PRP: Is It Really Worth It?

If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, or you have a condition like arthritis that causes a lot of aches and pains, your doctor might have brought up the possibility of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help you feel better. What exactly is this therapy, and is it really worth your time and money? For many patients, the answer has proven to be yes. This blog post discusses what you should know as you are considering the possibility of getting PRP.

An Introduction to PRP Therapy

To perform PRP therapy, your doctor will take a small sample of your own blood and then place it in a centrifuge. As the blood is spun at a high rate, it separates into different parts. One portion of it contains plasma that is very rich in platelets. The PRP is then processed and injected into your body at the site of damaged tissues.

Platelets are famous for their role in clotting, which is essential for stopping bleeding. However, PRP does even more than that. Platelets release growth factors and other substances that are important for healing damaged tissues.

Essentially, the purpose of PRP is to harness the power of your own blood to support your body’s natural healing process.

Does PRP Really Work?

Research into the effectiveness of PRP therapy is ongoing, but several studies have already found it to be beneficial for patients. There is evidence to suggest that it can:

• Speed up recovery time after surgery or an injury.
• Reduce inflammation and pain.
• Promote the repair of cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis.

PRP has additional benefits as well. For example, since it is derived from your own blood, there is virtually no risk of rejection. It also leaves no scars and can be an affordable alternative to surgery in some cases.

Is PRP Right for You?

If you are dealing with pain due to musculoskeletal injuries or osteoarthritis, PRP therapy might be able to help you. A qualified doctor will assess your situation and make a personalized treatment recommendation.

While PRP is safe and suitable for most people, it might not be right for you if you have certain conditions, such as a clotting disorder or an uncontrolled infection.

The Bottom Line on PRP

So, is PRP worth it? That is up to you to determine. Your doctor can talk to you about the potential pros and cons of this treatment so you can make a well-informed decision about whether it may be worth a try.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, our expansive team of medical professionals is proud to offer platelet-rich plasma therapy and a range of other non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments. We seek to help patients heal so they can enjoy long-lasting relief from their musculoskeletal ailments. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 954-563-2707.