Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative therapy used to treat a range of orthopedic issues, including arthritis. This new approach is transforming the way arthritis is treated.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Matthew Pifer, MD specializes in biological therapies and offers PRP and stem cell therapy to ease orthopedic pain and slow the progression of conditions like arthritis.
If you’re dealing with arthritis, PRP may be the treatment you’ve been looking for. Keep reading to find out how PRP eases arthritis pain and improves function.
PRP consists of a rich concentration of platelets and growth factors. Platelets are blood cells that play a vital role in healing and tissue regeneration. Platelets release growth factors that send signals to cells, which triggers the healing process. Platelets and growth factors ease pain, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of arthritis.
PRP is created through a simple, in-office process of drawing a blood sample and separating the blood components in a centrifuge. Once done, the concentrated PRP is ready for use. It takes about 30 minutes to draw blood and create the concentrated PRP solution.
Dr. Pifer injects the PRP into the affected joint where it goes to work stimulating healing and tissue regeneration. Injections are performed under image guidance to ensure the precise placement of PRP in the targeted area.
The number of injections varies based on your individualized treatment plan. Many patients with arthritis notice a significant improvement in pain after the first or second treatment with PRP.
Normally when you’re injured the body begins a natural healing process by releasing platelets that travel to the site of injury. Platelets play a crucial role in initiating the healing process. Packed with growth factors, platelets recruit the assistance of stem cells to repair damaged tissues.
PRP uses your body’s natural healing process to enhance your body’s efforts to heal joints damaged by arthritis. Delivering a high concentration of platelets to the damaged joint jump-starts the natural healing process and strengthens the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
By doing so, PRP reduces arthritis pain, and inflammation, and helps to improve the function of the joint.
In some cases, PRP can promote the regeneration of cartilage and increase levels of a major component of connective tissue called hyaluronic acid. PRP may also stimulate the formation of blood vessels in the joints and enhance the nutrients delivered to the damaged joint.
PRP not only relieves pain and eases inflammation, bringing you relief, its characteristics help to prevent arthritis from worsening. It’s a safe, effective treatment that provides lasting results and improves your ability to function and do the things you enjoy.
Patients notice initial improvement quite quickly and gradual, continued improvement as the healing process continues.
Current therapies for arthritis are aimed at reducing joint inflammation. However, these therapies do not stimulate healing or repair damaged joint tissue. PRP is a first-of-its-kind treatment for arthritis.
To learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for PRP, call our knowledgeable team at our Santa Barbara office or book online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pifer. Start improving your arthritis today!
