What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)? Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) uses your blood to heal and restore tissue, ligaments, and scarring in the body and skin. PRP is a seventy-year-old procedure that continues to show promise as it increases the number of applications, particularly in cosmetic dermatology. The body has an amazing ability to heal and restore itself through the extraction of natural growth factors found in a patient's blood. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is a procedure used to treat various medical and cosmetic issues.

This substance is called Autologous Plasma, which is a platelet-rich concentration extracted from a patient's blood with a platelet count far superior to the standard. The plasma is extracted for PRP treatments to regenerate and repair damaged cells and tissues.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment predominately used to treat pain, be it acute or chronic. The aging process impacts the body's ability to heal as quickly as it did when we were younger, increasing the pain, discomfort, and injury we tend to experience later in life. 

Platelets stimulate an immune response by interacting with various immune cells; they are responsible for many essential functions that take place in the body. The primary function of platelets is to help prevent and stop an injured individual from bleeding. How does this work? When blood vessels are damaged, the body sends signals to platelets, instructing the platelets to travel to the affected area (s); once they arrive at the infected area, they form blood clots which aid in stopping or preventing the bleeding. 

Living with mild to chronic pain significantly affects a person's quality of life. Pain mitigation options, such as; surgery and pain medications, can seem extreme or even frightening. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is often used alternatively to the aforementioned medical options, as it’s non-invasive, non-surgical, and drug-free. PRP is used to heal, assist and expedite healing.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Applications:

• Soft Tissue Repair

• Torn Ligaments

• Achilles Tendon ruptures

• Tendonitis

• Acne Scarring

• Hair Thinning and Alopecia 

• Cosmetically - Vampire Facial, under-eye treatment, nasal labial fold. PRP can also be combined with filler to achieve a softer, more natural appearance with longer-lasting effects. 

• Sciatica 

• Slipped Disk

• Back, neck, & shoulder 

• Tennis elbow 

• Wound healing 

• Post-Operative

How does it work?

The objective of PRP therapy is to amplify platelet function. Collecting (blood draw) and concentrating platelets into a single injection to create up to five times as many growth factors as normal whole blood. When injected into an injury, PRP causes temporary, mild inflammation triggering the body’s healing cascade. The effectiveness of  PRP is rooted in the cells' structural formation and nutrient-rich contents, including packets of growth hormones and cytokines. The robust substance signals the tissue to increase renewal and expedite healing. Platelets boost collagen production and stimulate blood flow, essential functions that activate the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, PRP comes from your own blood supply, mitigating risk factors, such as; infection, contamination, or resistance to the treatment that may result in rejection.

Who is a good candidate for PRP?  

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is used to treat various medical and cosmetic issues. It’s always important to note that there is no “one size fits all” approach in medicine. What works for a friend, family member, or your favorite social media personality might be unnecessary for your patient journey. There are various PRP treatment options; patients interested in learning if PRP is right for them must first consult with Dr. Ford for a medical consultation to evaluate candidacy. 

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy “PRP” is a regenerative treatment that helps to accelerate tissue healing and restoration. PRP is unique because it uses natural healing properties within our bodies. Regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Nathan D. Ford, uses the most innovative treatments available to give each patient the best possible outcome. One such treatment, platelet-rich plasma therapy, more commonly known as PRP injections, is a medical procedure used to help a person with a soft tissue injury (I.e muscle, tendon, and cartilage).