Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and decreased mobility. With advancements in medical science, several interventions have been developed to treat and manage arthritis. One promising treatment is Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. We hope this guide will help you understand what PRP is and if it’s the right treatment for you.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the concentrated platelets back into the affected joint or tissue. You may have heard of platelets because they are the blood cells that create blood clots in a wound and stop it from bleeding. On top of the clotting ability, they have proteins that help promote healing.
With arthritis, PRP therapy is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The concentrated growth factors present in PRP can reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and possibly slow down the degenerative process of joints. Studies have indicated that PRP can enhance collagen synthesis, a vital component in joint cartilage, which can be beneficial in regenerating the affected areas in arthritis. Although PRP doesn’t claim to cure arthritis, many patients have reported decreased pain and improved function after undergoing PRP treatments.
Surgery, especially joint replacement surgery, is often considered for patients with severe degeneration. Surgery aims to replace or repair the damaged joint to alleviate pain and improve functionality. Here’s a comparison of PRP and surgery:
Surgery may lead to immediate relief from pain and significant improvement in joint function. It can be a definitive solution for many patients, especially when arthritis has led to severe joint degradation. However, surgery has risks, including complications, infections, and a lengthy recovery period.
On the other hand, PRP provides a minimally invasive alternative treatment option. It doesn’t offer an immediate solution like surgery but can provide gradual relief. While the results from PRP are promising, its effectiveness can vary among individuals. Some patients experience significant relief, while others may require multiple sessions. The choice between PRP and surgery often depends on the severity of arthritis, the patient’s age, overall health, and preference. PRP can be suitable for early to mid-stage arthritis patients or those who wish to avoid surgery.
Safety is a significant concern for any medical procedure. One of the advantages of PRP treatment is its safety profile. Since PRP is derived from the patient’s blood, the chances of allergic reactions or infections are minimal.
However, like any procedure, PRP injections are not entirely risk-free. Although rare, there’s a small chance of infection or bleeding at the injection site. To minimize these risks, trained professionals must administer PRP treatment in a sterile environment. In contrast, surgery has potential complications, including blood clots, infections, and anesthesia-related issues.
In conclusion, both PRP treatment and surgical interventions offer potential benefits for arthritis patients. While surgery can provide immediate and significant relief, especially in advanced cases, PRP offers a less invasive alternative that harnesses the body’s healing potential. The best approach often depends on individual circumstances.
If you’re considering PRP treatment, consulting with experts is essential. NeoGenix offers specialized PRP treatments and consultations to help you determine the best intervention for your arthritis. Contact NeoGenix to learn more about PRP!
Header form popup
Based on thousands of stem cell and growth factor procedures performed by Dr. Altizer since January of 2016, over 94% of patients have subjectively, objectively, and through activities of daily living reported the procedure was successful. The success of the procedure was determined by the patient achieving at least a 50% or more overall improvement with lasting results.
When asked after 1 year what their overall improvement was, patients have subjectively, objectively, and through activities of daily living reported an average overall improvement of between 83-84%.