Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an amazing regenerative therapy used in pain management to relieve pain, promote healing, and improve overall function. After an initial consultation and a physician’s determination that PRP is a viable and applicable option, the process begins with a sample of the patient’s blood. The sample is centrifuged, which separates it into platelets, plasma, and red and white blood cells. These platelets are then concentrated and mixed with the plasma, thus creating “platelet-rich plasma.” This mixture is injected into the injured cartilage, tendon, or any area of need. The immune system reacts, and special white blood cells called macrophages rush in, taking away the damaged cells. Over time, stem cells and other cells start to multiply and repair damaged tissue. Once the injection is completed, patients can go home immediately, only needing to return for more injections through the healing process.
There are several key advantages of PRP for pain management that make it such an effective and beneficial treatment for pain. First and foremost is the aforementioned ease and immediate relief provided by the injection. Before the patient even leaves the office, there is a marked difference in their pain level and degree of functionality. The quickness of this relief and the absence of associated side effects are essential components of the relative benefits of PRP injections when compared to other, more invasive treatments.
Another distinct benefit of PRP therapy, particularly over other regenerative medicines, is that it entails using the patient’s blood, effectively minimizing the risk of adverse reactions or rejection by the immune system. This, in conjunction with the generally less invasive nature of the treatment, makes PRP especially suitable for candidates who may want to hold off on larger, more invasive, options such as surgery.
The high satisfaction rate of patients who opt for PRP therapy speaks volumes of its efficacy, and the research supports this sentiment. Studies report significant pain reductions in patients who underwent PRP injections across various areas of the body, notably the knees and lower back. Patients saw remarkable increases in terms of pain relief and functional improvement, with no difference in the risk for adverse effects when compared to alternative methods and therapies.
Bearing this in mind, PRP therapy has countless benefits for patients suffering from pain in their ligaments, muscles, etc. These range from the immediacy of its relief to its safety and lack of side effects. The high satisfaction rates of patients, coupled with a strong and ever-growing base of support from research make PRP therapy a treatment that is at the forefront of modern regenerative medicine and one that will play a major role in improving the lives of many for years to come.
Author: Benjamin Klass, MS
References:
Tang JZ, Nie MJ, Zhao JZ, Zhang GC, Zhang Q, Wang B. Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2020 Sep 11;15(1):403. doi: 10.1186/s13018-020-01919-9. PMID: 32912243; PMCID: PMC7488405.
Xuan Z, Yu W, Dou Y, Wang T. Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2020 Nov;81(6):529-534. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1709170. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32438421.
Chen P, Huang L, Ma Y, Zhang D, Zhang X, Zhou J, Ruan A, Wang Q. Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection for knee osteoarthritis: a summary of meta-analyses. J Orthop Surg Res. 2019 Nov 27;14(1):385. doi: 10.1186/s13018-019-1363-y. PMID: 31775816; PMCID: PMC6880602.
