PRP for Arthritis by a Sports Medicine Doctor/Physician near Beaconsfield

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses your own blood, which has natural healing properties, to repair damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and even bone. Although this is a newer practice and not considered standard yet, the popularity of PRP is increasing as we realise the risks of corticosteroids to joint cartilage. PRP is most popular for treating osteoarthritis of the knee and other joints.

To treat arthritis with PRP, a sports physician near Beaconsfield must inject the PRP directly into the affected joint. This can improve joint function and reduce pain.

PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood. The plasma contained within the therapeutic injections contains more platelets than are found in normal blood. Plasma is the liquid part of blood; this is what red and white blood cells are transported in. It is mostly water, but it also includes nutrients, glucose, proteins, antibodies, and other components. Platelets are small sticky cells in the blood that have growth factors on their membranes. These growth factors are activated when they come into contact with connective tissue, such as the cartilage in your joints. When these growth factors, along with other proteins are activated, they stimulate tissue regeneration, regulate cell division, and encourage healing.

How Does PRP Work?

Although PRP is, by definition, platelet-rich, there is no universal medical definition for exactly what that means. Therefore, variations occur in PRP depending on factors such as the characteristics of the patients’ blood (i.e. the number of platelets it contains), how the blood sample is processed (whether it is filtered or centrifuged), and whether the sports doctor near Beaconsfield administering the PRP uses any additives.

Exactly how PRP composition affects how well it works is not entirely understood. It’s also unclear exactly why the therapy alleviates certain symptoms. However, doctors who use PRP believe that it might inhibit inflammation, contain proteins that reduce pain sensation by altering pain receptors or increase the production of the joint’s natural lubricating fluid. It’s possible that PRP does all these things or none of them; research continues, but one thing is clear: PRP does appear to provide many patients with significant relief.

Do You Need a Sports Medicine Physician near Beaconsfield?

If you’re looking for a sports medicine doctor near Beaconsfield, ask your GP for a referral to MP Sports Physicians. For 12 years, we have been seeing patients of all ages and with a range of sports-related and non-sports-related injuries in our three locations: Mornington, Frankston, and Berwick. We love what we do and pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service with an emphasis on accurate diagnostics, effective treatment plans, and patient education. We are a team of specialist medical practitioners trained in all aspects of musculoskeletal and internal medicine as it pertains to physical activity. For quality, reliable care without travelling all the way to Melbourne, MP Sports Physicians can help. We are also proud to be registered as a training practice with the Australian College of Sport and Exercise Medicine Physicians. Feel free to contact us via phone or our online contact form with any questions.