Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Why It's a Game-Changer for Joint Pain

Athletes, active individuals, and those with joint conditions like arthritis now have an innovative treatment option in the form of platelet-rich plasma therapy PRP). This cutting-edge approach enhances and supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

At Hammer Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, orthopedic and sports medicine specialist Brian Hamzavi, MD, provides advanced orthopedic care using innovative approaches. PRP therapy is a novel approach that helps ease joint pain in conditions like arthritis and enhance recovery from joint injuries like tendinitis. 

Platelets: tiny healers circulating in the blood

The platelets that circulate in the blood are known for their crucial involvement in clotting, but they do much more than that. Platelets contain growth factors – substances that promote tissue growth and healing. 

PRP therapy process

Platelet-rich plasma involves creating a concentrated source of platelets from the patient’s blood to harness the healing power of platelets to heal damaged tissue. Dr. Hamzavi takes a sample of your blood and places it in a machine to separate the plasma and platelets, concentrating these components before reinjecting them into the damaged area.

Relieves joint pain 

Years of wear and tear on the joint surfaces are usually the cause of age-related joint pain and stiffness. Your joints move less smoothly when the protective layer of your cartilage deteriorates and thins, which is common in osteoarthritis (OA).

Joint inflammation, which gets worse as cartilage on the joint surface deteriorates, is partially to blame for the pain and stiffness. Because cartilage lacks a blood supply, it can’t heal itself rapidly. The persistent inflammatory process causes more joint tissue damage, discomfort, and stiffness.

PRP injections ease inflammation-related damage in a variety of ways. The injections initially create a micro-injury to start the body's natural healing process at the site of the injury.

These microscopic platelets initiate the healing process at the same time, encouraging the development of new, healthy tissue to replace or repair damaged tissue within and around the joint.  PRP can also help reduce inflammation, which will allow your joint to heal.

Enhances healing after surgery

Many patients are benefiting from choosing to have PRP therapy following orthopedic surgery. Whether you’re planning to have rotator cuff surgery or knee replacement, PRP therapy may help accelerate healing. Our patients are seeing excellent results in the form of less postoperative pain and accelerated recovery. 

Tailored therapy for optimal results

PRP pairs well with other treatments and can be used alone or in combination with complementary therapeutic approaches. Best of all, injections can be repeated to boost joint health and function.

PRP therapy is an in-office, outpatient procedure during which you can expect to remain comfortable throughout. Some tenderness close to the injection site can be expected. 

For a few weeks, Dr. Hamzavi may recommend that you limit your activities. After your PRP therapy session, you’ll want to avoid activities like weight-bearing exercises, as these create added strain on the joint. 

Relieve your joint symptoms with PRP

The emerging field of platelet-rich plasma therapy offers a potentially transformative approach to managing damaged joints. If you’re struggling with joint pain, whether from arthritis or overuse, consider exploring the benefits of PRP therapy.

To learn more about PRP therapy and how it can help relieve your joint pain, call our Palm Bay, Florida, office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hamzavi at Hammer Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine or request an appointment online today.