Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Do you want to heal faster from an orthopedic injury, relieve the pain of arthritis, or reduce the need for prescription painkillers?
If so, you should talk with Tammy Penhollow, DO, at Precision Regenerative Medicine about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Dr. Penhollow has offered PRP therapy since 2012. In that time, she has helped many patients overcome injuries and has expanded PRP therapy to include skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or request an appointment online today.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Q&A
What is platelet-rich plasma?
PRP is an injectable treatment containing concentrated platelets mixed with plasma. Both ingredients are naturally found in blood. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood, while platelets are cells that store highly specialized proteins called growth factors.
Any time you have an injury or disease, platelets travel to the area and release growth factors. Growth factors are essential for healing because they:
- Trigger the healing response
- Accelerate healing
- Regulate inflammation
- Attract circulating stem cells to the area
- Stimulate new blood vessel growth
- Build a matrix that supports new tissues
When you receive PRP therapy, the platelets in your injection do the same thing, releasing growth factors that promote healing.
Where does platelet-rich plasma come from?
Your PRP injection is made from your own blood. Dr. Penhollow draws a blood sample, then processes it in a centrifuge that separates the platelets and plasma from other cells.
Since PRP comes from your blood, you don’t need to worry about side effects. Dr. Penhollow also follows sterile techniques so there’s a low risk of infection.
Dr. Penhollow injects your PRP using real-time imaging to see your tissues and guide the needle. This ensures that the platelets are deposited at the site of your damaged tissues.
What injuries improve with a platelet-rich plasma injection?
Dr. Penhollow may recommend PRP for many orthopedic injuries and conditions. A few examples include:
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Tendonitis
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries
Though PRP boosts healing in most injuries, it’s especially beneficial if you have a slow-healing wound, a severe injury, or the injured tissues don’t have a good blood supply.
How is PRP used in aesthetic treatments?
Dr. Penhollow also offers microneedling and hair restoration with PRP:
After using a microneedling device to make tiny punctures in your skin, Dr. Penhollow applies PRP over the treated area. Microneedling strengthens, tightens, and rejuvenates your skin by stimulating collagen production. PRP amplifies the effect of microneedling by promoting cellular renewal and skin repair.
To learn how PRP can help you overcome pain, rebuild strength, or improve your appearance, call Precision Regenerative Medicine or book an appointment online today.