PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY

Non-surgical, innovative, and effective treatment for chronic knee pain

People who endure chronic knee pain can at last get relief from an advanced, non-surgical and safe procedure. It’s called Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, and it utilizes platelets from the person`s own blood to induce healing and regeneration; it attempts to take advantage of the blood’s natural healing properties to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or even bone.

Worldwide, a steadily-growing number of people are turning to PRP therapy to treat an expanding list of orthopedic conditions, including osteoarthritis. It is most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, but may be used on other joints as well.

When treating osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma, the attending orthopedic doctor injects PRP directly into the affected joint. The goal is to:

• Reduce pain
• Improve joint function
• Possibly slow down, stop, or even repair damage to cartilage

Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a sample of your own blood. The therapeutic injections contain plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than is found in normal blood.

What is plasma?

Plasma refers to the liquid component of blood; it is the medium for red and white blood cells and other material traveling in the blood stream. Plasma is mostly water but also includes proteins, nutrients, glucose, and antibodies, among other components.

What are platelets?

Like red and white blood cells, platelets are a normal component of blood. Platelets alone do not have any restorative or healing properties; rather, they secrete substances called growth factors and other proteins that regulate cell division, stimulate tissue regeneration, and promote healing.

How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Help Heal Your tissue?

• The body’s first response to soft tissue injury is to deliver platelet cells
• Packed with growth and healing factors, platelets initiate repair and attract the critical assistance of stem cells
• PRP’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets directly into the area in need
• To create PRP, a small sample of your blood is drawn (similar to a lab test sample) and placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speeds, separating the platelets from the other components. The process produces higher concentrations of platelets and a much more pure concentration of the beneficial blood components. It is then injected into and around the point of injury, jump-starting and significantly strengthening the healing process
• Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection and a low risk of allergic reaction

The procedure is typically performed safely in in the outpatient clinic setting. PRP therapy relieves pain without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, hospital stays, and without a prolonged period of recovery. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.

Will PRP Therapy Help You Avoid Surgery?

With any treatment option the outcome and sustained results are highly dependent on the extent of the injury. For example in the case of mild arthritis, PRP could potentially prevent the development of further degeneration. However, in advanced arthritic degeneration the goal of the treatment is to minimize pain and improve function. With proper selection of candidates for a successful PRP treatment, so many patients could be avoiding surgery such as joint replacements.

Is PRP Therapy Right for You?

Living with acute or chronic knee pain is a daily struggle and finding relief can be challenging. We are here for you. Our highly skilled Pain Management Experts can effectively diagnose your pain and offer you the best appropriate treatment modality, tailored specifically for your specific health needs. The PRP procedure may be the best treatment option for you. Stop letting pain run your life and get started by checking if you’re a PRP candidate today!

Prof. Gerald Zimmermann

Orthopedic Surgeon
Head of Orthopedic Department

German Medical Centre