Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have become increasingly popular in recent years as a treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. But does PRP really work? In this article, we'll take a look at the evidence and explore the potential benefits and risks of PRP injections. PRP injections are prepared by taking one to several tubes of your own blood and passing them through a centrifuge to concentrate platelets. Platelet-rich plasma has been found to significantly improve the healing process, and the use of a PRP injection for shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendon ruptures, and other soft tissue injuries is becoming more common.
The idea is that injecting PRP into damaged tissues will stimulate the body to develop new, healthy cells and promote healing. When it comes to hair loss, some studies suggest that PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and in promoting the growth of new hair. PRP can also help stimulate hair growth after hair transplants. However, not all clinical studies support the use of PRP.
Some research suggests that PRP injections don't work better than placebo treatment. Even in studies that do provide evidence that PRP works, not all patients benefit. When it comes to chronic low back pain and disc problems, studies have shown that PRP treatment can provide significant pain relief. Patients usually see improvement within 6 weeks, and follow-up treatments may be needed for better results. Depending on your condition, you should see results 2 to 6 weeks after receiving a PRP injection. The main advantages of PRP injections are that they can reduce the need for anti-inflammatory drugs or stronger medications, such as opioids.
The therapy improves blood flow to the injection site, further enhancing the healing properties of PRP. However, it's important to note that while many studies show that PRP therapy is low-risk, at least one study reports that patients' symptoms worsened after treatment with PRP. Finally, it's important to note that very few insurance plans offer reimbursement for PRP injections. However, as an autologous process (meaning that PRP comes from your own blood), your health may limit your ability to produce high-quality PRP.