Concentrated Platelet Injection or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is one treatment option that accelerates the natural tissue repair process, which does not cause harm to the body. It also helps reduce pain and provides targeted treatment without surgery because PRP is a component spun from the patient’s own blood.
How do medication injections VS concentrated platelet injections work differently?
- Medication injections generally involve injecting pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. When tendons are injured, inflammation occurs, and these inflammatory substances cause pain. The injected anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce inflammation, thereby reducing pain. However, the medication does not aid in the wound healing process but only treats the symptoms.
- Concentrated platelet injections (PRP) stimulate the healing process occurring in muscles or tendons, which is a true treatment of the root cause. It does not have pain-relieving effects, but the pain will subside naturally once the wound has healed.
Diseases that can be treated with concentrated platelet injections include:
- Degenerative tendon diseases around the shoulder, elbow, and Achilles tendon
- Chronic plantar fasciitis
- Early-stage osteoarthritis
Steps for treatment with concentrated platelet injections
- Draw blood from the patient
- Spin the blood to separate platelets and tissue growth factors
- Inject the concentrated platelets into the affected joint area
Concentrated platelet injections improve the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic arthritis or tendon injuries when conventional treatments cannot solve the problem. Since the patient’s own blood is injected back to regenerate tissue, it does not cause serious side effects.
Dr. Siraphat Phopuk
Orthopedic Surgery Specialist
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Center Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
