Platelet Rich Plasma Prolotherapy

Platelet rich plasma prolotherapy is the recent trend in treating various joint conditions and is designed to stimulate repair of torn ligaments in the affected joint and to reduce swelling and pain caused by the condition. PRP prolotherapy is a combination treatment where PRP is injected into the joint and bursa (cushions around the joint) and dextrose prolotherapy is given to the ligaments of the joint. This treatment can help a patient to avoid surgery and to overcome the disease condition with minimally invasive injection techniques.

The PRP is platelet rich blood sample obtained from the patient’s body. Platelets hold a number of proteins, cytokines and other bioactive factors that instigate the natural healing process. The PRP treatment method stimulates the natural immune repair mechanisms of the body and delivers the building block essential to build and repair damaged soft tissues. Prolotherapy is similarly a minimally invasive procedure to stimulate healing.  Both PRP therapy and Prolotherapy stimulate natural healing and are combined effectively for tissue repair at wound site. The procedure increases the initial healing phase and thereby the rate of healing. The number of PRP injections varies depending on the level and position of the injury and each individual’s reaction to healing. Typically a series of 3 to 6 treatments are required for treatment in significantly damaged tissues. Platelet rich plasma prolotherapy is one of the newest and most advanced researched treatment options in the regeneration and repair of tissues to repair injuries involving tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage. It is the safest, most effective and minimally invasive assisted method to stimulate and accelerate the natural healing mechanisms.

How does PRP work?

Blood components are of four major types - plasma, platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. Platelets assist in clotting and are also the “first-responders” of the body post injury; helping repair an injured region and in building up of new tissue and thereby promoting the healing process. Once platelets contact collagen in damaged tissues, the platelets release various biological growth factors (Table 1 as given below) to promote healing in soft tissues locally. Activated platelets commonly release the following growth factors:

Table 1: Various biological growth factors released by PRP when activated

PRP injection delivers a high concentration of autologous (patient’s own) platelets to the knee, hip, spine and/ or other joints where osteoarthritis is present.

Platelets present in the blood are the first responders to an injured area and helps build up new tissues. Introducing high concentration of platelets directly into the joint using PRP injection stimulates the healing process and faster recovery from the joint condition.

Patient Benefits of PRP Prolotherapy:

1. Minimally invasive treatment method
2. Almost painless injection technique using very thin needles under local anesthesia
3. Avoid if not delay Surgery
4. Significantly reduces the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis/ low back ache
5. Reduced risk of adverse events
6. Repairs and strengthens ligaments improving joint stability.
7. Safe and effective treatment method
8. Faster healing and recovery
9. PRP Prolotherapy results in safe, significant, effective, progressive improvement of knee pain and function.

At Beth Yehuwdah Arthritis Centre, Pullad and Daystar Clinic, Alappuzha we tailor customized treatment plan to treat patients suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions. To know more about PRP treatment in Kerala or PRP Prolotherapy, book an appointment now.