People who suffer from the symptoms of osteoarthritis have traditionally attempted to manage the condition with anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and surgery. One of the more recent therapies for osteoarthritis treatment that scientists and physicians have researched is centered around platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The therapy is based on the presence of growth factors found in blood platelets. Professionals who offer PRP therapy assert that injecting growth factors into an injured part of the body will cause new tissues to grow. The interaction between the growth factors and local cells signals cell reproduction, and the cells eventually form new tissues.
Patients are considered to be good candidates for PRP therapy if they have previously not been able to manage their condition through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Patients who are interested in considering a potentially groundbreaking alternative osteoarthritis treatment may wish to consider PRP injections.
We perform the procedure by first drawing blood from the patient. Next, the blood is placed into a centrifuge, which separates the sample into white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. After the PRP is extracted, it is then introduced into the site of the osteoarthritis.
One of the major upsides to receiving PRP therapy is the blood and growth factors come from the patient’s own body, thus minimizing any side effects or complications. The body readily readmits what it recognizes as its own materials. Overall, the risks associated with PRP for osteoarthritis treatment are very low; therefore, patients who wish to opt for this therapy are generally encouraged to do so.
If you’re seeing osteoarthritis treatment and wish to know if you are a good candidate for PRP therapy, get in touch with Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today to book your appointment and learn more!
