Healing is a natural process that involves the recovery of any organ, tissue or cell. Naturally, it is a time taking process and this time period also depends upon the cells that are going to heal.
Nowadays, technology has become very advanced and scientists have proposed many solutions till now that could assist the process of healing. One of these procedures is “Platelets Rich Plasma” commonly called as PRP.
It is described as; “A substance that is considered to promote healing when injected into the body.”
Plasma is a major component of blood which provides a medium for all the cells and proteins and carry these things to supply to various organs. It contains very special proteins that are responsible for the clotting of blood as well as helps in cell growth. Scientists have done many kinds of research on this component of blood and finally became successful by the production of such a substance known as PRP- platelets rich plasma. The whole idea behind this research is that the injection of PRP into damaged tissues stimulates their growth. As this product is more concentrated than the original plasma, so it is thought to heal faster. Generally, PRP injections are not considered painful but these may cause discomfort and its level depends upon the part of the body that is going to be treated.
Prof. M. A. Wajid is one of the pioneers to introduce this novel approach of treatment for the patients in Pakistan. His professional expertise as a sports doctor for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and hands-on experience of years in Orthopedics makes him the only choice for professional PRP treatment for sports injuries, joint and back pain.
PRP Treatment
PRP treatment now has been used for several injuries and the procedure for all of them is the same exclusive of the targeted area.
It has been successfully used for the treatment of back pain, joint pain and several sports injuries that involve the injured tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, or any disc.
Before Procedure
Prior to this treatment, arrange a sitting with your doctor and discuss each and everything related to this procedure in detail. In general, there are some cations to take and includes;
- Stop taking NSAIDs seven days before going for the PRP.
- Have an MRI of the knee so the physician will be able to determine the extent of the damage.
- Manage to use crutches, up-to two days after the PRP.
- There should be someone to take you home after the process.
Preparation of PRP
Initially, the physician will withdraw blood from your arm and then, they will pour the blood sample into a centrifuge machine for 15 minutes. In the centrifuged blood will separate into the components including:
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- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Plasma
- Platelets
- Proteins
This sample will be used to extract Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP).
General Procedure
The whole process does not take more than an hour, and this hour also counts the preparation of PRP injection as mentioned above. Initially, the PRP is injected back into the injured tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, or disc that has been considered the source of pain and is not-healing appropriately.
When the substance around the spine is being injected, then x-ray (i.e. fluoroscopy) is done in order to assure safe and proper placement of PRP at the affected area. In the limbs, ultrasound examination is generally used to inject PRP into the appropriate tendon, ligament or joint that is intended to heal. Injections are performed under image guidance to confirm the precise injection of PRP.
The number of injections varies from patient to patient depending upon their condition as well on the affected area that is going to be targeted. But there is a typical range that is commonly considered as an average involves the 6 injections. Patients commonly experience a significant decrease in pain after the first or second injection of PRP.