Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease affecting the synovial joint, resulting in the loss the protective cartilage layer at the end of the 2 bones forming the joint. Some of these changes, however, may be reversed by the use of single or combined growth factors. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is being used as an alternative to invasive surgery for those that are suffering from osteoarthritis.
According to the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine a study by researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery has shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) holds great promise for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment improved pain and function, and in up to 73% of patients, appeared to delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes pain and joint stiffness and impacts over 27 million Americans and is also a leading cause of disability. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overall osteoarthritis affects 13.9% of adults aged 25 and older and 33.6% of those older than 65. The onset of this progressive disease is gradual and usually begins after the age of 40.
The therapeutic potential of plasma rich plasma therapy, allows for cells in your own body such as chondrocytes, synoviocytes, macrophages, and mesenchymal stem cells, to grow at a faster rate, thanks to growth factors, to help rebuild the cartilage within the synovial joint. The cartilage acts as a protective layer, which prevents the 2 bones in the joint from contacting each other. As a result, this reduces pain and improves the overall range of motion of the joint.
If you or a loved one is suffering from Osteoarthritis you are not alone. Osteoarthritis has affected millions of Americans, including disco queen Gloria Gaynor and figure skating legend Dorothy Hamill. If you are tired of being in pain from your osteoarthritis contact Dr. Benjamin Bieber of Howard Beach for more information regarding your options of treatment using Regenerative Medicine. At Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation you will find many non-surgical orthopedic treatments that work together to get you back to your maximum health.