Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage acting as a cushion at the end of bones wears down. But, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, where the body's own immune system attacks healthy cells, causing painful swelling. Both affect the joints. And, both respond positively to PRP therapy.
PRP Therapy:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical procedure that uses the human body’s natural healing ability to repair itself and is used to treat knee pain, joint pain and in arthritis treatment. It is considered an alternative to surgery.
A small amount of the person’s blood is taken, then the platelets are concentrated in a centrifuge. A local anaesthetic is applied to the affected area, and the concentrate is injected there. The aim here is to increase the growth factors like bio proteins or hormones, thereby stimulating and speeding up the healing process.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):
PRP is that part of the human blood, consisting of proteins, which helps in the formation of blood clots, helping the healing process. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood consisting of water and acts as a channel for the red and white blood cells, and the platelets, to circulate through the body. Platelets are the actual blood cells that help in growth and clot formation.
Importance of PRP therapy:
- * Helps in treatment of chronic pain and unresponsive injuries - because it is applied to the injured part, the response time is very quick and efficient.
- * Reduced usage of anti-inflammatory and pain reduction medication.
- * Extremely limited side effects; because the patient’s own blood is used.
- * Low chances of rejection by the body.
- * The procedure can be completed in one or two consultations.
- * Leaves no scar tissue, has little to no pain and results in fast recovery.
But, one should always consult with specialists, like Regencare. Based in Kochi, they are a specialty health centre focussing on orthopaedics and dermatology, with their patented PRP therapy called Orthogen P, being used successfully in both fields. Their motto is “Stay Healthy, Stay Natural.”
