 Thousands of people struggling with joint pain, tendinopathy, and various degenerative conditions have gained considerable relief from PRP therapy by undergoing non-invasive procedures that do not involve the use of medication. Nonetheless, it must be pointed out that not everyone will receive equal gains from the said treatment method. As with any other form of treatment, it is crucial to choose the appropriate candidates to ensure its effectiveness.
If you have considered PRP therapy and wish to ensure that you have made the best decision, here are the seven questions that you should consider asking yourself.
Question 1: Have You Attempted Other Conservative Options?
PRP is usually suggested only after other conservative measures that should have provided sufficient relief prove ineffective. These conservative methods usually consist of physical therapy, modification of activities, weight loss, oral anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes even just one or two shots of cortisone.
If you have attempted all these measures without seeing substantial improvement in terms of reduced pain and disability, then you have come to the right place because it is the right time to give PRP a try. If you haven’t yet undergone physical therapy, your healthcare professional will suggest you do so before or along with PRP.
Question 2: What Stage Is Your Osteoarthritis?
When it comes to diseases such as osteoarthritis, which affects the knee joint, hip joint, or shoulder joint, disease progression is very important. PRP treatment works best for patients who have mild to moderate osteoarthritis, which means there is still some cartilage within the joint. PRP treatment will help to reduce inflammation, prevent further damage, and promote cartilage growth.
For patients with severe osteoarthritis, in which there is almost no joint space left, with bones rubbing together, PRP is not going to do much. Patients will eventually require joint replacement surgery, although PRP might be used before that point to delay surgery.
If you are not sure what grade of osteoarthritis you have, your doctor can evaluate your X-ray or MRI results.
Question 3: Is Your Pain from a Specific, Diagnosable Condition?
In order for PRP therapy to be highly effective, it is important for the practitioner to identify a specific source of pain to apply the injection with precision. PRP therapy can help with the following conditions:
- Â Osteoarthritis of the knee, hips, or shoulder
- Â Partial tear or tendinopathy of the rotator cuffÂ
-  Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Â Achilles tendonitisÂ
- Â Patellar tendinopathy
- Â Hip bursitis
- Â Ligament sprain with continued instability
Pain that is generalized without a clear origin point may not be as easy to treat with PRP injections. Diagnosis comes first.
Question 4: Are You In Good General Health?
Since platelet-rich plasma therapy utilizes the patient’s own blood to facilitate wound healing, the general condition of the blood is a crucial factor. Patients with generally good health, normal platelet functioning, good lifestyle habits, and absence of factors which compromise healing and immune reactions have the highest chances for successful treatment with PRP.
Some medical conditions might pose an obstacle to using this therapy, among those:
- Â Active infection or other systemic illnesses
- Â Blood-related disorders with effect on platelets count/functioning
- Â Presence of cancerous formations
-  Taking anticoagulant medication – consult your doctor about this
-  Unstable diabetes – might hinder the healing process
Question 5: Are You Willing to Temporarily Discontinue Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?
While this is an important and pragmatic question, you need not worry. As NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin interfere with platelets and their function, it is crucial to avoid them for at least five to seven days prior to your PRP shot and two to four weeks after that. Using NSAIDS at the time of your PRP treatment significantly decreases its efficiency.
Should you regularly use NSAIDS to ease pain, your healthcare practitioner will recommend another course of action and suggest suitable substitutes, such as acetaminophen.
Question 6: Are You Looking for a Long-Term Solution or Quick Relief?
Realistic expectations are key. PRP is not a quick solution. The majority of patients tend to show signs of improvement in four to eight weeks from their first dose; it does not happen in days. Sometimes, it takes three to six months before experiencing the full benefits.
If one is suffering from pain and requires urgent relief in a matter of weeks prior to some event or travel, then cortisone might be a better choice as a temporary solution until other methods such as PRP can be considered. If, however, one requires a solution for damage sustained that goes beyond several months, then PRP is ideal for that purpose.
Question 7: Do You Discuss PRP with Your Patients’ Board-Certified Specialists?
This could be the most critical question of all. PRP treatment is a medical procedure that relies heavily on patient selection, injection accuracy, and post-treatment guidance. The preparation of PRP, the accuracy of injection administration, and the personalization of your treatment protocol will all make a significant difference.
At Restore Spine and Pain, PRP is applied by board-certified doctors who specialize in interventional pain management. Our injections are always guided by imaging, meaning the PRP will be injected accurately into the target site. Also, we spend some time assessing whether PRP would be the most effective treatment for your particular problem – or perhaps a different treatment method would better suit your needs.
The Correct Response: If you have answered “yes” to most of these questions, then PRP will probably be an ideal choice for you. And if you have doubts about any of these points, that’s precisely what we will discuss during your initial consultation.
Final Thought
Deciding on a therapy for pain management is an important step to take. You need to take this step with full knowledge and awareness of your expectations from that particular treatment option.
If you would like to consult with one of our specialists regarding PRP therapy, please contact Restore Spine and Pain for a candidacy consultation today.