About 51.8 percent of Americans suffer from chronic diseases.

The first line of defense against many chronic diseases is prevention. Alternative medicine can provide this through platelet-rich plasma therapy or PRP for short.

While PRP may seem like it would be painful and take a long time to work, if you are considering it, you may be pleasantly surprised at how well it may work for you. Read on to take an in-depth look at PRP to decide if it is right for you.

What Is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a procedure that involves drawing a person’s blood. After drawing the blood it is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the blood.

This dense platelet-rich liquid is then injected back into areas of injury. PRP injections can be used for treating arthritis, and chronic joint pain. It can also treat wounds, tendonitis, and other orthopedic-related problems.

Many other types of injections are used to heal injuries but PRP is special because it contains many more healing proteins than other types of injections. PRP injections stimulate healing at three levels:

Mechanical

The dense platelet-rich liquid stimulates volume into the injury site. This creates a natural “cushion” that allows for less painful movement. It decreases pressure on the joints and reduces swelling around the joint.

Chemical

Platelet-rich plasma induces a localized release of cytokines. Cytokines are chemical messengers that trigger the cells to communicate with each other.

Cellular

PRP contains growth factors like PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and TGFB (transforming growth factor-beta). These act as “messenger” proteins telling stem cells in your body how to function.

Stem cells can become other kinds of cells, such as cartilage or bone tissue, allowing them to regenerate damaged tissues over time.

The Benefits of PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma is a form of holistic health care that is typically given to patients to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue.

The therapy is especially beneficial when dealing with chronic wounds and injuries. It also helps those who suffer from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. In some cases, it can also be used to treat psoriasis.

First, a small amount of your blood is drawn into a syringe and then spun in a centrifuge, separating the platelets from the rest of your blood. Once this has been done, the plasma is injected into the desired area where it works its magic by promoting healing and repairing damaged tissue cells.

It typically takes sixty seconds for what has been described as a “miracle in a syringe” to work. During the first sixty seconds, the platelets release growth factors that stimulate cell reproduction and tissue healing.

PRP therapy requires no surgery or sutures, which means there is little risk involved for patients. Many have reported feeling immediate relief from their chronic pain following treatment!

Like any other form of alternative medicine, it doesn’t always bring about results right away. With regular treatments, you can be sure to see significant improvements over time.

The healing and regenerative power of PRP is evident. For example, it can promote healing by:

  • Reducing inflammation and pain
  • Speeding up the recovery process
  • Stimulating the production of healthy cells that produce collagen

This is why so many people have gravitated towards it and why you should consider it too.

Treat Psoriasis and Arthritis

If you are dealing with psoriasis and are not benefiting from traditional treatments such as topical creams and light therapies, consult a medical professional about PRP therapy. This treatment is one of the only treatments that are effective for those who suffer from chronic skin conditions.

If you are suffering from arthritis, it’s important to note that not all forms of holistic health care are recommended.

However, platelet-rich plasma injections have shown promising results. which means you should consult your doctor if you’re considering giving it a try.

While there may be some risk involved, keep in mind that any form of treatment comes with its own set of risks. Traditional medicine can cause unwanted side effects as well. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, and skin reactions.

Treatment for Hair Loss

Platelet-rich plasma therapy has recently become recognized as a hair loss treatment.

The procedure involves taking blood from your arm and then separating the red cells from the yellow ones. What is left behind is the “platelet-rich plasma.”

Using a special device that separates the white blood cells that are rich in growth factors, the plasma is injected into your scalp. The blood then stimulates hair follicles to promote new growth and halt further loss.

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne is a condition that affects many people and can leave behind deep scarring on the skin, particularly if left untreated. Acne scars can make you self-conscious and shy about your appearance.

Treatments such as laser resurfacing or other procedures can be expensive. However, alternative medicine such as PRP treatment offers a solution that is cost-effective and minimally invasive. It is a great way to help patients with acne scars find relief.

Things to Consider Before Getting PRP Therapy

It should be obvious by now that if you’re looking for the most effective form of holistic health care that’s backed by scientific research, then PRP therapy is worth a shot!

However, before you dive in there are several things to consider before getting PRP therapy. One consideration is whether you need it and what kind of treatment will be best for your medical issue.

Consider if you are willing to travel to wherever the nearest clinic is, or if you are more comfortable having the injections done in your doctor’s office.

Side effects of PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma is very safe because it’s derived from your own body. PRP is not a foreign substance, so your body won’t have any adverse reactions to it.

You must always consult with a specialist before deciding on the course of treatment that will work best for you and your needs to ensure complete safety throughout the process.

Side effects of PRP therapy are quite rare, but a few people might experience a little pain or soreness for a few days.

More serious side effects of PRP therapy include an infection, especially in the case where a person does not take enough time to keep the treatment site clean. Some people might experience bruising and swelling after having this treatment done.

Activities to Avoid After PRP Therapy

There are some activities to avoid after PRP therapy due to the treatment’s bruising and welt-forming effects. One is to avoid extreme exercise or rigorous activity so as not to increase strain and discomfort on your joints.

If you’re taking medications (for example, blood thinners), you’ll want to speak with your doctor about modifying your medication schedule.

If you have a job that requires strenuous physical activity you are likely to have to make some changes to your schedule at work while you’re still recovering from PRP therapy.

Here is a roundup of what you should avoid while in the recovery phase:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Avoid injections, such as shots for pain relief
  • Modify your medication schedule
  • Reduce physical activity schedules during the recovery period

Once your body has had time to absorb the treatment and heal then you can go ahead and resume your regular activities.

Do Your Research

It’s important to do your research before trying out any alternative therapies. Some holistic health care treatments are simply more effective than others when dealing with different conditions.

Since traditional medicines tend to work by targeting individual symptoms rather than treating them at their source (which is why they often fail to provide lasting relief), it’s important to note that holistic therapies are different in this regard.

PRP therapy offers yet another option for those who wish to explore beyond the realm of traditional medicine.

While there has been some debate regarding the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections, one thing remains clear, holistic therapies such a PRP can be very beneficial if you’re looking into treatment options outside of conventional medicines.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine is one of the best ways to seek relief from medical problems, naturally. If you are ready to explore this type of treatment, make sure you do your research.

Many people have found relief from chronic conditions simply by being open to trying platelet-rich plasma therapy. Always consult a medical professional before going this route especially if you are currently taking medications.

This is the best way to ensure that your treatment is safe. If you would like to learn more about PRP therapy, please contact us.