PRP $ STEM CELL THEROPY FOR micro needling

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are promoted as a way to reduce pain and speed healing for a number of common problems that affect the tendons, muscles, and joints, ranging from arthritis to shoulder pain.

The treatment harvests platelets (tiny blood components that promote clotting and healing) from your own blood. They are then injected back into the injured area along with blood plasma (the liquid part of your blood), with the idea that they will supercharge your body’s natural healing process.

"Platelets contain proteins called growth factors that are involved in the natural development of many tissues," says Dr. Jeffrey Katz, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School. "These factors may help reduce the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and tendinitis."

PRP injections can be done in a 30-minute office procedure and are most commonly used for knee, shoulder, foot, ankle, and elbow problems. Often the underlying conditions are difficult to treat, and a simple injection to provide symptom relief sounds great. But is PRP therapy effective?

"Historically, research into the use of PRP to treat musculoskeletal problems has produced mixed results," says Dr. Katz. Some studies show a benefit; others don’t. And now, a series of well-designed clinical trials has found that PRP doesn’t appear to work for three conditions that it is often used to treat: knee osteoarthritis, ankle osteoarthritis, and Achilles tendinitis (irritation or inflammation of the tendon that connects your heel to your calf).

PRP injections may be able to treat a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. For example, chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow or jumper’s knee can often take a long time to heal, so adding PRP shots to a treatment regimen can help to stimulate the healing process, decrease pain and enable a return to activities sooner.