Joint diseases cause so much torment that medical science is constantly trying to find a new way to alleviate the condition of such patients. In this article, we will talk about the use of a method such as PRP therapy in joint treatment. Reviews about PRP therapy for joint treatment will be considered in this article.
What it is?
The term PRP can be deciphered as platelet rich plasma. Doctors say that this is the latest technology that helps restore the normal functioning of joints, muscles and tendons using their own plasma enriched with platelets. The presence of growth factors in the plasma stimulates the recovery and healing of damaged tissues. The use of PRP-therapy for joints allows one to “wake up” the cells of cartilage tissue, as a result of which microtraumas, cracks heal faster and the bone structure is restored.
Procedure Technology
First, the patient donates blood (about 20 ml), which is placed in a special container that has a special shape that resembles an hourglass. This helps to separate the blood into three parts during centrifugation: red blood cells and fibrin, plasma from which platelets are removed, and also a suspension with a high concentration of platelets and a small amount of plasma. The specific device of the tube promotes the release of fluid with platelets in the narrowed part. Then the drug is collected in a test tube, without mixing it with other components. As a result, 1.5-1.8 ml of plasma with platelets is obtained from donated blood.
PRP therapy for the knee joint is now very popular.
Regeneration of the body is possible only if a suspension with a platelet concentration increased by 7-10 times is introduced into the right place. The resulting composition is injected into a sore muscle or joint. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia. In this case, it is the platelet concentration that is important, and not the amount of the drug. PRP therapy is carried out by an orthopedic traumatologist. In order for the administration of the drug to be more accurate, the injection can be combined with the use of ultrasound examination of the affected tissue or joint. As a rule, to improve the condition, it is necessary to carry out from two to five procedures, with a break between them per week. It should be said that after the injection it is necessary to refrain from taking anti-inflammatory drugs for a week. Reviews of PRP therapy for joint treatment are mostly positive.
Preparation for the procedure
As general recommendations before the procedure, doctors usually prescribe:
- stop taking medications that affect blood coagulation and are taken to prevent heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, etc. This must be done at least 14 days before the expected date of the procedure. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that aspirin also belongs to this group of medications;
- patients with a history of anemia or other blood pathologies, as well as abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, should warn about these pathologies of the orthopedic traumatologist;
- refusal from alcohol and tobacco smoking a day before the procedure;
- increase the intake of foods high in vitamin C, which is the basis for the synthesis of ascorbic acid in the body. Such products include currants, fresh rose hips, Brussels sprouts, dill, parsley, green bell pepper, kiwi, lemon, etc.
The essence of PRP therapy for joint treatment
The essence of this method is based on the regenerative ability of platelets, which are a special type of cell. Blood mainly consists of 93% red blood cells, in addition to them there is a certain number of platelets (6%), white blood cells (1%) and plasma. Platelets are responsible for the ability of blood to coagulate and, accordingly, stop bleeding. And besides this, they contribute to the rapid restoration of tissues. For example, with a cut on a finger, the body directs a lot of platelets to the site of the lesion. With their help, the cut site is self-healing, the wound is healed. The fact is that platelets produce special substances that promote recovery, they are also called "growth factors." They are of several types, and each of them is responsible for a certain site. As a result of the action of these substances, the number of stem cells increases, which accelerate the recovery process and are subsequently converted to the desired tissue.
The combination of platelets with useful substances gives a very effective result, in which the damage heals faster and the wounded areas recover faster, and the body's natural regenerative capabilities increase. This means that a person needs much less time to recover, and he can quickly return to his usual way of life. Reviews of PRP therapy for joint treatment are abundant.
Indications for the use of PRP-therapy
This treatment method is used when the ligaments (ligamentitis) and tendons (tendonitis) are inflamed. In addition, indications for the use of PRP therapy are the presence of tears, partial tears and sprains, tendons and muscles. As well as other disorders, diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system (epicondylitis, shoulder-scapular periarthritis, plantar fasciitis of the heel spur, etc.). Experts recommend this method for athletes with "overtraining" syndrome and sports injuries. To ensure a more successful rehabilitation after surgical interventions, doctors are increasingly turning to this procedure. Separately, it is necessary to say about various types of arthrosis and arthritis - this method is sometimes the only way to alleviate the patient's condition. Who does not recommend PRP therapy for joint treatment?
Contraindications
With all the safety and effectiveness of this procedure, there are still contraindications. For example, it is not prescribed for patients with blood poisoning, violation of homeostasis, cancer and infections of the skin.
Hip PRP Reviews
Reviews of patients receiving such treatment are mostly positive. Many patients say that the procedure is not painful, even without the use of anesthesia, and that improvement occurs after a full course of injections. Patients note that pain in the joints passes, their mobility increases, cartilage is restored, and fluid in the joint begins to form. The effect persists for a long period of time.
What are the reviews for PRP therapy for the knee?
To maintain the therapeutic effect, doctors recommend undergoing such treatment at least twice a year. Some patients consider the procedure rather painful, and insist on anesthesia, however, there are practically no other complaints, except for the high cost of the procedure itself (up to 9,000 rubles per injection). It should be noted that the degree of pain can vary greatly depending on the area of application.
For example, injections into the joint are practically not felt, but injections of tendons are already more painful. No one says that therapy does not help, improvements still occur. Even patients whose condition was quite serious with impaired mobility, noted the onset of significant improvements after the procedure. Patients gain the ability to move independently, at least within the premises, and can do without painkillers. Reviews of PRP therapy for joints do not end there.
Pain in the joints during movement can persist, but not as severe as before. In the majority, of course, patients want to avoid surgery, and with this procedure very many manage to do it. According to experts who use PRP-therapy methods in the treatment of their patients, this is an excellent alternative to conservative treatment, and the timely use of this procedure helps to avoid surgical intervention. In addition, doctors note a positive effect for the body as a whole after the use of plasmolifting.
What are the other pluses?
The pluses are that this treatment cannot cause allergies, since the injected substance is prepared from the biomaterial of the patient himself, and the drug load on the body is also reduced. An exception to the overall positive picture is the use of this method on the hip joints. According to doctors, here the results are much more modest than when used in other parts of the body.
We reviewed reviews of PRP therapy for joint treatment.