Joint pain—whether from injury, wear and tear, or degenerative conditions like arthritis—can make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy the mobility needed for daily activities or fitness goals. Traditional treatments, such as medications or surgery, may provide relief but often come with limitations, downtime, or potential risks.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers an innovative, non-surgical solution for those seeking to stay active and maintain their quality of life. By using the body’s own healing power, PRP has gained popularity for its ability to accelerate tissue repair, reduce pain, and support recovery. Whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to remain mobile and independent, PRP could be a game-changer. Here's a closer look at how it works and what to expect from the process.
How PRP Works
PRP therapy is a cutting-edge form of regenerative medicine, involving drawing a small sample of your blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. These platelets are rich in growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and repair damaged tissues. Once the PRP is prepared, it is carefully injected into the affected joint, stimulating your body’s natural healing process. As a regenerative medicine treatment, PRP has shown effectiveness in addressing joint pain caused by arthritis, tendon injuries, and ligament damage, offering a non-surgical solution to enhance recovery and restore function.1
What to Expect During the Procedure
The PRP procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than an hour. After your blood is drawn, it is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the targeted joint. Some patients experience mild discomfort during the injection, but this is generally well-tolerated. You can resume normal activities shortly after the treatment, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days.
Recovery and Results
After PRP therapy, you may notice an initial increase in inflammation as your body begins the healing process. Over the next few weeks, joint pain should gradually improve as the tissues regenerate. PRP treatments may require multiple sessions, depending on the severity of your condition. Many patients experience significant, long-lasting pain relief after completing their treatment plan.
While PRP therapy can effectively reduce pain and promote healing, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for joint replacement surgery in cases of severe arthritis or advanced joint damage. Instead, PRP can serve as a non-surgical option to provide relief, improve mobility, and potentially delay the need for hip or knee surgery. Patients with early to moderate joint issues may find PRP to be a valuable part of their treatment plan, helping to manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life before more invasive procedures become necessary.
By integrating PRP therapy into a comprehensive approach to joint health, patients can often gain additional time to explore their options while benefiting from reduced pain and improved function.
AUTHOR: Dr. Paul Jacob is a certified master surgeon in joint replacement and robotic joint replacement of the hip and knee in Oklahoma City. Dr. Jacob is recognized as one of the Top 3 Orthopedic Surgeons in Oklahoma, who has performed over 5000 robotic joint replacement procedures. Dr. Jacob is active in numerous research studies on joint replacement technology and robotic outcomes.
Reference
1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00167-022-06887-7
