Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, also known as PRP Therapy, is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for common injuries. Health professionals are very excited about the possibilities and the potential that this therapy has to speed up the recovery process. It is believed to be able to hasten the healing of injuries to the tendons as well as osteoarthritis. The risks of using this approach is believed to pose less risk then currently and commonly used procedures.

PRP Therapy works with the body to help it repair itself. Platelets help to clot the blood. They also can facilitate and speed up the healing of the tissues or various wounds in the body. Health professionals have found that when they increase the amount of platelets in the injured area, it helps to speed up the recovery of the tissues.

This form of therapy is not entirely new. In fact, it was used by dentists more than two decades ago to help individuals with cancer heal after they underwent surgery for jaw reconstruction. Cardiologists who performed cardiovascular surgeries began to use the procedure. The Orthopedic field is the latest one to utilize it but will likely not be the last.

While science and studies have shown Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy to be a very promising technique, it is in no way a miracle cure and it may not work with the same effectiveness for everyone and for every injury. However, what is outstanding and extremely promising is that it makes possible a natural approach to healing that is incredibly effective. It also is not dependent on prescribing medication or surgery both, which can be expensive and in some cases risky. PRP therapy has few known risks and is also a pretty simple procedure.

The process works something like this; a physician will take some of the patient’s blood, typically around a few tablespoons, spin them in a centrifuge, concentrate the platelets and then inject them wherever the individual is injured. This is of course, a very simplified explanation of the process. The platelets will then begin to help the tissue regenerate itself and heal. Their concentration is typically between four and ten times then what would naturally occur in the body. The actual concentration will differ based on the individual.

PRP Therapy is a treatment that can be (and is) used by professional and/or collegiate athletes. However, a person does not have to participate in athletics on these levels to use the treatment. It fact, it can be very beneficial to those who suffer from chronic pain or an injury that they would like to see the healing process speed up. Individuals who are interested in taking a more natural approach treatments and healing might find this to be a good option.

Not every physician will be willing to perform this therapy. For those who would like to be treated with via PRP Therapy, it will be important to find a doctor who is willing to perform it. Once a doctor is found, patients should be sure to do their due diligence. This will include interviewing the physician about their experience and success rates.