Over the past few years, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy has been highlighted in various medical journals as a promising technique that may heal damaged tissue more effectively.
Now, the elective procedure is becoming a popular choice, and patients can benefit from this therapy at Harrington Physician Services Orthopedics practice in Southbridge.
PRP therapy uses an injection of a patient’s own concentrated blood products to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints.
PRP injections are prepared by taking a sample of the patient’s blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. After the activated platelets are injected into the patient, they release growth factors that stimulate repair.
Compared with a more traditional cortisone injection, medical professionals cite PRP therapy can reduce inflammation as well as aid in the damaged tissue’s healing process. Studies have shown an increased number of cells and improved tendon strength after using PRP therapy for elbow tendinopathies, Achilles tendon and calf injuries. In addition, PRP is gaining favor over more traditional injections like corticosteroids for knee arthritis.
Depending on the severity of the disease, the surgeon may elect to perform the procedure as a one-time treatment or may schedule multiple sessions.
The side effects of PRP injections are very limited since the body does not reject a person’s own blood and there are no strict contraindications to the procedure.
For more information, call (508) 764-2772.
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