Nagging shoulder injuries might have a novel cure.

Do you have a nagging injury that won’t heal, scars that you wish weren’t there, chronic tendinitis, or osteoarthritis? I watched a webinar today about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and saw several photos of before and after treatments using PRP. I had never heard of this treatment. I had to know more.

Donated whole blood is centrifuged and the different components are removed. I’ve donated over 35 gallons of blood products (plasma, platelets, and whole blood). I know what plasma is and donated around 20 gallons of plasma. I have donated around 12 gallons of platelets. I had never heard of PRP.

PRP is obtained by removing red blood cells from whole blood. Your blood, minus the red blood cells, is injected back into you to address a specific problem. I found several reviews supporting the use of PRP to help the healing of rotator cuff disease, osteoarthritis of the knee, injuries of the joint, tendon, ligament, muscles and more.

PRP contains up to 35 growth factors that promote healing. Some of these growth factors are platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, Interleukin 8, keratinocyte growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor.

The entire process is done within a doctor’s office. It is a bit expensive and not covered by most insurance. Many elite athletes have used PRP to facilitate rapid healing. Part of the body’s natural healing process involves inflammation. Caution should be used to stop any anti-inflammatory medications when starting PRP treatments.

For those who want to know more, Google ‘platelet-rich plasma treatments’ and become aware of possible uses. Contact your physician, or a physician specializing in PRP treatments about the success or failure of PRP regarding your specific problems.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin

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