Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Can Help Ease Joint Pain for Good

Whether it’s arthritis, osteoporosis, or gout, living with a joint disorder means living with pain. These conditions are very tricky to treat and can adversely affect your quality of life. NSAIDs, physical therapy, exercise, and rest are among the tried and true treatments for joint pain, but they’re not your only option. Here, we’ll explain how Dr. Levinstein can use Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy to ease your joint pain for good. 

What Causes Joint Pain? 

Joint pain is a very common ailment affecting millions of Americans. One in four adults in the US reported experiencing severe joint pain related to arthritis. Age, weight, injuries, fatigue, and medical conditions all contribute to joint pain. The pain could range from mild to severe and may affect your daily activities.

There are many reasons why your joints ache but the most common causes of joint problems are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that arises when the cartilage between two joints is worn down due to wear and tear on your joint over time. As a result, the bones in the joint rub together, causing pain and inflammation in the area.

Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the linings in your joints, leading to inflammation or swelling. Other causes of joint pain include osteoporosis, bursitis, gout, tendonitis, and infections. 

Whatever the cause of your joint pain, you should seek professional help when the pain starts reducing your quality of life. 

How Can PRP Help with Joint Pain? 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine that contains high concentrations of platelets and growth factors drawn from the patient’s own blood. It has a variety of applications including reducing skin blemishes such as acne scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. PRP is also used as a minimally invasive treatment for hair loss. 

PRP takes advantage of your body’s natural healing ability. The high concentrations of platelets and powerful growth factors in PRP injections help to regrow and regenerate damaged tissue. When injected into the affected joint, the growth factors immediately start to rebuild the damaged tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.

The goal is not only to relieve symptoms but to heal the affected joint for good. In some cases, PRP may reduce or even prevent the need for medication and surgery. Ultrasound or X-ray guidance is utilized for precise placement at the injury site. 

PRP has a fairly quick downtime and is performed as an outpatient procedure at our facility with a local anesthetic. As PRP is prepared from the patient’s blood, the risk of reaction is low. Pain relief typically starts to occur within three to four weeks after the injection. 

Start Your Journey to A Pain-Free Life

Why live with pain when you can live pain-free? If you’re suffering from body aches and pains, schedule a consultation with our interventional and anti-aging specialist, Dr. Levinstein. 

Whether you are suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and degenerative spinal and joint disorders, Regen Doctors is here to help you alleviate the pain. We serve patients all over Pennsylvania including Allentown, Bethlehem, Northampton, Lansdale, Easton, Pottstown, Phillipsburg, and more.