Regenerative medicine is a quickly changing field with new innovations and technology coming to the market. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) once used to be the king of the market for regenerative treatments is now taking a backseat to a new solution, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).
Up to this point, the only platelet based product on the market to offer regeneration for tissue damage was PRP. Recently, PRF has become increasingly popular as a more advanced and effective platelet solution for musculoskeletal issues as well as aesthetic medicine.
What’s the difference?
On the surface, there are many basic similarities between platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin. Both require a sample of blood to be taken from the patient as the starting solution which is then spun down in a centrigue to produce the final result. It is, however, the differences between the two that make platelet rich fibrin stand out as a more superior treatment option that PRP.
To achieve Platelet-rich plasma, the sample needs to be spun at a higher speed causing heavier cells in the blood, such as white blood cells and stem cells, to gather at the bottom part of the test tube. This allows the lighter platelets and plasma to collect in the top part of the test tube. This yellow solution, the platelet rich plasma, are collected from the upper part of the test tube and re-introduced into the region with tissue damage.
New research on platelet-rich fibrin is showing increased platelet levels, as well as a higher concentration of other cells (such as white blood cells and stem cells), and has been found to be even more effective than traditional platelet-rich plasma.
To achieve PRF, the sample is spun at a lower speed which helps to preserve cellular integrity and allows more heavier cells (wbc's and stem cells) to remain in the platelet layer. This means that PRF has a higher concentration of healing factors than traditional PRP.
Most platelet rich plasma solutions/kits have a concentration between 2-5x's the platelets than is typically found within the body. Unlike PRP, PRF is showing to have even greater concentrations (up to 10x's) that found within the body. This new literature is showing that PRF products may be even more effective in terms of healing damaged tissue such as tendons, ligaments, and muscle.
While all regenerative therapies will increase the localized healing of tissue, the effectiveness and end results will be influenced by the solution used along with the proficiency of the injector. At The Helix Clinic, we use multiple forms of regenerative solutions (prolotherapy, PRP, PRF) along with ultrasound technology to achieve superior results.
Common Conditions Treated
- Ligament injuries and strains
- Muscle strains/tears
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- Vertebral disc herniation
- Ligament laxity
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Whiplash