What You Need to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP therapy is becoming a popular form of treatment for many different bodily ailments. For those who suffer from arthritis of the knee, they know that getting out of bed in the morning can be so difficult that they no longer conduct their daily activities like walking or going up and down stairs. For others, their tennis elbow may cause so much pain they cannot work on their computer anymore or play an instrument. The treatment options for these kinds of ailments are usually medications (like anti-inflammatories) or pain medications that end up masking the symptoms but not treating the original injury. Others suffering from severe pain look to surgery as a last result. However, people are using PRP therapy more and more as a non-invasive treatment for their pain.
What Are PRP Injections?
Doctors use a concentrated form of the patient’s own blood to inject into the site of pain. The platelet-rich plasma is full of unique growth factors that can promote self-healing in a person’s body. It targets the specific area where the person is injured (such as an inflamed joint) and works to use the body’s natural healing process.
What Conditions Do Doctors Use PRP for?
There are many injuries that doctors are using PRP injections to treat. Some of these are:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis, and
- UCL Tears
Risks and Side Effects of PRP Treatments
As with any medical procedure, there are certain risks that a patient should know and discuss with their doctor. Because PRP therapy is injected into the site of the patient’s injury, there is a small risk of infection. Other common side effects are:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Discomfort, and
- Pain
Your doctor should also talk with you about certain medications and medical procedures that you should avoid after your PRP therapy, and they may require you to temporarily modify your daily activities so your injury can begin healing properly.
What You Can Expect the Day-Of
PRP injections do not take long (typically less than an hour), and if the doctor is treating an area like the ankle, foot, or knee, you may need to have someone with you to drive you home safely after your procedure.
If you would like to find a knee pain doctor in Allentown, PA then consider doctors from a place like the Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania who can help you out and answer any question you may have.