PRP: A Game-Changer for Treating Arthritis

Whether you limp out of bed because of stiff knees or feel shoulder pain every time you reach into a cabinet, arthritis can impede the simplest daily tasks. 

If traditional treatments haven't provided relief, and you’re eager to avoid surgery, Platelet-rich plasma therapy( PRP) could be the answer. This popular form of regenerative medicine uses a concentration of healing platelets from your own blood to calm joint inflammation and promote tissue repair exactly where you need it.

Our medical team at Garden State Pain Management & Orthopedics offers personalized PRP treatment at our five New Jersey offices in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, Hazlet, and West Orange.

Read on as our experts break down how this all-natural therapy works.

How PRP therapy targets arthritis pain

Your blood contains red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets are rich in growth factors, which are proteins that help your body heal from injuries.

During a PRP treatment, we take a small sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, creating a highly concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution.

Your provider then injects this concentrated solution directly into your affected joint.

Benefits of this approach include:

• Reducing joint inflammation that drives ongoing pain
• Slowing down the breakdown of the remaining joint cartilage
• Stimulating natural lubricating fluids inside the joint space
• Improving overall flexibility and range of motion over time

Because the injection uses your own blood, the procedure carries a very low risk of allergic reaction or adverse side effects.

Who is a candidate for PRP joint injections?

PRP works well for many patients living with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

You might benefit from PRP if:

• You have persistent knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle joint pain
• Steroid injections only offer temporary relief or have stopped working for you
• You want to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery
• Over-the-counter pain medications upset your stomach or don't relieve your stiffness
• You want a non-surgical option that supports active recovery

Our specialists evaluate your joint health through exams and diagnostic imaging to determine whether PRP is right for you.

What to expect during your appointment

PRP therapy is a simple outpatient procedure that usually takes under an hour.

Here is what happens during your visit:

• We draw a small amount of blood from your arm, just like a routine blood test
• We process the sample in our centrifuge to concentrate the platelets
• We numb the target joint area to keep you completely comfortable
• We use imaging guidance to precisely place the injection in the damaged tissue.
•  You rest for a few minutes before heading home, with clear post-care steps in place.

You might feel mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two as the natural healing process starts. Most patients notice steady improvements in joint comfort and mobility within a few weeks as inflammation cools down.

Tired of arthritis pain? Learn if PRP is right for you. Contact the location closest to you today.  We have five New Jersey offices in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, Hazlet, and West Orange.