PRP 101: Everything you Need to Know

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Platelet-Rich Plasma, commonly known as PRP, is a high dose concentration of platelets from a person’s own whole blood. Platelets are a type of blood cell known for their role in clotting and wound healing. PRP therapy utilizes a high concentration of the patient’s own platelets and their growth factors to promote healing in various tissues including joints, tendons and ligaments.

How PRP is Prepared

1. Blood Collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, similar to getting lab work done at your doctor’s office.  Typically, 8-10 tubes are drawn or the equivalent of 60-100 ml of whole blood. 
2. Centrifugation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge machine at high speeds to separate its components, isolating the platelet rich plasma.  Initially, the plasma is separated from the white blood cells and the red blood cells during the first spin.  Then the platelets are isolated from the plasma and concentrated during the second spin at the bottom of the tube forming a platelet pellet.
3. Extraction: The PRP layer is then extracted and prepared in a syringe for an injection. 

Applications of PRP

PRP therapy is used in various medical and cosmetic fields, including:

1. Pain Reduction for Joint & Soft Tissue Injuries

• Treats conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries.
• Reduces inflammation and enhances healing in joints and soft tissues.

2. Hair Restoration

• Stimulates dormant hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp.
• Effective for androgenic alopecia (hair thinning) and pattern baldness.

3. Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging

• Boosts collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.
• Reduces wrinkles, acne scars, and sunspots.

4. Natural & Non-Surgical

• Uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
• A minimally invasive alternative to surgical procedures.

5. Faster Recovery & Long-Lasting Results

• Helps athletes recover from injuries and return to action faster.
• Improves joint mobility and cartilage health.

PRP Therapy in Phoenix & Scottsdale: What You Need to Know

If you’re searching for a naturopathic doctor offering PRP in Phoenix or PRP injections in Scottsdale, it’s important to choose a provider with experience in regenerative medicine. Our clinic specializes in PRP therapy to support healing and optimize patient health.

How it Works

Platelets contain numerous growth factors and cytokines that:

• Stimulate tissue regeneration
• Reduce inflammation
• Enhance collagen production
• Promote blood vessel formation
• Remove cellular debris
• Recruit Stem Cells

Advantages of Platelet Rich Plasma

• Uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic or autoimmune reactions.
• Minimally invasive.
• Non-Surgical
• Non-Opioid
• Enhances healing and shortens recovery times.
• Better Results than Cortisone or steroids 

Considerations

• The effectiveness of PRP can vary based on the condition being treated, age of the patient, and dose of platelets in the injection.
• Results may take weeks or months to become noticeable but most experience benefits within the first 4-6 weeks, some even sooner
• Multiple sessions might be required for optimal results, especially if the condition is long standing and degenerative like osteoarthritis. 

If you’re considering PRP therapy, consulting with an experienced regenerative medicine physician is essential to determine its suitability for your specific condition.

Benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) offers several benefits across various medical and cosmetic applications due to its ability to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration in the body. Here are some major benefits of PRP:

Accelerated Healing

• PRP delivers a concentrated dose of growth factors that enhance tissue repair and regeneration.
• Promotes faster recovery in soft tissue injuries, ligament tears, and tendon damage.

Pain Reduction

• Reduces pain associated with chronic conditions like arthritis and tendonitis by decreasing inflammation and promoting tissue repair while restoring function and mobility.

Improved Hair Growth

• Stimulates dormant hair follicles and enhances blood flow to the scalp, making it a popular treatment for androgenic alopecia (hair thinning) and pattern baldness in men and women.  Early treatment is recommended for best results.

Skin Rejuvenation

• Enhances collagen production, leading to firmer, more youthful and tighter skin.
• Improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and minimizes the appearance of scars (e.g., acne scars).

Natural and Minimally Invasive

• Uses the patient’s own blood, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
• Involves simple injections, making it a less invasive alternative to surgical procedures.

Reduced Downtime

• Minimally disruptive to daily activities compared to surgical treatments.
• Quicker recovery time compared to more invasive procedures.
• Most patients resume light activities within 1 week and strenuous activities within 4 weeks.

