Please note: due to current changes in Medical Governing body, PRP is no longer available.
This does not mean the treatment is ineffective. It is due to the classification of the the PRP and how it is considered to be a medicinal product. As such, there is no license for practitioners to make a medicinal product and therefore, despite its success as a treatment, the InjectionClinic can no longer provide this service.
Hopefully this will change!
What is blood made from?
All mammals have a fluid called 'blood' that is pumped around their bodies in a network of blood vessels (arteries /veins).
Blood is made up of many different cells and a fluid called plasma.
Most people have heard of red and white blood cells. The red cells carry oxygen which is an essential element in energy production. White cells help us produce antibodies to fight infection. There are however other bits floating around in the blood plasma which are much smaller. These are called platelets.
What are Platelets?
Platelets contain many different 'factors'. These can plug areas of damage to the blood vessels and prevent leakage; they also stimulate growth and repair. Consequently, to improve healing potential Growth Factors have to be present.
Plasma itself, whilst mostly water, contains many different proteins, electrolytes, vitamins and nutrients such as glucose and amino acids. These too are needed to grow new tissue and generate tissue repair.
Platelet Rich Plasma could therefore be described as a collection of the 'bits' of blood needed for tissue repair.
Do we heal faster if we have more platelets at the site of tissue damage?
Firstly, we don't heal at all if Platelets are not present. So to make sure we heal as good as possible it would stand to reason that there exists a 'best amount'; an optimal level.
But what is this level and how do we know what our own level is?
It is unlikely that we will know our platelet count or what our levels of folate, B12, zinc and magnesium (just to name a few) are. But if we take what we have and concentrate it, then the levels in that sample will be higher.
Always remember to eat well and ensure your diet contains these essential nutrients!
Does the research support the use of PRP?
One of the largest research advice centres in the UK is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE provides guidance to the National Health Service (NHS) with regard to which treatments it should deliver.
The current information provided by NICE states that "the evidence on platelet-rich plasma injections for knee osteoarthritis raises no major safety concerns. However, the evidence on efficacy (its success) is limited in quality."
Chris Creaghan has trailed the use of PRP in early to moderate degenerative joints. The patient feed back is favorable.
Not all PRP injections are the same and over the years Chris has found the best results are attained following a double spin method and the use of an Platelet activator.
Like all treatments, first a diagnosis must be established and the treatment administered needs to be appropriate for the condition.
So what does the Injection Clinic think?
Number one: eat well and make sure you have a diet that contains all the essential ingredients, as mentioned in the last blog 'Body Chemistry'.
Number two: move well. If you don't move well then you will continually irritate the tissues that need chance to repair.
Number three: normal and appropriate healing takes time. When cooking food it is not best practice to put everything on full heat; some things just take longer. Be patient.
Number four: When prepared correctly, PRP can boost your own healing capabilities. There is growing support from Injection Clinic patients that PRP is an effective treatment in the long term management of OA joints.
Please Note: There are diseases and pathology that prevent good health irrespective of an individuals actions. The advice in this blog is not a substitute for medical opinion. Always consult your healthcare professional for specific advice on your personal condition. But please remember, best health irrespective of condition will always be optimised if your chemistry is made as good as possible.