Even though the entire medical sector doesn’t agree or disagree with one voice regarding the effect of PRP medical therapy on joint pain, various studies as well as individual hospital procedures have shown that it works(for many if not all). Many people who suffer from diverse types of joint pain from osteoarthritis to sports-related injuries have experienced significant relief after a treatment with PRP up to six months after treatment.
What is PRP?
Because PRP simply means Platelet-rich Plasma it helps to understand each component and how they operate.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are the component of our blood that is responsible for repairing damaged blood vessels by sealing them off through the clotting of blood.
Plasma is the liquid medium of other blood constituents: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is made up of proteins and water.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy is an intelligent, minimally-invasive, and non-surgical treatment that uses concentrated platelets for musculoskeletal pain, sports-related injuries, chronic conditions, hair loss, skin ailments, etc.
What is a PRP Injection?
Plasma-rich Plasma (PRP) is derived from a person’s blood. Firstly, the blood is drawn and put in a centrifuge that spins to segregate different constituents of the blood: red and white blood cells, plasma, platelets, etc.
The platelets are then collected and concentrated to multiples of their normal amount. The concentrated platelets are then mixed into a blood plasma base ready for injection into the treatment area. It is the growth factors of platelets that are responsible for its remarkable healing ability in various areas of the body: skin, scalp, muscle, tendon, ligaments, cartilage, bones, etc.
PRP treatments are highly targeted such that the sites of the treatment are directly injected. The use of ultrasound imaging often aids this process.
For many joint pain-related treatments, hyaluronic acid is usually added to aid lubrication within the joint.
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Common causes of joint pain
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Tendonitis
- Overuse
- Bursitis
- Gout
Benefits of PRP therapy for joint pain
PRP injections induce new cartilage development
The growth factors in the concentrated platelets in PRP injections help damaged body tissues recover much faster than most methods.
Arthritis sufferers whose cartilages have degenerated can often find relief after PRP treatments have induced new cartilage development. This causes the adjoining bones to move around each other with less pain.
Fewer side effects
PRP works with almost zero side effects since the PRP is derived from the patient’s blood.
Beyond the usual experience with needless there’s nothing to worry about.
In rare cases, bleeding, nerve injuries, tissue damage, or infections can be experienced.
Note: Ensure that you’re hydrated and well-fed before the procedure.
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Reduces inflammation and improves joint function
PRP injections also help reduce inflammation and stimulate joint lubrication, especially when combined with hyaluronic acid. The increased lubrication helps bones in the joints to move more smoothly with less friction and pain.
Should you get PRP for your joint pain?
While PRP medical therapy is usually without health risks, it is quite pricey and is usually not covered by many insurance policies. If you are considering getting one, discuss it with your doctor to determine if you will benefit from it and by how much.
How to contact Holts Healthcare
Holts Healthcare Pain & Wellness is a multi-specialty clinic based in Fayetteville, GA. Our services include Primary Care, Wellness, and Pain Management. Book your appointment with us today!
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