Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy is relatively new in the United States, but if you suffer from knee pain, you should contact a PRP knee pain treatment doctor. PRP Therapy uses a concentration of a patient’s own platelets and growth factors applied by injection to an injured or damaged area. The platelets and growth factors play a significant role in healing and regenerating tissues.
PRP treatments also contain other cell components that can work together to promote healing and tissue growth. A therapeutic PRP dose delivers 4-6 times the platelet concentration found in normal blood. Concentrating the components is the mechanism responsible for healing when the platelet-rich plasma is injected into compromised tissue.
How can a PRP knee pain treatment doctor help you?
PRP Therapy instead of surgery: PRP Therapy is a much less invasive option which could provide long-term relief. Compared to surgery, PRP Therapy may offer a reduced risk of infection, less need for potentially harmful drugs, a shorter recovery period, and even maybe a lower out-of-pocket cost.
PRP Therapy instead of steroid injections: Steroid injections are only a temporary solution, and some patients say the rebound pain is worse than the original discomfort. Additionally, frequent steroid injections may weaken the tissues in the treated area. PRP Therapy offers factors that heal and regenerate the injured area and may possibly be a permanent solution. An Olney PRP knee pain treatment doctor can go over the benefits with you.
PRP Therapy instead of NSAIDs: PRP Therapy can provide a drug-free option. Side effects of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may include:
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach ulcers
- Increased tendency to bleed
- High blood pressure.
- Headaches and dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Liver or kidney problems
- Allergic reactions
Moreover, NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if the patient has heart disease or other risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
However, even people who have no heart disease or risk factors can still have an increased chance of heart attack or stroke when taking NSAIDs. Heart problems caused by NSAIDs may happen within the first few weeks of use or may occur more frequently with higher doses and with long-term use.
What Should I Expect from the PRP Treatment Process?
You’ll have an initial consultation with a PRP knee pain treatment doctor in Olney to determine if you are a candidate for PRP Therapy. Once an affirmative determination is made, your procedure will be scheduled for another day.
PRP Therapy is an outpatient treatment that takes about an hour and is performed in the doctor’s office. Your own platelet-enriched plasma is produced and injected into the treatment site, guided by imaging such as an ultrasound to ensure optimal placement.
The injection aims to induce localized inflammation, which causes pain. Injection site swelling and redness are typical and can last up to 2 days. Activity may be temporarily restricted, but you should be able to return to your normal activities in short order. Healing typically happens over the course of the next six weeks and can last anywhere from six months to a lifetime.
To learn if PRP therapy is something you should consider, contact an expert wellness center. The practitioners can answer your questions about PRP therapy.