Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy to Heal Injured Tissues using Harvest® Terumo SmartPrep® System
How Does Platelet Rich Plasma Help Heal The Body?
The body’s first response to soft tissue injury is to deliver platelet cells. Packed with growth and healing factors, platelets initiate repair and attract the critical assistance of stem cells.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated blood sample that contains high levels of platelets, a critical component of the wound healing process. Platelets contain growth factors that are responsible for stimulating tissue generation and repair. Growth factors derived from platelets are responsible for soft tissue repair, bone regeneration, development of new blood vessels, and stimulation of the wound healing process. PRP’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets directly into the area in need.
To create PRP, a small sample of your blood is drawn (similar to a lab test sample) and placed in a Harvest® PRP Terumo SmartPrep® System that spins the blood at high speeds, separating the platelets from the other components. Harvest PRP delivers a concentration of autologous platelets and growth factors that is roughly 4-6 times greater than that found in whole blood. Unlike other products, it delivers a broad range of growth factors in the proper concentration and ratios to help optimize conditions for healing. The PRP is then injected into and around the point of injury, jump-starting and significantly strengthening the healing process. Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection and a low risk of allergic reaction. Clinical studies have shown that application of PRP can help reduce bleeding, minimize pain, reduce infection rates, and optimize overall healing.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure typically takes a couple of hours, including preparation and recovery time. Performed safely in a medical office, PRP therapy relieves pain without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, or hospital stays and without a prolonged recovery. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.
How Often Should the Procedure be Done?
This will be discussed between you and your podiatrist. Up to three injections may be given within a six-month period. However, a large number of people gain considerable to complete relief after the first or second injection.
What are the Expected Results?
The goal of PRP therapy is to resolve pain through healing for lasting results. Initial improvement may be seen within a few weeks, gradually increasing as the healing progresses. Research studies and clinical practice have shown PRP therapy to be very effective at relieving pain and returning patients to their normal lives. Both ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, confirming the healing process. The need for surgery can also be greatly reduced by treating injured tissues before the damage progresses and the condition is irreversible.