PRP for Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the erosion of cartilage between joints, resulting in increased friction between bones. This condition often leads to persistent pain, joint stiffness, swelling, and a notable decrease in comfortable mobility - which can significantly impact a persons quality of life. Osteoarthritis is a common condition caused by the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage.
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, known as PRP, is a non-surgical, evidence-based regenerative medicine technique that’s effective in treating various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. PRP is derived from a patient's own blood and contains a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors compared to whole blood. Platelets play a pivotal role in the body's natural wound healing process by clotting blood at the injury site and supplying essential growth factors.
PRP & Osteoarthritis
As a regenerative medicine treatment, PRP doesn’t mask symptoms. Instead, it helps to repair and heal the underlying condition causing your pain and dysfunction. Once injected, PRP can decrease inflammatory and degenerative signals and start promoting regenerative processes to protect and heal the cartilage. PRP is highly effective in creating functional improvement, meaning that patients find that they have significantly improved functioning in their joint, and are able to return to the activities they love. This is supported by a recent study, in which a hospital tested the efficacy of PRP injections in treating knee osteoarthritis. The study included 57 patients, all of whom received a single PRP injection and were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months post procedure (Guillibert et al., 2019). 84.2% of respondents experienced significant clinical improvement, supporting PRP’s ability to provide functional improvement and pain relief from Osteoarthritis (Guillibert et al., 2019).
Scheduling
Our Regenerative Medicine providers can provide expert evaluation of your injury or condition to help determine the best treatment option for you. Click one of the links below to schedule!