Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a type of regenerative treatment that harnesses a special concentration of your own body’s healing blood cells (platelets) to accelerate your body’s ability to heal itself. PRP is most often used to treat musculoskeletal injuries or to alleviate joint pain.
Since many people still do not fully understand PRP treatment, myths and incorrect assumptions about it are frequently being addressed by orthopedic doctors. Let’s talk about five of the most persistent myths about PRP therapy, and where you can go in Dallas for outstanding orthopedic care.
Myth #1: It’s a New and Unproven Treatment
PRP therapy has been through an interesting group of tested treatments, first with open heart surgery in the 1980s and then with maxillofacial surgery for healing after oral/jaw cancer treatment in the 1990s. It is now most frequently used to treat musculoskeletal injuries – injuries affecting the bones, muscles, joints, and related structures – such as tendinopathy, muscle tears, ligament tears, and joint pain.
Athletes were among the earliest recipients of this treatment in the field of orthopedics. One of its most popular and effective applications is in treating knee pain.
Myth #2: It’s Unsafe
There is virtually no risk in PRP treatment. The only issue patients report is soreness at the injection site.
PRP treatment is autologous, meaning it is derived from your own cells. Your orthopedic doctor will first collect a blood sample from your arm, run the blood sample through a centrifuge machine to separate the various components of the blood (removing the red and white blood cells), and yield the concentrated platelet-rich plasma. The physician will then inject the PRP solution into your sore or injured area.
Myth #3: It Is Only Supposed to Be Used for Cosmetic Concerns
You may have heard that PRP treatment is indeed used in hair-replacement surgery, but it is also widely used in the field of orthopedics. In particular, it is used to help treat sports injuries and arthritis thanks to its powerful effects against inflammation, thereby aiding in healing and regeneration.
Myth #4: It Is Only for Surgery Patients
PRP therapy may be used to help boost a patient’s post-operative recovery, but this treatment is also much more than that. Whenever we have pain or an injury, the platelets and other healing cells rush to the site to start the healing process right away; PRP provides an extra influx of healing cells directly into the area of your body where it is needed.
Myth #5: PRP Will Cause Pain
PRP therapy is an injection, but your PRP specialist will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. This may involve applying a topical anesthetic to numb the area before the PRP injection is administered. The platelets will then go to work in healing, and this may sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable or itchy as the area heals.
PRP Treatment in Dallas, TX
PRP therapy is a great option for those who do not wish to undergo orthopedic surgery for their joint pain or musculoskeletal injury. Here at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, we administer PRP treatment in a relaxing, comfortable, and safe manner.
Our healthcare providers are chiropractic and sports medicine doctors, so we are uniquely qualified to treat a wide range of orthopedic issues. We believe in giving the body what it needs to heal completely, as naturally as possible.
If you are interested in PRP treatments and other types of noninvasive treatments for arthritis pain and sports injuries, contact our Dallas sports medicine clinic today at (972) 503-7272 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to offering you innovative, nonsurgical treatment solutions!o
