dimanche 22 mai 2016

Important Aspects Relating To Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

By Robert Johnson


Platelets are cellular structures found in blood and involved in the process of tissue healing and repair. Platelet rich plasma (or PRP) is blood plasma augmented with platelets. This mixture also contains growth factors and chemicals known as cytokines. The use of PRP has been adopted in many medical fields including cosmetic surgery, pain management and dentistry among others. In this article we will look at how platelet rich plasma therapy is used in Vaughan.

PRP preparation starts with the collection of your own blood in a tube. The blood is then centrifuged twice to separate the platelet rich plasma from the cellular components which comprise the white and red cells. The next step is activation. This involves the addition of calcium chloride and thrombin. Other important components of PRP at this point include connective tissue growth factor, interleukin 8, fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor among others.

The PRP is injected into the affected area directly usually under the guidance of ultrasound. This ensures that it is delivered to the exact site especially when dealing with enclosed body parts such as joints. Examples of conditions that may be treated using this type of therapy include pelvic pain, ankle sprains, cardiac muscle injuries, rotator cuff tears and ligament sprains among others. PRP can be given on its own or in combination with other treatments.

One of the newest applications of this treatment is in the management of sporting injuries among professional athletes. There have been some concerns that the therapy may be violating anti-doping rules. Since it has not been clearly demonstrated whether it gives athletes a competitive edge, the subject remains open for discussion. For the time being, the therapy will continue to help athletes heal faster and resume what they love doing.

This treatment is typically done within a few hours. There are very few side effects if any which makes it possible to administer the therapeutic agent in an outpatient clinic. You will notice an improvement after a couple of hours and you can resume your normal routine immediately. A majority of people will need just a single injection in six months. For others, two or three are needed.

In rare circumstances, there may be some pain at the injection site. Ordinarily, this should resolve in a few weeks. In some cases, however, it persists especially if the injection was done into a tendon. It is believed that this problem is the result of increased pressure created by the plasma. Since the area is already irritated, the increased pressure only serves to worsen the problem. Although it may take a bit long, the pain will eventually abate.

Although PRP therapy can be given to virtually anyone, there are situations in which its use is not recommended. If you are a heavy smoker, the general recommendation is that you should stop for some time as administering the treatment may aggravate your problem. Medical conditions that make the treatment potentially harmful include, among others, thrombocytopenia, chronic liver disease, chronic skin diseases, sepsis and low levels of fibrinogen.

Platelet rich plasma is used for the management of a number of medical and surgical conditions. Since it involves the use of your own cells, the risk of reactions is non-existent as opposed to many other forms of treatment. The list of conditions managed by the therapy continues to grow with time as more research is conducted. To find out whether you are a suitable candidate, have a discussion with your doctor.




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