Do you find yourself avoiding activities you once loved because of knee pain? Arthritis can take a serious toll on your mobility—but relief is possible. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses your body’s own healing power to help restore knee function and reduce pain. Let’s explore how PRP injections work and why they might be the right choice for you.
Understanding PRP Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated component of your own blood that contains a high level of platelets and growth factors. These platelets play a crucial role in tissue healing. PRP is created by drawing a small amount of blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the enriched plasma into the affected area.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
The PRP injection process is simple and minimally invasive. It begins with a small blood draw, similar to a routine lab test. The collected blood is then placed in a centrifuge, where it is spun at high speeds to separate and concentrate the platelets. Once the PRP is prepared, it is carefully injected directly into the knee joint. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, and the entire treatment is typically completed within an hour.
Benefits of PRP for Knee Arthritis
PRP therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with knee arthritis, making it a promising alternative to traditional treatments. Many patients experience improved joint function, increased mobility, and longer-lasting relief compared to steroid injections or hyaluronic acid (gel) injections. Because PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, the treatment carries minimal risk of allergic reactions or complications. As a non-surgical option, PRP therapy also helps patients avoid or delay more invasive procedures, such as knee replacement surgery.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP therapy is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate knee arthritis who want to avoid surgery or delay joint replacement. If traditional treatments like medications and physical therapy haven’t provided enough relief, PRP might be your next step toward recovery.
PRP therapy could be the breakthrough you need to move freely again. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Avino, hip and knee replacement specialist, and see how PRP can help you get back to what you love.
AUTHOR: Robert J. Avino M.D. is a board-certified and fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Avino specializes in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement using the minimally invasive direct anterior approach to hip replacement, across Palm Beach County in South Florida.
