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PRP - Why it is a core component at Blue Haven Medical

Updated: Jan 20

When I was initially introduced to Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in 2010, I was blown away by the

science and the seemingly endless potential of this revolutionary treatment. Platelet-rich

plasma has medical applications across various fields, including aesthetics, pain medicine, and sports medicine. It harnesses the body's natural healing capabilities, offering promising results for those seeking alternatives to traditional, outdated therapies. PRP therapy is now one of my favourite healing and rejuvenating procedures for my aesthetic and integrative medicine treatments.



What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from an

individual's own blood. This is important because the possibility of side effects is significantly

reduced. It is a natural product, and a patient cannot experience adverse effects caused by

their cells. The process begins with a simple blood draw, typically from the patient's arm. This blood is processed in a centrifuge, which separates the components of the blood – red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. The result is a serum rich in platelets and growth factors, which play a crucial role in healing and tissue regeneration.


Origins of PRP

PRP therapy can trace its origins back to the 1970s when it was first used in dentistry and

surgery to promote healing in grafts and burns. Over the years, research has expanded its

applications, especially in aesthetics and regenerative medicine, demonstrating its potential to enhance recovery and improve outcomes in various conditions.


Uses of PRP


Aesthetics

In the realm of aesthetics, PRP is popularly known for its use in skin, hair and sexual

rejuvenation treatments. In 2016, I was personally trained in Vampire Procedures by Dr. Charles Runels, who created the Vampire Procedures. I was later installed as a trainer to teach the vampire procedures to other medical professionals. The vampire facial leverages the regenerative properties of platelets to stimulate collagen production, resulting in improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, and enhanced overall complexion.


The vampire facelift is a non- surgical facelift that combines PRP with hyaluronic acid filler to plump and lift the face. It reduces wrinkles and sagging skin, improving skin texture, colour, and tone and diminishes acne scars. The vampire breast lift improves the appearance of breasts by enhancing their firmness, perkiness, and cleavage. Patients also seek the Vampire hair restoration because it stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth, offering a non-surgical solution for hair loss.


The O-shot and P-shot have not only cosmetic benefits but also sexual health benefits. The O-shot, for women, is an effective treatment for Urinary incontinence. In addition, The O-Shot can increase sexual desire, sensitivity, and arousal and lead to stronger and more frequent orgasms. It also treats pain that occurs during normal sexual intercourse. The P-shot, for men, is an erectile dysfunction treatment and can improve sexual performance and libido. It can also result in a modest increase in penile length and girth of about 10-20%. The Vampire wing lift is purely cosmetic. It improves the appearance of the labia major (outer lips of the vagina).


Pain Medicine

In pain management, PRP has gained traction as a treatment for chronic conditions such as

Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Outside of cosmetic procedures, Carpal

tunnel syndrome is the most common PRP procedure performed at BLUE Haven Medical.

Traditionally, carpal tunnel syndrome was treated with steroid injections. However, steroid

injections provide only short-term pain reduction and have many negative side effects, such as tendon degeneration and bone loss. Many pain medications, although effective for short-term pain relief, have adverse effects if used for the long term.


For example, long-term use of Ibuprofen can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut, and Aleve can cause kidney damage.

However, by injecting PRP into the affected area, the concentrated growth factors promote

healing and reduce inflammation, alleviating pain without requiring invasive surgeries or long- term medication usage.


Sports Medicine

Athletes often experience injuries that can disrupt their performance and training schedules.

PRP has become a popular treatment in sports medicine, helping injuries such as ligament

sprains, muscle tears, and chronic tendon injuries. The therapy accelerates the healing

process, allowing athletes to return to their sport quicker and with a lower risk of re-injury.

According to Dr. PRP USA, the following athletes recently received PRP treatments for injuries:


Kristaps Porzingis – Dallas Mavericks (NBA) Center - Right knee soreness

Richaun Holmes – Sacramento Kings (NBA) Power Forward - Right shoulder labral tear

Dee Ford – San Francisco 49ers (NFL) Defensive end - Knee tendinitis

Blaine Hardy – Detroit Tigers (MLB) Pitcher - Left elbow injury pain from partially torn flexor

tendon

Allie Ostrander – Boise State Distance Runner - Achilles injury

Even Steff Curry (The GOAT, according to my 12-year-old son) had PRP treatment for a

sprained right knee in 2016 (Mercury News 2016). Tiger Woods also publically spoke about

how PRP injections in his recovery after reconstructive surgery to repair the ACL in his left

knee.


Here in Antigua, I have treated multiple local athletes for sports injuries, including volleyball and basketball. I have also treated persons who have sustained injuries in the gym. In every case, the injured individual was able to reduce or eliminate their pain and gain use of their injured joints, muscle tears, and sprains.


PRP vs. Traditional Methods of Joint Repair


Traditional methods often involve surgical interventions such as arthroscopy, joint replacement, and corticosteroids to treat joint injury. While effective, these methods can carry risks like infection, prolonged recovery times, anaesthesia-related complications, and tendon degeneration with bone loss in the case of steroid injections.


PRP presents a less invasive alternative. It can be injected directly into the joint, delivering

concentrated healing components without surgery. Additionally, PRP promotes natural healing, potentially reducing the need for opiate pain management and minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with synthetic treatments.


In joint repair, PRP has been shown to improve outcomes by enhancing healing in cartilage and tendons, leading to better functionality and pain relief. Many patients report significant

improvements in pain and mobility after PRP treatment compared to those who undergo

traditional surgical methods, particularly when considered for early-stage degenerative

conditions.


Conclusion


Platelet-rich plasma therapy is an innovative treatment that utilizes the body's healing

mechanisms to address a multitude of medical and aesthetic concerns. With minimal

invasiveness and strong potential for promoting healing, PRP stands out as a valuable

alternative to traditional methods. As the medical community continues to explore and validate its uses, PRP will continue to improve healing and recovery in various medical fields.


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