Shoulder joint diseases are one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the middle and older age group. In the shoulder, we most frequently encounter tendon impingement syndrome and related tendon ruptures, tendon rheumatism (tendonitis), bursitis, frozen shoulder and, especially in older ages, calcification. Medication, physical therapy, cortisone injections and surgical intervention are frequently used in the treatment of these diseases.
Today, I will tell you about PRP treatment, which is a new treatment method that is different from these traditional methods we use in shoulder diseases.
What is PRP treatment?
PRP treatment is a new method that was initially developed as a cosmetic treatment, but later its healing effect on musculoskeletal system diseases was noticed and started to be used in this field as well. The name of the method is derived from the initials of the English expression "Platelet Rich Plasma" and means platelet-rich plasma. The medicine to be administered in this treatment method is prepared from the patient's own blood.
How is PRP obtained?
Approximately 20 cc of blood from the patient through a vein is specially prepared for this purpose. It is taken into tubes containing prepared anticoagulant medication. The blood taken is passed through a special spinning (centrifuge) process with a tube. After this process, other blood cells settle to the bottom of the tube and platelet-rich plasma fluid remains on top. Thanks to the special system, this plasma is drawn into the injector where the injection will be applied. Finally, a drug that will activate platelets is added to this plasma, making PRP ready for injection.
What is the difference of PRP treatment from other drugs?
PRP treatment is a treatment aimed at treating the disease itself rather than relieving the symptoms of the disease for a while, and unlike many other drugs, it promises a permanent treatment, not a temporary one.
How does PRP work on the shoulder?
Platelet is basically the element that enables blood clotting and contains growth factor and many natural protective and healing substances. Platelet-enriched plasma fluid, that is, PRP, acts like a natural medicine. PRP protects structures such as tendon cartilage where there is injury and damage in the shoulder. It accelerates the healing in that area by stimulating the cells. PRP prevents the tear from growing, especially in shoulder tendon ruptures, and helps the body repair it. In such cases, PRP can provide a slowly occurring but longer-lasting treatment.
For which diseases of the shoulder is PRP used?
Tendon tears
Tendinitis (tendon rheumatism)
Impression syndrome
Shoulder joint calcifications
How is PRP applied in the shoulder joint?
strong>Depending on the area to be treated, 2-3 ml of PRP is applied a total of 2 times, one month apart. It is performed around the tendon in tendon tears and tendinitis, and inside the joint in case of shoulder joint calcification. Application can be done directly. But in this case, it may not be done exactly in the desired area. For this reason, it is healthier to apply it to the targeted area under ultrasound imaging guidance (picture).
When does the healing effect of PRP treatment begin?
It begins gradually within a few weeks after the injection. and the healing process continues between 3 and 12 months. For this reason, there is no rapid pain relief after PRP injections as in cortisone injections. Complaints gradually decrease and go away within months.
With which treatments can PRP be applied in the shoulder?
PRP injection is used in the treatment of shoulder diseases with physical therapy, exercise and drug treatments. There is no harm in applying them together. Sometimes combined treatments can be better. Cortisone injection and PRP, which are frequently done in shoulder diseases, are not applied to the same area together or at close intervals.
Are there any side effects of PRP application?
Side effects of the PRP method There is no. It may only cause temporary, mild pain in the area where it is applied. This effect goes away on its own within 1-2 days and does not cause any harm. In this case, ice application and simple painkillers can be used.
The number of studies on the positive results of PRP treatment in shoulder joint disorders is increasing and the results are promising. In our own clinic, we get satisfactory results with PRP treatment in shoulder patients, especially tendon ruptures. These results show that PRP treatment is very common. It shows that it is a good alternative to surgery and other conservative treatments in the shoulder joint disorders we encounter.
Stay healthy
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