Platelet Rich Plasma, also as known as PRP takes advantage of your body’s own healing mechanisms. Platelets are the cells in our circulation that have the natural function of helping the healing process through their release of biologically active substances into areas of injury to promote the mechanisms of healing. Harnessing the power of the body’s own platelets was first used over two decades ago to help in healing after dental surgeries. The use of it has grown over the years to include many other areas of medicine.
Some of the growth factors are Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor which promotes the health of and growth of new blood vessels. Fibroblast Growth Factor assists cell growth for tissue repair, collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Epithelial growth factor for promotion of wound healing and new blood vessel formation. TGF-beta and PDGF- Platelet Derived Growth Factor- promote new cell generation, collagen production and wound healing.
The PRP Process
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from your own blood in an office setting. The patient’s blood is drawn in the same manner as when you have any general blood test. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge with the purpose of separating and removing the platelets from the rest of the blood to produce the Platelet Rich Plasma which contains five to seven times the concentration of platelets normally present in the blood. The PRP with its richer complement of healing and growth factors, is then injected back into the body in the area being treated.
PRP for Joints
The most well-known use of PRP treatments has been in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. This has resulted in significant attention from the media because of its use by the NFL, Major League Baseball, Tiger Woods, and other elite athletes.
Traditional treatments for both arthritis and sports related joint problems are often only marginally effective. Surgery’s results are often unsatisfactory and can cause complications and further damage. Cortisone shots are effective in reducing pain for a short period of time, but they don’t address the underlying problem and may lead to joint damage if used repeatedly. Sometimes patients are left with not much more than an icepack and anti-inflammatories. The uses of PRP for orthopedics include: shoulder- rotator cuff tendinitis/tears, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, arthritis, ligament and meniscus tears, tendon damage, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis.
Hair Restoration
PRP Injection Therapy helps hair follicles to activate, “wake up” and produce stronger healthier hair again. For patients with thinning hair due to poorly functioning hair follicles, three PRP Hair Restoration injection treatments, performed 4-6 weeks apart, results in a fuller, thicker head of hair. The results may be maintained for as long as 3 years. Keeping your hair as thick as possible over time would be a simple matter of repeating the injection, the timing of which will vary from patient to patient based on individual need and desire. Because pattern baldness is a dynamic process, periodic assessments are done to determine if any adjustments to your treatment protocol are needed to meet your expectations.
PRP for ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Although each man’s experience may differ, most men report: increased erection and firmness, enhanced sensation and pleasure, possible improvement in urinary incontinence and prostate issues, possible enhanced length, girth and appearance,and reduce/remove plaque buildup in Peyronie’s Disease. After this procedure, the patient can immediately resume normal physical exercise and sexual activity.
Because PRP is created directly from a patient’s own blood, neither allergic reactions nor rejection of the platelet cells can occur. This is a safe treatment that can be performed and completed in an office setting in approximately one hour from start to finish.
Submitted by Henry C. Sobo, MD. Member American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Sobo believes that the best of both medical and nutritional approaches to medical care is more effective than either approach alone. Weight Loss programs, IV Vitamins, Allergy evaluation and desensitization, Stem Cell treatments, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, PRP. For more information call 203-348-8805 and see: http://drsobo.com/dr-sobos-prp-platelet-rich-plasma-program/