Top Injections to Relieve Pain and Promote Healing (PRP & Stem Cell Injections)

Posted on: March 21st, 2023 by Our Team

Right on the cutting-edge of treatments for relieving joint pain and promoting healing lay platelet rich plasma and stem cell injections. These treatments are expected to revolutionize the field of orthopedics in the near future.

Stem cell therapy:

What makes stem cells so special is their unique ability to divide and duplicate as well as transform into other types of body cells. This means that stem cells injected into damage cartilage tissue could potentially develop into cartilage cells and cause growth of new cartilage. In the same manner, stem cells could transform into bone cells, tendon cells, or ligament cells as required depending to the type of tissue damage.

Stem cells are usually obtained from the pelvic bone by aspiration using a needle and syringe. The stem cells are then concentrated and re-injected into the body at the injury site. In addition, to transforming into the type of cell required for regeneration of tissue, stem cells are also known to reduce inflammation and release special proteins called cytokines that slow down the progression of degenerative joint disease.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

Platelets are known to be rich in growth factors and play an important role in the healing process. This healing capacity can be harnessed and enhanced by PRP therapy.

During the procedure, a small quantity of blood will be drawn from your arm and placed in a centrifuge machine to obtain platelet-rich plasma. The PRP will then be injected into the site of the injury. The entire procedure should be completed within an hour’s time.

The results of several recently conducted research studies have demonstrated that PRP injections are effective in the management of osteoarthritis-related knee pain and significantly improved joint function at 3, 6, and 12 months after the injection treatment.

Many patients have used PRP and Stem Cell injections to delay or avoid the need for more invasive procedures such as joint replacement. Contact Dr. Ronak Patel to find out if you might be a candidate for these injections.

Dr. Ronak Patel is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon offering a full range of care for all problems of the knee and shoulder with a special interest in complex knee disorders. Book your appointment with Dr. Patel today: (630) 929-2249.