Growth Factor Power: Understanding How PRP Works to Accelerate Healing

You may have heard about PRP therapy. It’s a regenerative medicine treatment that assists your body’s natural healing processes. But did you ever wonder exactly how it works? Keep reading for insight from physicians who recommend it.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is cutting-edge and powerful enough to promote healing at the cellular level. It’s also minimally invasive (delivered via an injection), convenient (in-office treatment), and has an extremely low risk of adverse side effects.

Our team of pain management specialists at NYC Pain MD uses their extensive medical expertise and training to solve pain with minimally invasive therapies that heal rather than mask symptoms.

Learn why our team appreciates the value of regenerative medicine treatments like PRP and what makes it so powerful.

Understanding platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma is a high concentration of blood platelets containing growth factors and other blood components that help boost your body’s natural tissue repair and regeneration.

PRP therapy starts with a small blood sample obtained via an in-office blood draw. We then place the sample in a centrifuge to separate platelets and plasma from other blood components.

Once we inject PRP into the targeted treatment area, the resulting concentration of platelets helps stimulate the healing process.

Who can benefit from PRP therapy?

Physicians have utilized PRP therapy to aid healing for various conditions, ranging from sports injuries like patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) to aesthetic concerns like hair loss.

Other painful conditions that may respond well to the healing power of PRP include:

Osteoarthritis
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears
Tendon strains
Rotator cuff and other shoulder problems
Joint pain

PRP is especially effective when combined with physical therapy and other conservative therapies aimed at reducing pain and restoring mobility.

How PRP works to accelerate healing

PRP growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that regulate cell growth, tissue repair, and new blood vessel formation.

When injected into the targeted treatment site, the high concentration of platelets in PRP releases these growth factors, jump-starting the body’s healing process.

Here’s how PRP helps various pain conditions:

Reduces inflammation

Growth factors in PRP modulate the body's immune response, reducing inflammation in soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Stimulates collagen production

PRP stimulates collagen production, leading to stronger and more resilient tissue. This is particularly beneficial in conditions like tendinitis or arthritis, where collagen loss contributes to pain and dysfunction.

Improves blood supply

Another vital component of the natural healing process is angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. Growth factors in PRP injections, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), prompt blood vessel formation.

This action improves blood supply to the damaged area. Oxygen and other nutrients found in this increased blood supply help speed healing and reduce chronic pain.

Promotes cellular repair

PRP encourages cellular regeneration and repair by signaling stem cells to multiply and differentiate into the types of cells needed for healing. Growth factors like IGF are critical in this process, supporting muscle, cartilage, and tendon healing.

Schedule an evaluation at NYC Pain MD today by calling one of our New York City offices or requesting an appointment online. We’re located in Manhattan’s Financial District and in the Astoria neighborhood in Queens.