When patients are needing to recover from a major procedure or injury, they will need to be well-informed if they are to be able to guide themselves through this process. Platelet rich plasma therapy is one type of treatment that these patients should consider.

Why Would A Patient Need To Consider Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Shortening the length of the healing or recovery time can be an important goal for those that have had their daily or professional lives impacted by an injury. Platelet rich plasma therapy is able to help shorten the recovery time for these patients by promoting the patient's natural healing process.

Is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy The Same As A Blood Transfusion?

After first learning about this treatment option, patients might assume that it will be the same as undergoing a blood transfusion. However, it is an entirely different procedure. During a platelet rich plasma treatment, a sample of the patient's own blood will be taken so that the platelets can be extracted from it. These platelets are then injected into the site of the injury. This can promote healing as the platelets will stimulate the body's healing and growth hormones. While these treatments will not immediately heal the patient of their problem, it can dramatically reduce the length of their full recovery.

What Type Of Pain And Discomfort Can Be Expected From Undergoing Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet rich plasma therapy will require injections to both extract a sample of the patient's blood and inject the platelets into the injured area. These injections can cause a moderate amount of discomfort, but it should pass within minutes of the treatments. After several hours, the patient will experience some swelling, and this is normal as the body reacts to the healing and growth hormones. This swelling and discomfort should pass over the course of a couple of days.

Does Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Require More Than One Session?

The number of treatment sessions that a platelet rich plasma therapy patient will need to undergo is entirely dependent on the severity of their problem and their body's natural recovery rate. Many patients will only need a single treatment in order to enjoy the full benefits of this procedure. When patients need more than one treatment session to alleviate their condition, these sessions will be spread out over several weeks. This is needed so that the full effect of the previous treatment can be observed before the next one is administered.