Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy are two regenerative medicine treatments designed to help the body heal naturally, as well as boost recovery. The two are similar in that they are minimally invasive and use components found naturally in the body. However, there are considerable differences between the two.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are undefined cells that can be given a specialized purpose. There are a limited number of stem cells in every person. They are taken from the adipose tissue or bone marrow of the patient who needs treatment. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate and become the cells the body needs. Stem cells are the building blocks of organs and tissues. They can form into muscle cells, nerve cells, blood cells, and liver cells.
Stem cells can be administered intravenously to the site of an injury and begin the regrowth and healing process. Stem cell therapy has been used to treat disease, orthopedic conditions, and traumatic injuries for several years.
PRP Therapy
PRP therapy involves the use of platelet-rich plasma, which contains highly concentrated platelets. This is obtained by taking a sample of a patient’s blood, and separating the components of the blood to isolate the plasma using a centrifuge. Then, the platelet-rich plasma is reintroduced into the body, directly into the treatment site via injection.
The earliest beneficiaries of PRP therapy were athletes with sports injuries who had to return to their sport as quickly as possible. Due to the success of the treatment in athletes, PRP therapy became readily available to all types of patients soon after. PRP therapy is a great way to heal acute injuries. It is also a great treatment to accelerate healing after surgery, so the recovery period can be shortened.
Platelet-rich plasma contains vast amounts of growth factors that stimulate the body’s healing process. You may be familiar with platelets for their role in the clotting process. When injected into the site of an acute injury, the healing process is triggered to begin repairs. Reduced pain and inflammation, as well as faster injury healing are just some of the benefits of PRP therapy. It is often used for the treatment of sprains and strains, tendon injuries, and osteoarthritis. Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy may be used in conjunction for chronic injuries and spine conditions. They both work to regenerate tissue that’s damaged or injured.
If you are an athlete – amateur or professional – or a physically active person who suffered an injury, PRP therapy may be able to accelerate your healing. Talk to a doctor today to see if you qualify.
PRP Therapy in Delaware
At Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers, our specialists offer PRP therapy to eligible patients who are recovering from an injury. We use PRP injections to treat bursitis, cartilage injuries, partial rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears, overuse injuries, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and knee injuries. Our team of compassionate medical professionals and staff make the whole experience as positive and comfortable as possible.
Many of our patients are able to delay or avoid surgery with the help of our individualized treatment programs that include interventional pain management procedures. If you have any questions about PRP therapy or would like to schedule a consultation, call our clinic nearest you or use our online appointment request form.
