How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Help Relieve Joint Pain?

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Expert Author
Dr. Elena Morreale Chiropractor Tampa, FL

Dr. Elena Morreale is a Chiropractor practicing in Tampa, FL. Dr. Morreale specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain,... more

If you are familiar with the world of regenerative medicine, then you have probably heard the term PRP. PRP stands for Platelet-rich plasma therapy, and it is well known for relieving countless maladies, in particular… joint pain! How exactly does it do this? I am glad you asked. Let us take a closer look.

Platelet-Rich Plasma contains a high concentration of naturally occurring growth factors in your blood. Once injected into the troubled area, the growth factors begin repairing damaged tissue by stimulating the formation of new cartilage.

The PRP also controls inflammation in the local area, allowing an increase in the natural production of lubricating fluid in the joint. This increase in lubricating fluid eases painful joint friction and ultimately lowers the level of pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma also contains certain proteins that modify a patient’s pain receptors, which reduces the sensation of pain.

About the Procedure

The procedure is a relatively easy and short process.

The doctor will draw a small amount of your blood. Then using a centrifuge machine, the blood is spun and separated from the platelets.

The ensuing platelet-rich plasma is then separated and injected into the problematic area.

PRP injections have great healing effects due to the high presence of growth factors that are pivotal in repairing damaged tissue and reducing inflammation in the body.

Since the platelets are obtained from the patient’s blood, the risk of rejection is significantly minimized.

The entire procedure involves little downtime and is safe. Most patients find relief within 3-4 weeks after treatment and have sustained comfort even after only one treatment.

Causes of Joint Pain

Despite there being numerous symptoms of joint pain, there are generally only two components to the actual cause of Joint pain. These components are disease and/or damage to the joint.

The most common diseases associated with joint pain include:

Some of the more common activities that can damage the joints are:

  • Sports injuries
  • Exercise/weightlifting/running
  • Falling
  • Accidents, car accidents
  • Doing the same movement over and over again repeatedly

Whatever the source of your joint pain, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a non-invasive alternative to surgery and prescription drugs. Surgery should always be the last recourse when weighing out your options. Traditional pain medications mask the pain for an abbreviated amount of time.

Once they wear off, the pain returns, sometimes with a fury. Not to mention that most pain-treating medications typically have an addictive ingredient in them that can result in many unwanted side effects. PRP harnesses the human body’s ability to heal itself and focuses that natural response on the targeted area.

If you want to learn more about PRP and see if it is the right treatment for you? Please give us a call at 813-968-5404.