Busting Common Misconceptions About Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Is it possible to treat pain or inflammation, speed up healing in body tissue, or cure chronic pain with minimally invasive platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy? Autologous platelet concentrate or platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been in vogue in recent times, especially in sports medicine, dermatology, and orthopaedics. However, the following issues still need to be addressed with misconceptions that lead to confusion or the setting of high expectations on PRP, though it is accepted across the country. With the passage of time, people have developed certain misconceptions about PRP therapy, which is why this article was written with the express purpose of setting the record straight and explaining what PRP therapy can do and what it cannot do.
In this article, we will debunk these myths to make this therapy available to as many people as possible!
Myth #1: PRP Is Dangerous And Not Safe As It Invades Your Blood
One myth that people have about PRP therapy is that it is risky since it involves using one’s own blood. In fact, this is where PRP is incredibly safe since it is your own blood that is being used. It entails extraction of your blood, centrifuging to separate the platelets, forming the desired platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it into the targeted zone. In addition, it means that there is no risk of rejection or an allergic reaction since the PRP is taken from your body. This approach (autologous) guarantees compatibility since the body does not reject its own tissue; PRP therapy is safe and natural for healing and tissue reconstruction.
Myth #2 PRP Can Be Extremely Painful
PRP therapy is not commonly sought by many because they assume that it is aggressive to the skin and body and, therefore, causes a lot of pain besides taking a long time to heal. In some cases, PRP therapy is relatively minimally invasive. Patients who undergo this procedure are not likely to develop complications that are seriously life-threatening. This is done by taking a small portion of blood from the patient and then spinning the blood to get the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which will then be applied to the injured part of the patient’s body. Some level of patient discomfort at the site where the injections are administered may occur, but this is rare. The recovery period usually takes a short span of time, and most of the patients are able to go back to their day-to-day activities immediately after the surgery.
Myth #3: PRP Therapy Works As A Miracle And A One-Stop Solution To All Diseases
The myth surrounding PRP therapy is that the technique is a wonderful cure for virtually all ailments. Although PRP has proved effective in treating particular diseases, including tendinitis, arthritis, and baldness, it has limitations. The therapy operates through a concentration of platelets in the patient’s blood, which has to be injected into the given area of the patient’s body. The result of PRP therapy is determined by factors like the type of injuries, the level of the injury, or the overall body system health of the patient. Patients need to have balance in their expectations and get to know that PRP is not the answer to all their problems.
Myth #4: PRP Is The Same For Every Individual
One of the areas that still confuses a lot of people is that PRP therapy is a standardised treatment, which is totally wrong. PRP is a personalised process because everyone has their own body type and immune system. The platelet concentration, the number of injections, and the frequency of treatment may, therefore, vary depending on the patient’s status or the intervention plan. Furthermore, the result of the PRP therapy also depends on the method used when the PRP is undertaken through preparation and application. It is, therefore, important the client works with a knowledgeable and experienced healthcare provider who will then steer the client through the process of treatment.
Myth 5: Science Does Not Support The Use Of PRP Therapy
Other misconceptions include the idea that PRP therapy is a quack treatment and is not backed by science. Despite that, it is necessary to point out that more research is required to determine the extent of PRP’s efficacy; however, a growing body of literature supports its application in some disorders. Many researchers have reported improvement when chronic injury of tendons, osteoarthritis, and hair loss conditions, among other diseases, are involved. Also, keep in mind that PRP is a safe and secure therapy because it takes blood from the patient’s body. In this case, it reduces the risk of any consequences after treatment.
Myth 6: PRP Therapy Will Give Instant Results
Another myth that people often believe is that PRP therapy has an immediate effect. Unlike corticosteroid injections, PRP therapy gives relief from pain in a short time. The treatment will promote our body’s healing process, and, as we all know, healing is a process that needs time. One may notice improvement after a few weeks, especially if one suffers from arthritis or muscular problems. Nonetheless, the maximum benefits of PRP therapy may take at least three to six months to fully realise on average. One has to be patient, as the procedure may require more than one application of PRP and, sometimes, may take weeks or months.
Myth 7: PRP Therapy As An Alternative To Performing Surgery
Some of the public have heard and opined that PRP therapy can be a perfect solution to surgery. PRP therapy may be as effective in treating specific conditions as surgical procedures. Still, PRP is not the total replacement for surgery; it also helps to successfully treat osteoarthritis pain or tendonitis. Still, it cannot fix a badly torn ligament or an entirely degenerated joint. Subsequently, surgery may still be necessary. PRP therapy is an adjunct to conventional treatments, such as surgical procedures that help the body to heal more.
Myth 8: PRP Therapy Is So Expensive It Is Not Worth Taking
The charges of PRP therapy also depend on the ailment being treated, the number of sittings, and the practitioner’s charges. Others believe that it is not worth the effort put into it because it may prove costly. That said, seeking PRP therapy is cheaper compared to other operations or long-term use of drugs in treating the same problems. Some points that should be discussed are the possibilities for recovering with PRP, including relief from the pain, amelioration of the function, and the absence of more efficient invasive procedures. Moreover, PRP eliminates the expenses in terms of expensive synthetic materials, drugs, and other products that are so often needed during rehabilitation.
Conclusion
PRP treatment effectively manages several medical problems; understanding its cliches and miracles should be established before going for it. It is crucial to dispel these myths because by doing so, they are educated and aware of what PRP therapy can do for them and the things that it cannot. Like any other treatment that has something to do with the human body, it is highly advisable to seek the help of a professional healthcare provider to determine the best course of action, namely PRP therapy for such treatments.
