Treatments

What Are Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?

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What is platelet-rich plasma?

Approximately 55% of blood is made of plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood. It travels through the circulatory system and helps with recovering from injuries, removing waste, preventing infections, and distributing nutrients. Platelets are cell fragments found in blood. They allow for clotting to occur.

What are platelet-rich plasma injections?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are composed of plasma and platelets. PRP is produced by spinning blood in a centrifuge until it separates. It may then be given as an injection to treat certain injuries and promote healing in the body.

What do platelet-rich plasma injections treat?

PRP injections encourage healing and repair injuries. They may be used to treat various conditions, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Wounds
  • Tennis elbow
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Muscle injuries
  • Joint sprains
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Ligament tears
  • Hair loss
  • Post-surgical healing
  • Torn tendons
  • Skin rejuvenation

Who should avoid PRP injections

Platelet-rich plasma injections should be avoided in certain situations. Individuals who should not receive PRP injections include those with the following:

  • Infections
  • Anemia
  • Abnormal platelet function or low platelet count
  • Cancer