Wounds are common skin injuries caused by an accident, surgery, or a health condition like diabetes. Our bodies work hard to fight these wounds, but sometimes it just can’t get the job done. In these cases, our wound care experts at Johnson Medical Center in Venice, Florida, can help. We offer a full range of integrative health services including laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Laser therapy for wounds
Our Class IV Laser therapy boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, speeds healing, and relieves pain. This makes it an ideal way to treat wounds that just don’t seem to heal. This innovative technology is approved by the FDA and uses different wavelengths of light energy to heal wounds and other injuries. It’s safe and non-invasive which means no cutting or bleeding and less downtime when compared to other therapies.
Laser therapy works on the cellular level to boost collagen production and stimulate tissue repair. While more research needs to be done into exactly how it works, studies have shown it to be helpful in treating diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds.
Platelet-rich plasma
Have you heard of platelet-rich plasma? This therapy uses part of your own blood to stimulate healing and regenerate tissue in your body. It’s part of a growing field called regenerative medicine.
What exactly is it?
Our blood is made of plasma, white cells, red cells, and platelets. PRP is made of plasma and a high concentration of platelets. To get the PRP, we take some blood from your arm and put it in a centrifuge that separates the white and red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. We then take the PRP and inject it into a specific area of your body to boost healing.
How does PRP work?
When you have a cut or a wound, platelets help stop the bleeding and provide proteins called growth factors that stimulate healing. The growth factors that stimulate wound healing include:
- Platelet-derived growth factor
- Epidermal growth factor
- Fibroblast growth factor
- Vascular endothelial growth factor
Wound healing takes place over four stages.
- Homeostasis: Bleeding stops and further blood loss is prevented unless the injury is severe
- Inflammation: The body sends chemicals to the injury that may cause redness, swelling, pain, or warmth
- Proliferation: Growth factors begin the healing process so new, healthy tissue can grow
- Maturation: Skin forms over the wound; if the wound is large or deep this process could take longer
A large number of platelets in PRP make it much more powerful than your body’s regular healing response. Since PRP is from your body, there are no side effects to worry about.
PRP and wounds
Research shows PRP is effective on many types of wounds including chronic diabetic ulcers. Any type of slow healing wound can be dangerous. They may get infected, which leads to other health problems. They may be painful and impact your quality of life, too.
Are you ready to harness your body’s regenerative healing power? If you have a wound that won’t heal, consider PRP injections or laser therapy at Johnson Medical Center. Request an appointment with one of our wound care experts online or call 941-757-3459 today.