17 Mar Regenerative Medicine for Pain Relief: How PRP Therapy Works
Regenerative medicine offers exciting possibilities for those struggling with chronic pain. While traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections help many patients, some people are looking for innovative alternatives. Regenerative medicine, specifically platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, has gained attention for its potential to help the body repair damaged tissues naturally.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine uses a combination of growth factors and/or regenerative cells that can help modulate inflammation and provide your body with a more suitable environment to promote healing. Many of these cells and growth factors have been shown to support, repair, or growth/regeneration of bone, cartilage, muscle, marrow, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Instead of simply masking symptoms, these therapies can support the body’s healing ability. PRP therapy is one of the most widely used approaches in pain management today.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
PRP therapy involves using a patient’s own blood to encourage healing. Blood contains platelets rich in growth factors, like proteins, that can help tissues heal and reduce inflammation.
How the PRP Process Works:
- Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is drawn from your body.
- Separation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge, separating the platelets from the other components.
- Injection: The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into the damaged tissue to promote healing.
What PRP Is Used For:
- Tendon and ligament injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries)
- Osteoarthritis in joints like knees and hips
- Muscle strains or chronic soft tissue pain
PRP therapy is typically considered when other treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most patients don’t feel immediate relief after the PRP therapy. Since this treatment works by supporting tissue repair, it can take weeks or even months to notice improvements. The timeline varies depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Is PRP Therapy Safe?
PRP therapy uses the patient’s own cells, which can lower the risk of allergic reactions. However, as with any injection-based procedure, there are potential side effects like swelling, mild discomfort, or infection at the injection site. A pain management specialist will discuss any risks and help determine if you’re a good candidate.
Who Might Benefit from PRP Therapy?
This treatment is often recommended for patients who:
- Have chronic joint, muscle, or ligament pain that hasn’t responded to traditional care
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Are willing to commit to physical therapy and follow-up care as part of the recovery process
Take the Next Step: Talk to a Specialist
If you want to learn more about PRP therapy, a pain management specialist can help evaluate your options.
If you’re in Dallas, Texas and the surrounding DFW Metroplex, and want to learn more about PRP therapy, call 972-316-7270 or schedule an appointment. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the best path to pain relief.