Long-Lasting Effects

• Results can last several months or even years, particularly in orthopedic or aesthetic applications, as PRP continues to promote natural healing.

Enhances Joint and Cartilage Health

• Helps regenerate cartilage in joints affected by arthritis.
• Improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness.
• Removes inflammatory cellular debris from the joint fluid

Supports Post-Surgery Recovery

• Used to aid recovery after orthopedic surgeries, dental surgeries, and plastic surgeries by accelerating tissue repair.

Low Risk of Side Effects

• Since PRP is from the patient’s own blood, there is minimal risk of infection, immune reaction, or adverse effects.

What’s the PRP Process Like?

The procedure is a minimally invasive medical treatment that is completed within 1.5 hours and typically involves the following steps:

Initial Consultation

• The doctor assesses the patient’s condition and medical history to determine if PRP is suitable.
• The area of treatment (e.g., joint, scalp, or skin) is identified and evaluated.
• Physician examination is performed and if need be, imaging is ordered such as an MRI. 

Blood Collection

• A small amount of blood (usually 60-100 mL) is drawn from the patient, similar to a standard blood test.
• This blood is typically taken from a vein in the arm.

Centrifugation

• The collected blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed to separate the blood layers.:
  • Red blood cells settle at the bottom.
  • Plasma (PRP) forms a distinct layer above the red blood cells and white blood cells.
• This process typically takes about 5 minutes for the first spin and 10-12 minutes for the second spin.
• The platelet poor plasma is discarded and only the platelet rich plasma is kept for the treatment.

PRP Preparation

• The PRP layer is carefully extracted into a syringe.
• In some cases, the PRP may be mixed with other substances (e.g., calcium chloride) to activate the platelets and enhance the release of the growth factors from inside the platelet cell.

Treatment Area Preparation

• The target area is cleansed and sterilized.
• Local anesthesia or numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure.  Lidocaine 1% is most commonly used, as it is well tolerated.

PRP Injection

• The PRP is injected directly into the treatment site using a fine needle. Common areas include:
  • Orthopedics: Joints, tendons, or ligaments.
  • Aesthetics: Scalp for hair restoration or facial skin for rejuvenation.
• If used for facial rejuvenation, PRP may also be applied in combination with microneedling to enhance absorption and results.

Post-Procedure Care

• A bandage may be applied to the injection site.
• Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 days but can resume normal activities shortly after.  
• Injection sites should be kept clean and dry with avoidance of submersion under water for 48 hours.

Duration

• The entire procedure generally takes 90 minutes, depending on the treatment area.  Multiple treatment sites may take slightly longer. 

Recovery and Results

• Mild swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a few days.
• Results develop gradually as the PRP stimulates healing, often taking a few weeks to months to reach peak pain reduction. After 6 weeks most patients experience significant results. 
• Multiple sessions (spaced 6 weeks apart) may be recommended for optimal results.

Safety and Comfort

• PRP is generally safe since it uses the patient’s own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or complications.
• Discomfort is minimal, but individual experiences may vary depending on the area being treated and the total number of injections that are administered. 

This straightforward process makes PRP an appealing option for natural healing and rejuvenation.

What is the Cost of PRP?

Whether Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is worth the investment depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, the individual’s expectations, and financial considerations. Here’s an analysis to help you decide:

• PRP treatments typically cost between $799 and $2,500 per session, depending on:
  • The treatment area (e.g., scalp, joints, or skin).
  • The number of sessions required.
  • The healthcare provider and location.
• Some treatments, such as hair restoration, skin rejuvenation or arthritis, may require multiple sessions for long lasting results. 

Effectiveness of PRP Therapy

PRP is widely used in orthopedics, dermatology, and sports medicine for its ability to accelerate healing. Many patients experience significant improvements within 4-6 weeks, though multiple sessions may be needed for long-term results.

Longevity of Results

• PRP results tend to last several months to many years, but regular maintenance sessions may be necessary, increasing the overall cost.  Some patients get long lasting results and some need a tune up every few years to get them feeling good again. 
• The longevity of results varies based on the condition treated and individual factors such as age and lifestyle.  Generally, the younger and healthier the patient is, the less treatments that are needed and the longer lasting the results

Insurance Coverage

PRP is generally considered an elective procedure, meaning most insurance plans do not cover it. However, for many patients, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost compared to other treatments.

