Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Why It’s a Game Changer for Treating Aging Joints
You used to tear across the court with the finesse of Steph Curry. But now you ache just bending over to tie your shoes. Oh, the joys of middle age.
In the United States, an estimated 54.4 million adults have arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness. This is largely due to the cumulative wear and tear our joint surfaces endure over time. As the cushioning cartilage that supports and protects our bones gradually thins and erodes, joints no longer move smoothly.
Fortunately, an all-natural, surgery-free treatment has gained popularity in recent years: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kristofer J. Jones, based in downtown Los Angeles, California, has achieved tremendous success in alleviating joint pain with PRP injections.
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, if you're struggling with discomfort from aging joints, let us explain how PRP therapy might benefit you.
Understanding platelet-rich plasma
Platelet-rich plasma is a biological product derived directly from your own blood. It's composed of two crucial elements: the liquid portion of your blood, known as plasma, and platelets. These tiny cell fragments are vital because they contain special proteins called growth factors.
Platelets are critical in how our bodies heal; they are essential for blood clotting after an injury. The growth factors within them actively support the repair of damaged tissues by stimulating the creation of new tissue and promoting the body's inherent restoration capabilities.
The PRP procedure begins with a small blood sample drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test. This sample is then placed into a specialized device called a centrifuge. This machine spins the blood rapidly, separating the plasma and platelets from other blood components. This process concentrates the platelets and growth factors, preparing them for precise injection into the affected joint.
Relieving joint pain and stiffness with PRP
PRP injections help mitigate inflammation-related damage in several ways. Firstly, the injection creates a localized "micro-injury," which immediately triggers your body's innate healing mechanisms at the discomfort site.
Simultaneously, the concentrated platelets initiate a repair process, encouraging the growth of healthy new tissue. This new tissue can aid in repairing or replacing damaged structures within and around the joint. Furthermore, PRP has been shown to help regulate or even reduce inflammation, providing the joint a better opportunity to heal.
Personalized treatment plans
PRP therapy is highly adaptable. It can be utilized alone or as part of a combined treatment strategy.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting. You might experience some mild tenderness near the injection site, similar to what you'd feel from any injection. We typically recommend limiting certain activities for a few weeks afterward, particularly those that involve significant weight-bearing or repetitive stress on the treated joint.
To explore whether PRP therapy may be right for you, book a consultation with Dr. Jones. Call the office at 424-235-6928, or request an appointment using the online booking tool.