Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a powerful treatment that can improve many types of joint damage, and an area of specialty at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine in Westfield and West Orange, New Jersey and serving serving all of Union county, Morris county, Middlesex county, and Somerset county including the surrounding towns of Cranford, Garwood, Clark, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Springfield, Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Watchung, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Union, Edison, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth. If you’re troubled by joint pain but don’t want to go through an invasive surgical procedure to find relief, PRP injections can be well worth consideration. Schedule a personalized consultation online or by phone to learn more.
For appointments, call us or book online at any of our convenient locations in Middletown, Morristown, Ridgewood, Westfield, and West Orange.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a solution created from a small volume of your blood. Your blood contains liquid and solid components. Among the solids are platelets, which are responsible for your blood’s clotting function.
Platelets are also rich in growth factors, which are special proteins that promote cell division and tissue regeneration. Your plasma is mostly water, but also contains a mix of nutrients, proteins, and antibodies.
How is a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection created?
The first step in creating platelet-rich plasma injection is drawing a small amount of blood, similar to the process required for routine blood testing. That sample is placed in a centrifuge, a medical device that spins the blood at a high rate of speed.
That spinning isolates the solids from the liquid plasma. The platelets separate into a distinct layer and are collected and then reintroduced to the cleared plasma and drawn into syringes.
What are the benefits of PRP injections?
When injected into a damaged joint, PRP stimulates your natural healing powers. Cell turnover increases, new tissues are constructed, and inflammation reduces.
These changes can help repair damaged joint components. For many men and women, the opportunity to improve joint health without surgical intervention is the primary benefit of PRP injections. PRP injections can help repair torn shoulder muscles, tendon injuries, ease inflammation in knee joints, and promote new cartilage growth in multiple joints of the body.
Also, because the solution comes from your tissues, there is a very low risk that your body will reject the therapy. Aside from the small risk of infection that comes with an injection of any type, a platelet-rich plasma injection is a safe treatment option.
Platelet-rich plasma is also used in medical aesthetics. When injected into facial tissues, a PRP facial can promote new collagen production, smoothing skin and reducing the signs of aging.
Am I a good candidate for a platelet-rich plasma injection?
PRP injections can be a great treatment option in many cases, especially for men and women whose osteoarthritis symptoms affect their daily routines. It’s a good approach when more conservative treatments have failed to yield marked improvements.
It should be noted, however, that PRP injections aren’t right for everyone. If the following conditions apply, you may be better served by another treatment approach.
- You are pregnant
- You have anemia
- You are currently engaged in anticoagulation therapy
- You have certain blood or bleeding disorders
- You have a medical condition that could worsen from any type of injection
If you’re interested in learning more about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, schedule a personalized consultation today at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine. Online booking takes just moments, or can always call the office nearest you to set up an appointment.