Benefits vs. Alternatives

• PRP is natural, minimally invasive, and has low risks since it uses the patient’s own blood. This can make it a preferred option for those looking to avoid surgery or pain medications such as
• However, alternatives (e.g., physical therapy, hair transplants, dermal fillers, or medications like corticosteroids) may be more cost-effective or better suited for specific conditions in the short term, i.e. 12 weeks or less
• Long term PRP is more cost effective than medications and steroid injections.  

Is PRP Worth It?

Yes, if:

• You are seeking a natural, low-risk treatment.
• You have mild-to-moderate conditions where PRP has demonstrated effectiveness like osteoarthritis or tendon issues. 
• You can afford the investment and are comfortable with the potential need for multiple sessions to restore your health.

No, if:

• You are expecting to use your insurance policy.
• The financial investment is a significant burden.

Why do athletes choose PRP?

​​Many high-profile athletes across various sports have reportedly used Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to recover from injuries, enhance healing, and return to action. Here are some notable examples:

Tiger Woods (Golf)

• Injury/Treatment: Tiger Woods has reportedly used PRP therapy to treat knee and Achilles tendon injuries. (4)
• Impact: Helped him recover faster and return to peak performance. He has won many major tournaments since receiving the treatment. 

Rafael Nadal (Tennis)

• Injury/Treatment: The tennis legend used PRP to treat knee tendonitis and back injuries.
• Impact: PRP allowed him to return to competitive play and continue his legendary career.

Kobe Bryant (Basketball)

• Injury/Treatment: Kobe used PRP therapy, sometimes referred to as “Regenokine” therapy, for knee pain and other joint issues. (5)
• Impact: Reportedly helped extend his playing career despite chronic injuries.

Hines Ward (Football)

• Injury/Treatment: Ward underwent PRP therapy for a knee injury before the 2009 Super Bowl.
• Impact: He credited the therapy for helping him play in and win the Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alex Rodriguez (Baseball)

• Injury/Treatment: The former MLB star used PRP therapy to treat hip and knee injuries.
• Impact: Helped him recover more quickly from surgery and return to play for the Yankees.

Stephen Curry (Basketball)

• Injury/Treatment: Curry reportedly used PRP therapy to treat his MCL sprain during his NBA career.
• Impact: Helped accelerate recovery and return to the court.

Peyton Manning (Football)

• Injury/Treatment: Manning reportedly underwent PRP therapy for neck injuries.
• Impact: Contributed to his recovery and return to an MVP-winning season with the Broncos.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)

• Injury/Treatment: The soccer superstar reportedly used PRP therapy to treat knee injuries and other soft tissue issues.
• Impact: Allowed him to maintain his high level of performance with minimal games missed.

Derrick Rose (Basketball)

• Injury/Treatment: Rose used PRP to assist in recovering from knee injuries during his career.
• Impact: Aided his rehabilitation and return to competitive play.

Matt Kemp (Baseball)

• Injury/Treatment: Kemp used PRP therapy for shoulder and ankle injuries.
• Impact: Helped with recovery and performance after injuries.

Why Do Athletes Choose PRP?

• Faster Recovery: PRP accelerates healing, allowing athletes to return to competition sooner, which can increase their earning potential and provide them job security.
• Non-Surgical: Minimally invasive compared to surgical alternatives.
• Natural Healing: Utilizes the body’s own growth factors for recovery.

Why Choose a Naturopathic Doctor for PRP in Phoenix?

• Personalized Treatment: We tailor PRP therapy to each patient’s needs.
• Holistic Approach: We focus on natural healing and long-term wellness.
• Experienced Providers: Our naturopathic doctors specialize in regenerative medicine.

Where Can I Get PRP Therapy in Scottsdale & Phoenix?

If you’re considering PRP therapy, consult with an experienced regenerative medicine physician to determine if it’s right for you. Our clinic offers PRP therapy in Phoenix and Scottsdale, helping patients achieve pain relief, improved mobility, and aesthetic enhancements naturally.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing with PRP therapy!

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