PRP Treatment

What is PRP Treatment and How is it Applied?

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a substance obtained by taking the patient’s own blood, centrifuging it and separating the cells in the blood. This substance is plasma enriched in platelets (blood platelets). The plasma contains cells called platelets, which help blood clotting, and various proteins that provide repair and support cell growth in the body.

Functioning and Effects of PRP Treatment

PRP treatment is applied to accelerate and support the body’s natural healing processes. Platelets and growth factors in the blood accelerate the healing of tissues and repair damaged areas. For this reason, PRP treatment is widely used especially in cases such as sports injuries, muscle and joint problems.

To prepare the plasma used in PRP treatment, the patient’s blood is taken and processed in a special centrifuge. As a result of this process, plasma in which platelets are concentrated is obtained. This platelet-rich plasma is injected into the area to be treated. In this way, growth factors and healing cells directly reach the problem area and start the healing process.

Application Areas of PRP Treatment

PRP therapy can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. The main areas of application are:

1. Osteoarthritis (Joint Calcifications): PRP therapy supports the repair of cartilage tissue in joints damaged by osteoarthritis and reduces pain.
2. Meniscopathy: In the treatment of meniscus injuries and problems, PRP accelerates the healing process and allows the meniscus tissue to be repaired.
3. Tendinopathies: Tendon injuries and inflammations heal faster and more effectively with PRP treatment.
4. Muscle Injuries: Sports injuries and muscle strains can be treated with PRP therapy. This method allows the muscles to be repaired and strengthened.

Preparation of PRP and Mechanism of Action

To prepare PRP, your blood is taken as if you have a blood test and separated by centrifugation method. The growth factors released by platelets stimulate tissue healing by increasing collagen production and gene and protein expression in tendon stem cells. These growth factors also accelerate blood flow and make cartilage harder and more flexible. PRP therapy can be applied in the same session with prolotherapy, neuroprolotherapy and prolozone therapy.

Benefits of PRP Treatment

The benefits of PRP treatment include:

1. Tissue Repair and Regeneration: PRP accelerates the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.
2. Pain Reduction: It is an effective method for reducing chronic pain.
3. Increasing Mobility: Improves quality of life by increasing joint and muscle mobility.
4. Supporting the Natural Healing Process: It activates the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Application Process of PRP Treatment

PRP treatment is applied for an average of 2-4 sessions at 2-4 week intervals to treat an area. Prolotherapy can also be applied in the same session or in different sessions. After avoiding heavy activities for 3 days after the injection, you can return to normal activities.

Application Areas of PRP Treatment at our Clinic

In our clinic, PRP treatment can be applied in many areas such as low back pain, knee pain, hip joint pain, avascular necrosis, back-neck-headaches. The treatment process is customized according to the patient’s specific condition and needs. This method is effectively used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal diseases.

Side Effects of PRP Treatment and Who It Is Not Applicable To

Although PRP treatment is generally a safe method, it should not be applied in some cases. It is not suitable for inflammatory rheumatic diseases, pain due to cancer, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Your doctor will decide on PRP treatment after the examination. Before the treatment, all your health conditions should be evaluated and it should be decided whether PRP treatment is suitable for you.

Combination Treatments of PRP Therapy

PRP treatment can be used in combination with other treatment methods. In particular, it can be combined with methods such as prolotherapy, neuroprolotherapy and prolozone therapy to increase the effectiveness of treatment. These combination therapies provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment by activating the body’s different healing mechanisms.

Things to Consider After PRP Treatment

After PRP treatment, there may be a slight swelling or pain in the injection site. These symptoms usually disappear in a short time and do not cause any serious side effects. It is important to avoid heavy activities for the first 3 days after treatment. Afterwards, you can return to your normal activities in line with your doctor’s recommendations.

The Future of PRP Therapy

PRP treatment is increasingly being used and effective results are being achieved with advances in the medical field. In the future, it is expected that the areas of use of PRP will expand and more effective treatment protocols will be developed by combining it with new treatment methods. PRP therapy has an important place in modern medicine as it is a natural and safe method.

In conclusion, PRP therapy is an effective method of treating various musculoskeletal diseases by utilizing the body’s own healing properties. However, a specialist physician should be consulted and examined to determine the appropriate treatment method.