The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for naturally stimulating healing in the body is a relatively new treatment method. Its most promising results have been proven in mitigating pain, especially knee pain.
Let’s talk about where PRP comes from, how PRP treatment works, and where you can go here in Greater Fort Lauderdale for minimally invasive treatment that offers long-term joint pain relief.
What Is PRP Treatment?
Platelets are the clear cells in your blood that can form scabs and clots to aid in the healing process anywhere in your body. Platelet-rich plasma therapy, therefore, harnesses your own platelets’ natural ability to encourage healing and regeneration, in this case in your injured knee.
To create your own PRP treatment, your doctor will first extract a small sample of blood from your arm like a normal blood draw. The blood cells are then processed in a centrifuge, and the platelets are isolated. This process creates blood plasma which is rich in platelets, hence the name “platelet-rich plasma.” Your orthopedic doctor will then inject this solution into your knee.
How Does PRP Work for Knee Pain?
PRP treatment doesn’t necessarily work right away, because the platelets must do their job of targeting your knee injury and starting the healing process. People who experience immediate relief are likely benefiting from the sudden infusion of lubrication from the plasma.
PRP treatment tends to be especially helpful for patients who have mild knee arthritis or advanced knee pain that is not responsive to conventional procedures. After several weeks, you will begin to notice that your knee is more flexible and less painful.
How Do We Know PRP Treatment Works for Knee Arthritis?
Today, researchers are studying how PRP works in treating patients who have knee osteoarthritis. There have been two key clinical studies examining PRP treatment and its effect on knee arthritis:
The first study found that PRP treatment noticeably reduced knee pain and stiffness in participating patients. These participants also reported an overall improvement in their knee function within three months.
The second study involved participants who were suffering from mild knee pain for at least 14 months. After they received PRP treatment, most patients reported decreased pain. These patients also had MRI scans to document any progression or degeneration in the knee, and the researchers observed that knee degeneration did not progress beyond the initial damage when treatment began.
People Who Can Benefit from PRP Treatment
Your doctor may recommend PRP treatment for your knee pain if you fit one or more of these criteria:
- You have a knee injury or knee arthritis.
- Pain relievers do not work anymore for your knee pain.
- You want an alternative or natural method to reduce the inflammation in your knee.
- You want a simple and minimally invasive solution for your knee pain rather than surgery.
What Other Orthopedic Conditions Can PRP Treat?
Your orthopedist can also administer PRP treatment for other musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury in the knee
- Hamstring muscle injuries
- Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
- Arthritis in the shoulder, hip, and spine
- Plantar fasciitis (causing heel pain)
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendonitis
PRP Treatment for Knee Pain in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes
Do not let knee pain get in the way of your quality of life. Our medical team here at Total Orthopaedic Care can evaluate your condition and determine whether you may be a good candidate for PRP treatment – or if something else would work even better to quell your knee pain.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (954) 735-3535 or by filling out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!
