There are many claims in the medical world – or rather, the ‘alternative’ medicine world’ – about ‘miracle’ cures through supplements and other treatments. These tend to be aimed at people who genuinely need them – the chronically ill, for example – yet sadly, they are generally not what they claim to be. That’s not to say that you should ignore them all, but that you should always check for sources that review or comment on them.

Let’s consider the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain in joints. Or those who have perhaps had an accident and have had joints repaired surgically and are now looking for ways to improve mobility. What is out there to help them? Physiotherapy is a must for those who have had broken joints, and painkillers for those who have joint pain, but there’s also a relatively new procedure that is getting a lot of press.

This is called PRP – short for Platelet-rich plasma – and it is a fascinating non-invasive procedure that can be used for many complaints, including joints. Before we get into the main substance about PRP for joints in Fort Lauderdale let’s assess the main causes of joint pain, and how they come about.

What Causes Joint Pain?

The joints around our body are complex and allow us to move as we wish. They are easily damaged, especially the knee which is the most frequently damaged joint in humans. The causes of joint pain – which usually occurs in older people through wear and tear and those of any age that have endured a fracture, strain, or other damage – are varied. Here are the most commonly seen causes:

• Osteoarthritis is a common complaint as people age caused simply by ageing of the joint.
• Soft tissue damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Sprains and strains to the joints.
• Overwork while exercising.
• Lack or overuse of muscles.
• Fractures to bones and joints.

Less common causes can be rheumatoid and other forms of arthritis as well as gout, lupus, and a number of other medical issues. Joint pain is something that most of us will experience at some point, so what is the answer?

We’re here to look at the treatment called prp for joints fort lauderdale and what it’s all about. Let’s start with an explanation of PRP itself, what it is, and where it comes from.

What is PRP?

There has been a lot written about PRP in recent years – some controversial, and some positive – but what we do know is that PRP has the potential to be of use medically. Research into the possible uses of PRP is ongoing and promising and the procedure is becoming more commonplace for a variety of ailments and conditions. But what actually is PRP, and how is it made?

Platelet-rich Plasma is part of your blood. Blood consists of red and white blood cells plus plasma and platelets. The latter two are known to be the parts that encourage growth and regeneration, as well as the production of blood cells and collagen. Collagen plays an important part in the PRP procedure as it is a substance that encourages new growth.

So, now we know what PRP is, where does the PRP that is used in the process come from? The answer is quite simple: you, the patient! The practitioner – who will be fully qualified and experienced – will draw a sample of blood from you. This blood will then be spun in a centrifuge. This process is carefully timed at an optimum speed to separate the red and white cells from the PRP. The PRP is then injected back into the area that needs treating, in this case, the joint that is painful.

What happens next? Let’s look at why this process is interesting.

How Does PRP Work?

PRP claims to aid the healing process of damaged muscles, tendons, and other parts of the body or joint. Once it has been injected back into, for example, your painful knee it begins its work. But how does it actually do the job?

Imagine your blood as 50% red and white blood cells and 50% platelets and plasma (these are not scientifically accurate figures but a method of getting the picture across.) Now, those platelets and the plasma together are the regeneration and new growth elements of your blood.

So, when the PRP is reinjected into the blood in the knee, the ratio of PRP to blood cells increases. This is because the red and white cells have been removed leaving concentrated PRP. Thus, let’s imagine that the ratio is not 70% PRP and 30% blood cells. The regeneration element is now stronger than before, and stimulates the collagen more rigorously, and encourages new growth and rejuvenation on a stronger scale than usual.

The concept is simple and PRP has been used in joints, in hair restoration, and even in the P-shot for men and the O-shot for women which restore sexual performance. What should you expect when undergoing PRP treatment for joints?

What to Expect if Undergoing PRP Treatment

The first step is for you to arrange a consultation with a PRP practitioner at a local Fort Lauderdale clinic providing such a service. They will ask you about your background, lifestyle, and your complaint to assess if you are a suitable candidate. If you are they will then explain the process in more detail than we have done.

The PRP treatment procedure is surprisingly quick, and many patients are in and out within an hour or 90 minutes. As your own blood is used it is a safe process with little chance of contamination. The results will not be instant – and you will need more than one treatment – but over time the rejuvenating forces at work in your knee or other joints will begin to make a difference.

If you have problems with a joint or many then contact a local Fort Lauderdale PRP clinic and arrange a consultation as it could be the answer to a more comfortable life.