Platelet-Rich Plasma Joint Injections – What You Need To Know - Dr. Naveen Bhadauria | Private Rheumatologist Consultant In London

Platelet-Rich Plasma Joint Injections – What You Need To Know

Platelet-Rich Plasma joint injections, also known as PRP therapy, are becoming an increasingly popular treatment solution for joint pain and problems. With many patients looking to avoid invasive surgery, PRP therapy focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. So how do Platelet-Rick Plasma joint injections actually work?

Relieving joint pain

Pain in and around joints can affect an individual’s quality of life, sleep and cause pain elsewhere in the body. Some may notice their joints are particularly stiff in the morning or find it difficult to straighten, bend or twist the joint. Sometimes the pain causes sciatica, or trapped nerves, which causes pain, numbness and discomfort. Fortunately, joint pain isn’t something you have to suffer with. Treatments such as Platelet-Rick Plasma joint injections can really help to alleviate the symptoms and improve joint mobility and function.

What are Platelet-Rich Plasma joint injections?

This type of therapy uses the natural healing properties that the body already has in order to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. The injections use a dose of the patient’s own blood. This dosage includes a concentrated number of platelets which are known to accelerate healing and plasma, which contains thrombocytes, which are the cells which help with growth healing functions.

How does PRP therapy work?

To begin the treatment, a couple of tubes of blood need to be taken from the patient. This is minimal and over in just a few minutes. Then the blood runs through a centrifuge system to create a concentration of the necessary platelets. The activated platelets are then injected by the practitioner directly into the joint that has pain.

As a result, the platelets and plasma begin to release growth factors that kick-start the healing process in the cell. Furthermore, the injections increase the number of reparative cells in the body too.

What are the benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma joint injections?

Studies have should that PRP therapy can significantly help to reduce joint pain and improve joint function and mobility. Furthermore, this type of treatment reduces the need for medication that the body may struggle to tolerate, such as opioids or anti-inflammatories.

As the injections are made up from the body’s own natural resources, the body will not reject them, creating a safe treatment for the joint. This is an ideal treatment for individuals who prefer a more natural treatment method that is kinder to the body.