Platelet-rich plasma therapy, sometimes called PRP attempts to take advantage of the blood's natural healing properties to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or even bone

PRP can be injected directly into a joint with the aim to:

• Reduce pain
• Improve joint function
• Possibly slow, halt, or even repair damage to cartilage

Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a sample of the patient's own blood. The injections contain plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than is found in normal blood.

platelets are a normal component of blood. Platelets alone do not have any restorative or healing properties; rather, they secrete substances called growth factors and other proteins that regulate cell division, stimulate tissue regeneration, and promote healing.

PRP therapy may alleviate symptoms for certain conditions such osteoarthritis which is a result of wear and tear in the joint, tendonitis which is an inflammation in the tendon or bursitis such as inflammation in the shoulder bursa. PRP injections may Inhibit inflammation and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis

PRP injections may also:

• Stimulate the formation of new cartilage
• Increase the production of natural lubricating fluid in the joint, thereby easing painful joint friction

The most common way to prepare PRP involves centrifuging a patient's blood sample. A vial of blood is placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun at intensely high speeds. The spinning causes the blood to separate into layers:

• Red blood cells, approximately 45% of blood, are forced to the bottom of the vial.
• White blood cells and platelets form a thin middle layer, which comprises less than 1% of the centrifuged blood.
• "Platelet-poor" plasma, or plasma with a low concentration of platelets, makes up the remaining top layer, about 55% of the centrifuged blood sample.

Once the centrifuge process is complete the doctor will remove the vial from the centrifuge and prepare the PRP solution for injection.

The evidence regarding efficacy for osteoarthritis is very encouraging, however there is more research currently being done and it is fair to say that the treatment is not suitable for every patient with osteoarthritis. It is worth considering if other measures to control pain have failed or are not adequate

Platelet-rich plasma is autologous, meaning it comes from the patient’s body, so it is natural and the injections carry few risks. PRP, however is not a cure-all treatment and is best used in combination with nonsurgical treatments and lifestyle changes, such as physiotherapy, weight loss, bracing, and pain medication

• Osteoarthritis pain affecting daily activities
• Other conservative measures have failed to control the symptoms
• Other potential uses of PRP include bursitis of the shoulder and tennis elbow

The procedure cost will depend on each individual case. The doctor will inform you of your out of pocket cost at the end of your consultation. Your initial consultation will not incur any out of pocket cost

PRP is also used for skin rejuvenation and has been found highly effective in improving the skin texture and elasticity and is an excellent and natural substitute to dermal fillers. It has also been used to treat hair loss. Please refer to our website www.tbcskin.com.au for more information.