PRP and Stem Cell Therapy
PRP Therapy PRP therapy is a treatment that injects platelet-rich plasma protein extracted from your own blood which contains growth factors that can naturally stimulate cellular growth back into your body system. During PRP therapy, a small amount of blood is taken and placed in a centrifuge. The blood is spun until it separates and the platelets are removed. Platelets contain growth factors which help the body to repair and regenerate itself. The platelets are injected into the painful area that is affected by arthritis or injury. The area surrounding the injured area is also injected for additional benefits.
Once the area has been injected, your body’s healing process begins. Unlike traditional cortisone injections that mask inflammation, PRP therapy stimulates healing and helps the injured tissue to repair itself. Recovery time is shortened compared to many traditional types of treatments.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a non-surgical approach to treating different types of defects for orthopedic problems. Most of these defects do not necessarily need to undergo surgery with the help of PRP therapy. Injections into injured joints and muscles have shown to be an effective treatment to ease pain and healing of the affected area. The PRP process is not painful and it can be done within 10 minutes.
It is not a temporary solution to your problem; it has a lasting effect on your system. If done properly and it succeeds, you would not have any reason to suffer from the same defect again. PRP stimulates growth, as well as strengthens and feeds the nerve with helpful components. It is a natural means of treatment as the protein is received from your blood and it feeds the impaired area with growth factors. Your body will not react negatively as it cannot reject the protein that was derived from your own blood.
Treating Orthopedic Conditions
Orthopedic patients who suffer from skeletal discomfort as a result of a disorder of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves can find relief with PRP.
Arthritis
Is an inflammation of the cartilage or joints that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. If you are suffering from arthritis or degenerative knee cartilage, injecting PRP into your knee will help minimize friction in the joint, make new cartilages grow thereby reducing your pain.
STEM CELL THERAPY
The Stem Cell Procedure
The orthopedic stem cell treatment is considerably simple and straightforward. The entire process can take a single day, or multiple sessions might be required. In a typical session, the orthopedic surgeon will need to draw bone marrow with a small needle. The stem cells will be extracted from this biological material.
Before the procedure begins, the doctor will provide appropriate medication to numb the area of extraction. The marrow is usually extracted from the pelvis or hip. When the sample is obtained, it is spun down and concentrated. Finally, the stem cells will be injected into the area which required treatment. In general, this therapy can be used to handle different orthopedic problems in the knees, shoulder joints and hips.
The treatment can also be used on an area where you received an injury or a site of former surgical operation. There is minimal discomfort because only a small incision is required for injection. The clinic will provide intravenous sedation to ensure maximum comfort during your treatment. You will be able to leave when the medication wears off and you are fully awake.
Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment
One of the greatest advantages of stem cell injections is that you will experience pain relief after the procedure. If you are currently experiencing joint pain and general stress, this option could help you improve your quality of life. In addition, the reduction of pain means less dependence on analgesic medication.
Stem cell treatment increases the flexibility in the joints. A stem cell injection can increase the function of a joint, making it more flexible and improving the range of motion in the joint. Stem cell therapy helps promote new collagen formation (collagen is a protein found in tissues) and can help regenerate new tissues. In addition, the treatment will promote healing of bones and related structure by jump-starting regeneration. The procedure is relatively fast and simple and can be performed in the office.
Who is a candidate?
Certain conditions are more likely to respond to stem cell treatment. Arthritis is one of those conditions. Osteochondral defects occur when cartilage damage is severe enough to damage the adjacent bone. Tendinosis – tendon injury that damages the tendons at the cellular level – may respond to stem cell therapy. The patient’s age can have an impact on the success of stem cell treatment; older adults generally have fewer stem cells and the cells may have less function. Poor blood supply in the affected area can affect the success of the treatment. Medications can interfere with stem cell development. People with higher levels of physical activity tend to produce better stem cells. Those who have other conditions like diabetes or heart disease, or who have more severe orthopedic problems, may not respond as well to stem cell therapy.
Recovery process
Sometimes a stem cell injection results in a dramatic decrease in pain. While it can be tempting to overdo, it’s important to be careful for the first few weeks to allow healing. Some patients have increased soreness, especially in the area where the bone marrow was aspirated. Most people can resume normal activities immediately, although strenuous exercise should be limited for the first two weeks. Over-the-counter pain medications, heat and/or ice can help relieve any discomfort. Stem cell therapy is a very exciting development for people with joint pain and disability. If you have problems with joint pain or have been diagnosed with a condition like osteoarthritis, contact us to discuss your treatment options. Stem cell therapy may be one of them.
The Cost of the Treatment
Stem cell therapy may be a costly treatment procedure. However, the results of the process are significant and clear. The healing, flexibility and pain relief triggered by the therapy will improve your ability to perform your daily activities with ease. In addition, you will no longer be heavily reliant on pharmaceuticals. You should also note that this treatment is considerably inexpensive in comparison to alternatives like hip or knee replacement.