FDA-Approved, Non-Surgical Treatment For Hip and Knee Joint Pain: What Is PRP?
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FDA-Approved, Non-Surgical Treatment For Hip and Knee Joint Pain: What Is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are becoming very popular. This cell therapy is FDA Approved and used to treat a variety of conditions such as sports injuries, joint pain, arthritis, and even hair loss. While
other products use lab-created products, PRP utilizes your own blood cells to accelerate healing. During your treatment, we draw a small amount of your blood, then we place it into a centrifuge to separate the different components of your cells.
Each component of your blood cells has their own function. The component we specifically separate for treatment is called plasma and it’s comprised of a high concentration of growth factors that encourage tissue regeneration and healing in the treated area.
We utilize this technique, specifically for patients experiencing arthritic joint pain, to inject plasma cells directly into the affected joint. It’s important to note that PRP therapy does not cure arthritis. It helps slow the progression and improves symptoms of arthritis.
QUESTION: What are the advantages of PRP treatment?
ANSWER: One advantage is this particular fluid contains proteins that work as an anti-inflammatory, which helps treat the painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Studies have shown that it works as well or better than other injection treatments, such as cortisone, stem cell, or gel injections (also known as viscosupplementation).
Another advantage is this treatment is a one-step process offered in a clinic setting and it only takes about 30 minutes. It’s also very safe because the only thing that’s injected into the patient’s joint is platelet-rich plasma taken from the patient’s own blood.
Patients can have reactions to cortisone or other types of injections because they are made in a lab and are foreign substances. However, it is exceedingly rare with PRP.
QUESTION: What are the drawbacks to PRP treatment?
ANSWER: The drawback is that insurance rarely covers this treatment. PRP is a cash-pay procedure, but it is not as expensive as stem-cell treatments. We also offer a discounted package for patients who may need more than one round of PRP injection therapy.
QUESTION: What happens after my initial injection? Can I go about my regular routine?
ANSWER: Leading up to the injection, we ask that patients be well hydrated and have a healthy meal prior to their appointment in order to prevent feeling lightheaded. After the injection, we advise patients to take it easy for one week. For our more active patients, that means no strenuous exercise. Certain sports and exercises can affect the injection’s efficacy, meaning it can disrupt its ability to activate the healing process. Patients have better long-term outcomes when we restrict them from strenuous exercise for at least one week. For more information on arthritis and its treatments, visit www.arthritis.org
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45175 Ten Mile Road, Novi
Learn about over-the-counter medications, non-surgical treatment options, and advanced surgical techniques for the hip and knee