How Long Should You Power Through Pain Before Seeking Medical Help?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong — are you listening? Here’s a pain management specialist’s take on when pain warrants a trip to the doctor’s office.
PRP: A Game-Changing Solution for Arthritis-Related Joint Pain
Are you tired of dealing with chronic joint pain caused by arthritis? Do you feel like you've tried every treatment option and found no relief?
It's time to consider PRP therapy.
This Arthritis Awareness Month, Dr. Raul Lopez and our team at the West Texas Pain Institute in El Paso, Texas, highlight PRP as a game-changing solution for arthritis-related joint pain.
Here's everything you should know about what PRP can do for you.
Getting to know PRP
PRP has gained popularity over the past few years, but despite its advanced methods, it's actually based on fairly old science. Scientists first discovered the healing power of blood back in the early 1840s. Fast forward to today, and everyone from Tiger Woods to your neighbor is reaping the benefits of the innovative pain management technique.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a treatment that uses your own blood to relieve pain by promoting healing and reducing inflammation — all without ever making an incision.
During the procedure, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm, process it in a centrifuge machine to separate the plasma and platelets, and then inject the concentrated solution back into your painful joint.
Why plasma?
Plasma is the liquid part of your blood responsible for carrying nutrients, hormones, and proteins to the areas of your body that need it most, making it the perfect vehicle to deliver a concentration of platelets to your damaged joints.
Why platelets?
Platelets are best known for their blood-clotting capabilities, but they're also rich in growth factors that encourage healing and, most importantly, tissue regeneration.
When injected into a joint, the concentrated platelets work quickly to bring down inflammation, regrow blood vessels, and stimulate the production of new cartilage and other connective tissues. This is especially important for our patients with arthritis who've lost cartilage and are suffering the consequences.
What to expect
PRP therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many joint conditions, including arthritis. In fact, studies have shown that PRP may be more effective than other arthritis treatments, such as corticosteroid injections.
PRP therapy is also a popular choice for active individuals who want to speed up their recovery from joint injuries. By promoting faster healing and tissue regeneration, PRP can help get you back on your feet and back to your favorite activities more quickly than traditional treatment options.
The bottom line
PRP therapy is a revolutionary solution for arthritis-related joint pain that offers a nonsurgical, minimally invasive way to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Don't let this month (or another day) go by without exploring all your options for arthritis pain relief. Call our friendly staff at 915-313-4443 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How Can I Prevent New Compression Fractures After My Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty may have relieved your pain and fortified your spine, but that doesn’t mean bone health can take a back seat. Here are some simple strategies for keeping your vertebrae healthy after your procedure.
Epidural Injections vs. Radiofrequency Ablation: Which Provides Longer Pain Relief?
When chronic pain rules your life, you have the power to reclaim control with two next-level pain treatments. Here’s how epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation stack up against each other and which lasts the longest.
It’s More Than Just Pain: The Lesser-Known Effects of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain isn’t just about aching muscles and joints — it’s a whole health issue that takes its toll on virtually all your body’s systems. Here’s a closer look at the snowball effect of physical pain and how we can help you find relief.
How Often Do Spinal Cord Stimulators Need to be Reprogrammed?
A spinal cord stimulator is a life-changer, but nothing lasts forever. Your SCS needs occasional updates. Here’s when and why you should reprogram your device.
You Don’t Have to Live with Fibromyalgia Pain: You Have Options
Stop spinning your wheels and start getting the answers you’ve been looking for. Our experts have years of experience diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia, and our comprehensive services can help you. Keep reading to learn more.