What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from a patient's own blood. A sample is spun in a centrifuge to isolate platelets — the cells central to soft tissue healing — which are then injected into an arthritic joint. The treatment can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Slow osteoarthritis progression
- Stimulate new cartilage formation
- Lubricate joints to ease friction
- Alter pain receptors in some patients
The Science Behind PRP
A 2013 study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine tracked osteoarthritis patients who received a single PRP injection per knee. After one year:
- Most reported less pain than before treatment
- Most knees showed no signs of further degeneration
This is notable because arthritis can cause patients to lose between 4 and 6 percent of cartilage annually. A separate 2013 CDC study found that one or two PRP injections reduced pain and improved knee function after three months, while placebo recipients worsened.
Some studies have shown no effect, which Metro Pain attributes to differing platelet concentrations or preparation methods. The practice uses high platelet concentrations to maximize outcomes.
The Treatment Process
PRP at Metro Pain is minimally invasive. A standard blood draw is processed via centrifuge, and the resulting PRP is injected into the affected joint. The entire procedure takes roughly one hour, with no recovery downtime.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with low risk
- Reduces medication dependence
- May halt arthritis progression
- Can delay or eliminate surgery
Results Timeline
Patients typically notice improvement between six and twelve weeks post-injection. Some require only one treatment; others may need up to three. Because platelets come from the patient's own body, complication risk is very low.