“The concept and description of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) started in the field of haematology (the study of blood and blood disorders). Haematologists created the term PRP in the 1970s in order to describe the plasma with a platelet count above that of peripheral blood, which was initially used as a transfusion product to treat patients with thrombocytopenia [1], (a deficiency of platelets in the blood which causes bruising, bleeding into the tissues, and slow blood clotting after injury)”. Fast-forward, and PRP is now being used by Pain Doctors to treat broad range of orthopaedic injuries and conditions.
Ten years after the concept of platelet-rich plasma, for the first time, this procedure was employed by maxillofacial facial surgeons. However, in this instance, it was referred to as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Scientists found that PRP could stimulate cells with its anti-inflammatory characteristics; moreover, it had homeostatic properties, and a potential for adherence. To that end, as time went on,
Pain Consultants predominantly used platelet-rich plasma in order to treat various musculoskeletal issues within the field of sports injuries [1].
As the media began to hear about famous sports people’s successful recoveries due to PRP, it attracted the interest of the general public and it has been used extensively all over the world ever since. Of note, in addition to platelet-rich plasma being used by Pain Doctors to help countless people with orthopaedic injuries and conditions, PRP is also used in other medical fields. These incorporate: ophthalmology, plastic surgery, urology, gynaecology, paediatric surgery, cardiac surgery; and dermatology (including alopecia, skin rejuvenation, tissue regeneration, scar revision, and wound healing) [1].
A Brief Overview of the PRP Process
PRP (which is generated by a patient’s own blood), is quickly and easily extracted by a Pain Doctor. As the latter will explain to you, PRP, which is vital for blood clotting, is a concentration of a specific category of blood cells known as platelets. The Pain Specialist will inject this concentration into a diseased or injured part of your body, in order to speed up the natural healing of: damaged muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments [2].
“A key advantage of PRP injections is that they can reduce the need for opioids, or even over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. In fact, use of anti-inflammatories should usually be ceased at the time of PRP treatment, because the platelet-rich plasma optimizes the initial inflammatory response involved with healing” [2]
How Can a Pain Specialist Help Your Pain & Injuries?
Substantial research shows that platelet-rich plasma injections (which can be administered by a Pain Specialist), may serve as an excellent alternative treatment for the management of:
• Tendon injuries including Achilles tendon tears, and minor rotator cuff tears; as well as tendonitis or chronic tendinosis conditions including golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
• Ligament injuries
• Muscle injuries (e.g. muscle regeneration has been shown in calf muscle injuries, and/or
• Cartilage injuries
• Bones (e.g., a non-union bone fracture) [1, 2]
Note: “recent data suggests that PRP treatment is superior to hyaluronic acid injections (gel shots) for knee osteoarthritis, especially in regard to the duration of its positive effect” [1].
Making an Online or In-Person Consultation With a Pain Doctor
Whether you are able to attend the London Pain Clinic in person or not, you will be able to discuss your orthopaedic condition in detail, and very importantly, find out how PRP can help you get back to optimum living as soon as possible.
References
[1]. Alves, R. & Grimalt, R. (2017). “A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification.”
https://karger.com/sad/article/4/1/18/291354/A-Review-of-Platelet-Rich-Plasma-History-Biology
[2]. HSS Education (2024). “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections.”
https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_prp-injections.asp
