Joint PRP Therapy: The Treatment that is Restoring Quality of Life to Joint Pain Sufferers
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become an increasingly popular and sought-after treatment for various concerns. From its many age-eradicating treatments to sexual dysfunction, breast augmentation, and urinary incontinence, PRP has proven to be a highly effective and minimally invasive way to restore youth where applied.
With its natural healing properties, PRP therapy also offers a compelling alternative for those dealing with chronic joint issues, acute injuries, and conditions like osteoarthritis. We sat down with Georgia Nadeau, APRN, FNP-BC, a leading functional and regenerative medicine provider at OnePeak Medical’s Talent, Oregon clinic, to learn more about this cutting-edge treatment.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP harnesses natural growth factors found in platelets to regenerate tissue in your body. The procedure involves:
- Drawing a small amount of blood.
- Spinning it for twenty minutes in a centrifuge.
- Separating red blood cells from the plasma and platelets.
This process increases the concentration of platelets found in the blood by three to five times. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the injury site to promote healing.
How PRP Works for Joint Regeneration
The primary appeal of PRP therapy for degenerative conditions lies in its ability to promote healing. When injected into an area, the growth factors in the PRP accelerate tissue regeneration.
“If you have a chronic issue, the body doesn’t see it as a new injury that it needs to heal, so it won’t get better,” said Georgia.
PRP mimics an acute injury and encourages the body to respond as if healing a new wound.
“It creates a scaffolding to help the body treat the area, sending vital cells to regenerate tissue and alleviate pain,” said Georgia.
Many people suffer from joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis, previous injuries, or aging. While traditional treatments often focus on pain relief through anti-inflammatories and steroids, PRP treats the underlying degeneration. It helps restore and increase tissue and cushioning within the joint, ultimately reducing pain and improving overall function.
What Kinds of Issues Does Joint PRP Therapy Address?
PRP therapy is effective for various types of joint pain. Some of the specific conditions that Georgia uses PRP to treat:
Knee Pain: Particularly effective for chronic knee pain, PRP can provide substantial relief unless the joint is severely degenerated (bone-on-bone).
Shoulder and Hip Pain: PRP can be beneficial for treating issues in larger joints, aiding tissue healing, and reducing inflammation.
Tendon Injuries: For sports-related injuries, PRP is known to help heal tendon tears and other associated injuries.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Joint PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is generally recommended for individuals experiencing mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) pain or chronic joint pain from conditions like bursitis, inflammation, or old injuries. However, those with severely advanced osteoarthritis may not find PRP as beneficial due to the lack of tissue available for regeneration. Prior imaging of the joint is necessary to determine the treatment’s appropriateness and to tailor the approach to individual needs.
PRP is not recommended for people who have cancer, a recent fever, low platelet count, anemia, or low hemoglobin. People taking blood thinners must stop a week before and after PRP therapy.
Recovery and Expectations Following PRP Therapy
Georgia shares that patients may experience increased pain shortly after the injection as the body perceives the injection site as an injury. This natural response is a good sign and indicates the body is beginning its repair process. Significant improvements often take 3 to 6 months, although some may notice relief sooner. The number of treatments needed varies, with some requiring only one session and others needing multiple treatments spaced out every six weeks.
By harnessing the body’s innate healing mechanisms, PRP provides a natural and effective option for joint regeneration. If you’re struggling with chronic joint pain or recovering from an injury, consider consulting with one of our providers about the potential benefits of joint PRP therapy. OnePeak Medical is proud to offer this treatment in Talent, Eugene-Coburg, and Roseburg, OR.
If you live in Southern Oregon, Georgia, invites you to schedule an appointment with her directly here.