In the realm of medical breakthroughs, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a game-changer for people grappling with knee osteoarthritis. This revolutionary therapy has provided solace to thousands, reducing or even eliminating debilitating knee pain. This knee arthritis treatment allows patients to reclaim their lives.
The dedicated team at Reflex Knee Specialists offers PRP treatment to help ailing patients suffering from knee OA, as well as a range of other knee issues, at our knee clinics in Portland, OR, Bellevue, WA, and Tempe, AZ. Here, we dive deeper into what PRP is and how it’s helping so many with OA of the knee live fulfilling lives.
What Is PRP?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative joint disease of the knee characterized by chronic inflammation which causes the cartilage in the joint to break down. This condition is very common: about 13% of women and 10% of men aged 60 and older suffer from symptomatic knee OA. The primary risk factors of developing OA include a prior injury, aging, obesity, and genetic predisposition. As levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in the joint (synovial) fluid rise, damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues accelerates. In its early stages, knee OA symptoms are absent or very mild, such as stiffness or mild discomfort following certain activities. Since this is a chronic and progressive process, symptoms worsen over time, leading to debilitating pain and disability. Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that there are several non-surgical treatments that can relieve symptoms and slow the progression and prolong the life of the joint.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine. It’s unique because it uses a concentrated dose of platelets from a patient’s blood sample to reduce inflammation and pain. Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood and makes up about 55% of blood volume in the human body. It is composed of 200 million or more platelets per microliter. These platelets contain growth factor proteins that help significantly reduce inflammation and support tissue recovery.
It’s important to note that not all PRP treatment is created equal. The experts at Reflex Knee Specialists recognize the crucial difference lies in the purity of the PRP solution. By eliminating 100% of red blood cells (RBCs) and 99% of white blood cells (WBCs), we were the first clinic in the U.S. to start using this superior PRP system. This meticulous process of cell separation ensures patients receive the most effective PRP treatment possible, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions and maximizing the potential for positive outcomes.
PRP Effectiveness
The results speak volumes. Over 80% of patients treated with this advanced PRP system at Reflex Knee Specialists have reported remarkably positive responses. For those burdened by knee osteoarthritis, this therapy signifies more than just pain relief; it represents a renewed sense of hope and the prospect of a more active, fulfilling life.
In addition to positive outcomes and improved cushioning, lubrication, and mobility of the knee joint, many patients prefer PRP treatment because of its several advantages, such as:
- Natural treatment: PRP offers patients a more natural solution to knee OA. There’s no risk of an adverse immune response because it uses a patient’s own blood cells.
- Non-invasive options: Many procedures that treat knee OA, such as surgery, require invasive measures. PRP injection treatment is much less invasive.
- Supporting evidence: Research shows PRP is better at relieving knee pain than other treatments, including hyaluronic acid injections.
Learn More About PRP Treatment
In a world where mobility is key to independence and quality of life, the strides made in PRP therapy stand as a testament to human ingenuity. The experienced team at Reflex Knee Specialists is pleased to offer PRP therapy to patients in Portland, OR, Bellevue, WA, and Tempe, AZ. This advanced treatment alleviates symptoms brought on by several knee conditions, such as:
- Torn meniscus
- Tendons and ligament knee injuries
- Chronic knee pain from overuse or past injury
- Hoffa Impingement Syndrome
- OA of the knee
Additionally, to better accommodate patients and provide them with the care they need, our healthcare providers can perform a full lineup of effective treatments. To learn more about the PRP difference or our other affordable knee treatments available, contact us today at Reflex Knee Specialists.