Prolotherapy & PRP: Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatments
As a medical provider, I've seen how arthritis and chronic pain can significantly impact daily life, making even the simplest activities a challenge. Traditional treatments for arthritis and pain often include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. In my practice, however, I'm excited to offer innovative, non-surgical options from the world of regenerative medicine. Prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are two cutting-edge orthobiologic treatments that have shown immense promise in providing relief from not only arthritis symptoms but also various types of chronic pain. In this article, I'd like to share how I use these treatments in my practice and present recent research findings that showcase their effectiveness.
Prolotherapy: A Simple Solution with Remarkable Results
Prolotherapy, a regenerative medicine technique, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a natural irritant solution (usually dextrose) into the affected joint or area experiencing pain. This simple action jumpstarts the body's natural healing response, promoting the growth of new, healthy tissue in and around the joint or injured area. This process strengthens ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules, reducing pain and increasing joint stability for my arthritis patients, as well as providing pain relief for other types of chronic pain conditions.
Recent research has demonstrated that prolotherapy effectively reduces pain and improves function in patients with knee and thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis [1, 2]. Additionally, prolotherapy has been shown to provide significant relief for patients with chronic low back pain, shoulder pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions [6, 7].
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Tapping into Your Body's Healing Potential
PRP therapy, another orthobiologic treatment, involves taking a small sample of a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the plasma into the affected joint or painful area. The platelets release growth factors that help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. I've seen significant improvements in pain relief and joint function for patients with arthritis, as well as for those experiencing chronic pain from other causes.
Studies have shown that PRP injections effectively reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, and chronic elbow tendinosis, which can be associated with arthritis [3, 4, 5]. PRP therapy has also been found to be beneficial in treating conditions such as plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, and Achilles tendinopathy, providing pain relief and promoting tissue healing [8, 9, 10].
In my practice, I'm committed to providing the best possible care by incorporating regenerative medicine techniques like prolotherapy and PRP therapy. These innovative, non-surgical orthobiologic options offer relief from arthritis pain in various joints and can effectively address a broad range of pain conditions. By reducing pain and improving joint function, these treatments ultimately make daily life easier and more enjoyable for those suffering from arthritis and chronic pain.
In health,
Dr. Borys
References:
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Shen, L., et al. (2017). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 12(1), 16.
Sánchez, M., et al.(2016). Rheumatology, 55(1), 144-150. 5. Di Sante, L., et al. (2015). Journal of Ultrasound, 18(4), 317-324.
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Hauser, R.A., et al. (2010). Practical Pain Management, 10(2), 76-86.
Mahindra, P., et al. (2016). Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 7(Suppl 2), 193-197.
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Deans, V.M., et al. (2016). The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(3), 702-710.