PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections can be used to treat such degenerative conditions as osteoarthritis, as well as tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries. At Yale Medicine, orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and physiatrists use PRP injections to treat people of all ages.

Most patients will experience a natural thickening and regrowth of hair in the weeks following the procedure, though the peak of collagen production typically occurs approximately three months after the injections.

So far, some research shows that it speeds healing after injury or surgery for certain conditions. Along with helping injured tissue heal, some studies show PRP injections curb pain and boost mobility for people with rotator cuff injuries and relieve symptoms in arthritic shoulders.

A PRP injection is a low-risk procedure and does not usually cause major side effects. The procedure involves a blood draw, so you should make sure you are hydrated and have eaten beforehand to prevent feeling lightheaded. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and bruising at the injection site.

PRP can be used as a new therapeutic option for hair loss including androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss, either as a monotherapy or an adjuvant to conventional therapy or hair transplantation. PRP is also considered a safe, effective, steroid sparing, and alternative treatment for alopecia areata.

PRP stimulates collagen and elastin production which thickens and tightens thinning skin, effectively smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. Because it boosts collagen, it’s also a great treatment for improving overall skin texture and tone. It’s particularly good for people who suffer from rosacea or acne.

However, studies have shown that PRP treatment can have a success rate of up to 90%. One study, for example, found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who received PRP treatment experienced significant pain reduction and improvement in function compared to those who received a placebo injection.

A study published by the American Sports Journal of Medicine has shown that 24 weeks of PRP injections helped almost 84 percent of patients who were being treated for their tennis elbow pain. Just remember that the success rate differs from person to person and also with the number of treatments they have received.