PRP therapy to treat joint diseases: an innovative solution at Elytis Hospital

Joint pain can significantly affect quality of life, limiting mobility and causing constant discomfort. At Elytis Hospitalwe are dedicated to our mission of providing our patients with the most advanced and effective solutions to restore their health and well-being. These include PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy, an innovative procedure that stimulates tissue regeneration and relieves joint pain.

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the patient's own blood to speed up the healing process. Specifically, a small amount of blood is collected and then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components. The concentrated plasma, which contains growth factors essential for tissue regeneration, is then injected into the affected joint.

The Elytis Hospital, this procedure is performed by highly experienced rheumatologists using state-of-the-art technology to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

How does PRP therapy work in joint diseases?

The growth factors in platelet-rich plasma stimulate the body's natural healing processes and have multiple beneficial effects on damaged joints:

• Reducing inflammation: PRP helps reduce local inflammation, which is responsible for pain and stiffness.
• Cartilage regeneration: growth factors stimulate the production of collagen and other essential components to repair damaged cartilage.
• Improved joint lubrication: PRP helps increase the production of synovial fluid, the fluid that provides lubrication and smooth movement of the joint.
• Pain relief: By reducing inflammation and tissue regeneration, PRP therapy contributes to significant pain relief.

What joint conditions can be treated with PRP at Elytis Hospital?

PRP therapy has proven effective in treating a wide range of joint conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis: a degenerative condition that affects the joint cartilage, causing pain, stiffness and limited movement.
• Tendinitis: inflammation of tendons, commonly found in the shoulder, elbow, knee or ankle.
• Ligament injuries: PRP can speed up the healing of ligament injuries such as sprains.
• Epicondylitis and epitrohleitis: inflammatory conditions of the tendons in the elbow, also known as 'tennis elbow' and 'golfer's elbow'.
• Plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous tissue that runs along the sole of the foot.

What are the benefits of PRP therapy at Elytis Hospital?

• Minimally invasive procedure: PRP therapy is a simple, outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization.
• Using your own blood: Eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission.
• Fast recovery time: Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
• Minimal side effects: The risk of side effects is low, usually limited to mild pain and swelling at the injection site.
• Long-lasting results: The benefits of PRP therapy can be sustained over a long period of time, helping to improve patients' quality of life.

Why choose Elytis Hospital for PRP therapy?

The Elytis Hospital, you benefit from:

• The expertise of renowned rheumatologists: Our team of specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic conditions, including the application of PRP therapy.
• State-of-the-art medical technology: we use modern equipment and standardized procedures to ensure safe and effective treatment.
• Personalized approach: every patient is unique, that's why we develop individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
• Integrated care: Rheumatology is closely linked with other medical specialties within Elytis Hospital, such as orthopaedics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation medicine, so that patients benefit from a complete and holistic approach.
• Counseling and support: We provide our patients with comprehensive information about PRP therapy, including benefits, risks and realistic expectations.

How is PRP therapy performed at Elytis Hospital?

The PRP therapy procedure is simple and involves a few steps:

1. Blood collection: A small amount of blood is collected, similar to a regular blood test.
2. Blood processing: The harvested blood is put into a special centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components.
3. PRP injection: concentrated plasma is injected into the affected joint using a fine needle.

The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, without requiring hospitalization.

Recommendations after PRP therapy

After the procedure, there may be a slight soreness or swelling at the injection site, which usually improves within a few days. Your rheumatologist will give you specific recommendations on post-procedure care and resuming physical activity.

Generally recommended:

• Apply ice to the injection site: to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid strenuous exercise: in the first few days after the procedure.
• Following your doctor's instructions: taking anti-inflammatory drugs or doing physiotherapy exercises.

PRP therapy is an innovative and effective treatment option for patients with joint disorders, offering a minimally invasive alternative to drug or surgical treatments.

The Elytis Hospital, we provide our patients with the expertise of renowned rheumatologists, state-of-the-art medical technology and a personalized approach to achieve the best results.

If you suffer from joint pain, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation at Elytis Hospital to discuss PRP therapy and other treatment options with a rheumatologist.

Latest medical review:

23.01.2025, Dr. Ana Karina Gîlcă - Medical Specialist

References:

• Badsha, Humeira, et. al. "Platelet Rich Plasma for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Case Series and Review of Literature". Case Reports in Rheumatology, 2020.
• Chellamuthu, Girinivasan, et. al. "Platelet-rich plasma holds promise in management of rheumatoid arthritis - systematic review". Rheumatology International, 2021, vol. 41, pg. 1895 - 1903.
• Jacobs, Adam, et. al. "Current State of Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Rheumatic Disease: A Retrospective Review of the Literature." Current Rheumatology Reviews, 2023, vol. 19, no. 4, pg. 400 - 407.
• Yessirkepov, Marlen, et al. "Use of platelet-rich plasma in rheumatic diseases". Rheumatology International, 2024, vol. 45, no. 13.