An Effective Solution To Treat Knee, Shoulder, Back Pain, and Much More!!
Platelet-rich plasma injection is literally an effective aid to treat almost all kinds of pain including shoulder, back, and knee. But what is the procedure for the same? We have summed it up for you in this blog.
Understand Plasma
‘Plasma’ is a part of blood. Its main function is to perform healing. Hence, chiropractors use it in PRP therapy to promote healing, particularly in affected areas.
Preparation Process of PRP Injections
The preparation process of platelet-rich plasma injection involves the following steps:
Keep in mind that you require proper chiropractic care for these.
Blood Collection
First of all, the doctor collects your blood. Generally, it involves 15-20 milliliters of blood, not that much.
Also, some people confuse this step with blood donation. So, don’t do the same. It’s not at all similar to blood donation.
Difference B/W Blood Donation & Blood Collection for PRP
There’s a huge difference.
Blood donation involves giving your blood to someone else. While in the blood collection step for PRP, it transmits the blood back into the patient’s body in later steps.
How Much Blood Will You Need To Give?
Although it’s generally 15-20 mm, it can be a bit higher or lesser depending on the following two factors
- the affected area, and
- severity/ complexity of the condition.
Centrifugation
The most important step of the process for inserting a platelet-rich plasma injection is ‘centrifugation.’ During this step, the blood is centrifuged. Let us understand the process in detail below:
- Centrifuge Machine
There’s a specific machine for this task called ‘centrifuge.’ The collected blood is put into it. Then, it spins at a very high speed to separate different components of the blood.
- Time
It takes around 10-15 minutes for the centrifuge to perform optimal separation.
- Blood Components’ Separation
At first, the blood separates into three main layers:
- Red-Blood Cells at the Bottom
- A thin layer of white blood cells, and platelets (the buffy coat) in the middle, and
- Plasma on top.
What Do We Need From These Three?
Yes, we need plasma!!!!
- Plasma Out
Now, the plasma layer is further centrifuged to concentrate the platelets.
Extraction
Creation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection
Now comes the most interesting step!
The chiropractor in “The Villages” makes a layer of platelet-rich plasma by carefully extracting it using a syringe. This layer has the maximum amount of platelets that we require for treating ahead.
The PRP is normally 5-10 times more concentrated with platelets than normal blood.
Activation (Optional)
Although the process completes on the third step, in some cases, the experts activate PRP before injection. They use substances such as calcium chloride or thrombi for the activation process. Why? The reason is that these elements boost the growth factors of platelets.
What Is PRP For?
You can go for this therapy for the following:
- Platelet-rich Plasma Injection for Shoulder
- PRP injections for Back Pain
- PRP for Knee Pain
Platelet-rich Plasma Injections in “The Villages” are available for shoulder pain, knee pain, and back pain as well.
Benefits of Platelet-rich Plasma
As the name suggests, it is rich in platelets. The more the number of platelets, the maximum the efficiency. Plus, there are several other benefits of platelet-rich plasma as well:
- Minimally Invasive
There are fewer complications and recovery time.
- Autologous
No changes of allergic reactions or infections.
- Heals Naturally
There is no use of chemicals at all. It involves your own blood only.
- Versatile
It can treat a variety of problems such as there are PRP injections for back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain.
How Long Should You Rest After PRP Injection?
The resting time depends upon several factors from your lifestyle to the complexity of your situation. To know about this in detail, go to
‘Legacy Clinic’ offers PRP injections in “The Villages.”