Joint pain can really affect your quality of life, making it hard to do the things you love. At Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Tempe, AZ, we offer PRP injections as a way to help with a wide range of joint pain problems. PRP therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses your own blood platelets to help regenerate and heal tissue. This therapy has been shown to be very effective in reducing pain and improving function for many patients.
How Long Do PRP Injections for Joint Pain Last?
PRP injections for joint pain are a popular and effective treatment option for many of our patients in Tempe, AZ. The injections are made from a concentration of the patient’s own platelets and plasma, and they help to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Most patients find that the injections provide significant relief from joint pain, and the effects can last for several months.
In some cases, patients may need to receive additional injections to maintain pain relief. The frequency of injections will vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of their joint pain. However, most patients find that the injections provide long-lasting relief for up to nine months. If you are considering PRP therapy for joint pain, contact our office to find out if this treatment is right for you.
What Is PRP Treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that is being used with increasing frequency to help relieve pain and promote healing in various orthopedic conditions. PRP involves drawing a small sample of blood from the patient and then processing it to remove the platelets. The platelets are then injected back into the patient, usually at the site of an injury.
The injection of platelets jumpstarts the healing process by releasing growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. PRP therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for joint pain, tendinitis, ligament injuries, and muscle injuries. It can also be used to speed up the healing process after orthopedic surgery. Injections of PRP have been found to be particularly effective in treating knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
How Does PRP Work?
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at repairing damaged tissue. This is due in part to a decrease in collagen production and a decrease in the concentration of growth factors and other cytokines in our blood. PRP injections help offset this natural decline by delivering a higher concentration of these key substances directly to the site of an injury or surgery.
Growth Factors
Growth factors are proteins that play an important role in cell growth and regeneration. There are many different types of growth factors, each with its own specific function. However, all growth factors share the common function of regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Below are different types of growth factors:
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
EGF is critical for the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells. It is also involved in wound healing and tissue repair.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)
IGF helps to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. It also plays a role in bone and muscle development.
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)
FGF regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in multiple cell types, including endothelial cells, mesenchymal cells, and neural cells. FGF is also involved in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
PDGF promotes the proliferation and migration of cells during wound healing. It is also involved in the formation of new blood vessels.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
VEGF promotes the growth of new blood vessels. It is also involved in the repair of damaged blood vessels and in the development of lymphatic vessels.
Growth Factors and Joint Health
Growth factors play a critical role in joint health by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, which are the cells that make up the cartilage. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides cushioning and lubrication at joints.
In addition, growth factors play a role in tendon and ligament health by regulating collagen synthesis and other constituents of the extracellular matrix. As we age, our bodies produce fewer growth factors, which can lead to degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With PRP Injections?
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. The tendons attach the muscles to the bones in the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons help lift the arm. The rotator cuff also keeps the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) in the shoulder socket. A rotator cuff tear is a rip or hole in one of these tendons. The tear may also damage some of the nearby muscles.
Most tears happen due to wear and tear on the tendon, such as from repetitive movements during activities like baseball or tennis. A sudden, traumatic injury can also cause a rotator cuff tear. This can happen if you fall on your arm or lift something heavy with your arm out to the side. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain and weakness in the shoulder. There may also be a clicking or popping sound when you move your shoulder.
ACL Injuries
An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, injury is a sprain or tear of the ACL that can occur in any sport. The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee and provides stability to the knee joint. An ACL injury can occur when there is a sudden change in direction or landing from a jump. It can also occur from a direct blow to the knee.
Symptoms of an ACL injury include pain, swelling, and instability of the knee. An MRI is often required to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for an ACL injury include physical therapy, PRP therapy, bracing, and surgery.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, such as those often used in tennis. The condition is also referred to as lateral epicondylitis or tendonitis. Treatment for tennis elbow typically includes a combination of rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
In some cases, a combination of physical therapy with PRP treatment may be recommended. Surgery is rarely necessary. If you think you may have tennis elbow, visit us at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine for an accurate diagnosis. With proper treatment, most people can recover from tennis elbow within a few months.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common condition that occurs when the tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bone, become inflamed. The most common symptoms of tendonitis are pain and swelling in the affected area. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body where there is a joint, but it is most commonly seen in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and knee. The condition is usually caused by overuse or repetitive motions.
Ligament Sprains
The ligaments are the strong, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones. They provide stability and help to keep joints in alignment. A ligament sprain occurs when one or more of these ligaments is stretched beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in tearing of the tissue.
Ligament sprains can vary in severity, from a mild stretch to a complete rupture. Ligament sprains can be prevented by warming up properly before exercise and by wearing appropriate footwear and supportive gear during activities. Good balance and flexibility will also help to reduce the risk of ligament sprains.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can occur anywhere in the body. They are typically caused by a sudden force or impact, such as a fall or car accident. The most common type of soft tissue injury is a sprain, which occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn. Other common types of soft tissue injuries include strains and contusions (bruises).
Symptoms of a soft tissue injury may include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include rest, compression, ice, and elevation. More severe injuries may require medical interventions such as PRP therapy.
Don’t Let Joint Pain Control Your Life!
PRP injections have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including joint pain. The injection is typically given over the course of several weeks and the results can last up to nine months. Contact us at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Tempe, AZ, to schedule your consultation. Our team, led by Dr. Angelo Mattalino, will develop a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs.
