In recent years, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option that is often used to help alleviate chronic pain and inflammation caused by shoulder and joint injuries.
Because of the many benefits associated with PRP, including the reduced risk of side effects that comes with its use, many patients are considering this option as an alternative to more traditional forms of treatment. Let’s find out what it is and how it helps to reduce shoulder pain.
What is PRP Therapy?
If your shoulders are bothering you and reducing your quality of life, you may be considering PRP therapy to address the issue.
PRP therapy involves drawing blood from your body and then concentrating it in order to isolate an important growth factor called platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
After this process, a certified and trained pain management doctor will inject the solution into the damaged tissue in order to stimulate the body’s own healing process, thereby minimizing pain and increasing mobility while strengthening soft tissues and relieving pain.
Benefits of PRP Therapy for Shoulder Pain
PRP therapy has been gaining popularity as an option to help treat shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, and bursitis. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of PRP therapy for shoulder pain.
Leads to increased range of motion- When a patient has shoulder pain and limited range of motion, it’s often because their shoulder is inflamed and lacking in nutrient-rich blood flow. This can occur due to injury or poor posture, which restricts blood flow and subsequently reduces oxygenation to tissues.
Injected platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help patients who have chronic shoulder pain by encouraging faster healing, increasing range of motion, and even boosting muscle strength.
Less invasive than surgery- PRP therapy is significantly less invasive than surgery, making it ideal for patients who want to avoid going under the knife. Thus, it can be done easily by specialized pain management doctors. As an added bonus, unlike surgery and other forms of treatment, PRP therapy won’t require you to take time off work or arrange child care.
Regenerates tissue- Platelet-rich plasma therapy is said to promote tissue regeneration, which makes it a great option for those looking to relieve pain and heal damaged joints.
During a treatment session, a pain management specialist extracts platelets from your blood and combines them with fibrin in order to produce higher concentrations of platelets. Then the specialist uses an injection method called Intra-articular Injection (IAI) to inject high concentrations of these platelets back into your joint to begin the healing of tissues.
Decreases stiffness- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can ease stiffness. After a sample of your blood is taken, it’s centrifuged to isolate its platelets and stem cells. These are then injected into your joint tissue, giving you more elasticity. This process is usually done without any anesthesia and rarely hurts.
Conclusion
PRP therapy can be a great way to help alleviate shoulder pain quickly and effectively, especially if you want to avoid or delay surgery. The procedure is relatively new, but past research seems promising and amazing results are enough for people suffering from chronic shoulder pain to try this therapy.
