Breakthrough in Osteoarthritis: Platelet Rich Plasma
22 Feb 2017 8:38 AM – Specialist Sportscare WA
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an osteoarthritis (OA) treatment that has been used for more than 10 years. The treatment is particularly useful for knees, a troublesome area for OA sufferers. Like any relatively new treatment, PRP has been studied closely by industry experts. Fortunately for OA sufferers, more and more studies are reflecting the positive effects of Platelet Rich Plasma.
Today we’re going to provide more information about the process and its benefits. We will also share some insights from independent studies into PRP. These have been completed by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), the Arthroscopy Journal and the Electron Physician Journal.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Our bodies have their own natural healing processes for injury and illness. These processes involve platelet cells. Platelet cells exist in the bloodstream and act as the first responders to any bodily malfunction. They possess growth and healing qualities and attract stem cells to assist in repairs.
PRP provides a higher concentration of platelets in order to amplify the body’s ability to heal. The process works by taking a small sample of a patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge. This rotates at high speeds to separate the platelets. Once the platelets are separated, they are injected back into the body at the point of injury, accelerating the natural healing processes.
Early Benefits
PRP is a very effective treatment for osteoarthritis in its earlier stages. It reduces the inflammation and pain associated with the condition. PRP may also stimulate the regeneration of cartilage, stalling the effects of arthritis. The earlier treatment begins, the better the results will be.
Overall Benefits & Safety
Osteoarthritis patients treated with PRP have demonstrated both reduced pain and increased function. PRP is a very safe procedure with no risk of transmissible infection (as it uses the patient’s own blood). PRP is not a treatment that covers up pain or temporarily dulls it. Rather, it promotes healing and removes both the cause and the symptoms.
2016 Expert Analysis
Like any relatively new treatment, PRP has received a lot of attention and analysis from experts in the field. In 2016, three independent publications all published reviews which concluded that PRP had a better and longer lasting effect compared to other similar treatments.
PRP Treatment Professionals
Treatment for PRP requires specific training. The staff at Specialist Sportscare pride themselves on being one of the few teams in Australia equipped to administer PRP treatment.
If you have pain resulting from osteoarthritis or you have recognised the early warning signs, contact Specialist Sportscare W.A. We will provide expert advice on possible treatment methods such as PRP.
