PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injection therapies at Optimum Health in Houston
PRP Injections help treat a variety of conditions from sports injuries to hair loss. The treatment uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.
PRP treatment can help support wound healing in trauma and joint injury. The technique can address male pattern baldness, stimulate the growth of hair transplants and enhance other cosmetic procedures.
The results of PRP treatment are most noticeable after several weeks for joint injections and six months for scalp injections, and are not permanent; patients may require additional injections at the direction of their doctor.
Because the treatments use a patient’s own tissues, PRP injections are safe and can be administered alone or used in conjunction with other procedures.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma has two elements: plasma (or the liquid portion of blood) and platelets (a type of blood cell that aids in healing the body). Platelets have clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that stimulate cell reproduction and tissue reconstruction and healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is blood that contains a greater quantity of platelets than normal.
How is platelet-rich plasma created?
At Optimum Health, we take a blood sample from you and place it into a centrifuge device that spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon. In some cases, the clinician may use ultrasound to guide the injection. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing process.
The mechanism behind PRP injections is not completely understood. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain and even encouraging hair growth.
What does PRP treat?
Tendon, Ligament, Muscle, and Joint Injuries
- Chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow and juniper’s knee
- Post-surgical healing after procedures such as jaw surgery or plastic surgery
- Osteoarthritis pain, stiffness, and inflammation
Hair Loss
PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants.
Skin Rejuvenation
PRP injections are sometimes used as an anti-aging treatment, but there is little evidence to show that PRP reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging.
PRP is low risk and does not usually cause major side effects. The procedure is a blood draw, so be sure to be hydrated and have eaten beforehand.