that PRP will revolutionise regenerative medicine.
What is PRP treatment good for?
PRP can be used on muscles, tendons and has recently PRP for hair loss has proven to be very effective. PRP can target tissue where there is a naturally low bloody supply like tendons and joints. The healing process is accelerated by injecting the PRP to the specific tissue. This makes it particularly useful for tears in tendons, which usually take ages, or never seem to fully repair at all. Some tendon related conditions where PRP has been used successfully are tears in the achilles or patellar tendon, tendonitis, tendinosis and other tendinopathies.
A joint issues pains, arthritis, knee osteoarthritis. PRP can reduce osteoarthritis and help to repair damaged cartilage. Produce natural fluid in the joint to reduce friction.
How does it work?
In simple terms, PRP harnesses the inner healing mechanism of our blood. When we have a wound our blood suddenly coagulates, and wound healing is initiated. This is because of platelets, these plates take up about 4% of our blood. What PRP does is up that concentration and injecting it precisely where we want it to regenerate the tissue.
In recent years it has been found to be very effective to combat hair loss, including beard growth, thus it is now established as a new hair loss therapy.
Medical trials have reported an increase of 37% of the amount of hair growing per cm3 and have also reported an increase in hair thickness as well as an increase of blood supply and keratin cells in the skin and hair follicles on the treated area. Results have shown to be effective even a year after the last treatments.
Medical trials have reported no side effects. This is thought to be because this treatment uses the patient’s own blood platelet together with it being of a non-invasive nature.