Platelet-rich-plasma or PRP injection treatment is getting popular in India for the treatment of shoulder trauma. I received lots of quarry reading PRP on daily basis. So, today I shall dedicate my session to the basics of PRP for shoulder trauma.
So, first, let’s know, how do the PRP works work?
In the PRP process, we inject plasma from the outside into the patient’s body. But ere the key criteria is the platelet concentration of this external plasma should be the same as of the own plasma. So what this injected plasma does is heals the injured tendons, muscles, joints, and ligaments.
So, in one word PRP uses the patient’s healing system to cure the shoulder trauma.
How you might be wondering if such a process is available then why do patients opt for surgery?
Here, I must say, PRP can’t be the treatment for major fractures. We can use this process in specific cases.
Acute Injuries. In case you get shoulder trauma due to pulled hamstring muscles from sports activities, you have an option of PRP. Nowadays, most of the acute sports injuries of shoulder show impressive outcomes for PRP.
Tendon Injuries. Tendons are thicker and tougher tissues that show very slow healing after getting injured, mainly in the case of shoulder parts. So, your doctor might not suggest the rest and physical exercise treatment strategy, until you have any physical complication against PRP.
Post Surgical Repair. As I discussed in my earlier sessions, surgery of rotator cuff also takes lots of time to get complete recovery. So we prefer the application of PRP in such cases to quicken the post-surgical repair of rotator cuff tendons.
Now let’s come to side effects parts. Unlike any other treatment, this process also includes a few side effects. But in most cases, they remain minor to form the aspects of severity.
Infections. An adequate amount of precautions are indeed taken during PRP therapy. Still, if you have lower immunity power, you may face infection in your injured shoulder area.
Tissue damage. It’s very rare but nerve injury can happen during PRP and your tendons or other tissues will not respond to this therapy.
Pain at the injection site. You may experience soreness or acute ache at and around the injection site.
Nerve Damage. If your injury lies in the lining of the blood vessel, then there remain chances of the blood vessel or vein damage. The reason is PRP uses a needle and that can cause this kind of damage. As a consequence, blood clots can occur at the affected site.
Skin discoloration. Brushing around the injection site is normal but in case you find any unusual deep and dark bruise, immediately contacts your doctor.
But I must tell you, all of these things are manageable. Always better to consult your doctor in detail before undergoing PRP treatment. To be on the safer side, don’t forget to share any of your medical history related to blood clotting, nerve damage, or injection-related allergies.
Cost of PRP treatment.
Depending on the type of shoulder trauma and the number of injections required for the treatment, the cost varies. However, it ranges between 4000 INR to 15000 INR, which is much lesser than the surgery expenses.
So, these all about the basic idea about PRP. I shall try to have another session in more detail. Till then if you have any questions feel free to write to us.
We are a specialty orthopedic clinic committed to the care of patients with knee, shoulder and sports injuries. We dedicate our time and services in understanding each individual patient’s condition and their requirements.