Although injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used by orthopedic surgeons for nearly 30 years, the treatment has only recently gained widespread recognition as a way to delay major surgery. At the office of Dr. Scott Case, founder of Body Restore of Naples, PRP is regularly administered as a non-surgical solution for knee pain caused by arthritis or osteoarthritis, shoulder pain from a torn rotator cuff, and various sports injuries.

“PRP is one of several alternatives available for treating arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, as well as osteoarthritis, a specific type of arthritis characterized by the gradual wearing down of cartilage in the joints,” says Case.

Explaining PRP, Case adds, “PRP consists of two elements: plasma—the liquid portion of blood—and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays a crucial role in healing. In addition to their well-known clotting abilities, platelets contain growth factors that trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. PRP injections can be repeated, are safe, and do not cause infection. Because it comes from the patient’s own body, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.”

Case also notes that the PRP used at his clinic is prepared in-office. “We take a blood sample from the patient and place it in a centrifuge manufactured by a company in Fort Myers. This is the latest-generation technology for processing platelets. The centrifuge rapidly spins the blood sample, separating the platelets from other blood components and concentrating them within the plasma. We spin it twice, hyper-concentrating the platelets into a very small layer, which is then suspended in the patient’s plasma,” he explains.

Once injected, the platelets release up to 50 different protein growth factors involved in the body’s tissue repair processes. These growth factors also signal other cells to join the repair site, accelerating healing. Additionally, they stimulate stem cells from the bone marrow to migrate to the injured area and surrounding vascular tissues, further enhancing the repair process. This results in an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing pain and slowing cartilage degeneration. The precise science behind these effects is still being studied.

Over the years, Case has offered numerous alternative treatments for joint pain, including physical therapy, steroid injections, and hyaluronic acid injections, the latter of which can be administered every three to four months. “Hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief for up to six months,” he says. “Today, PRP injections not only last longer than steroids but also offer more benefits than hyaluronic acid for treating osteoarthritis.”

Scientific research has shown that PRP is the only medical alternative currently available that can slow the progression of arthritis. “PRP can inhibit some of the enzymatic degeneration of cartilage, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. There is also evidence suggesting that stem cell treatments may aid in the repair process and cartilage regeneration,” Case notes.

The decision to use PRP, hyaluronic acid, or a combination of both depends on X-ray findings. Arthritis and osteoarthritis are evaluated on a scale of one to four.

• Levels 1 & 2: Joint space narrowing.

• Level 3: Presence of osteophytes (bony formations from joint wear and tear).

• Level 4: Severe bone-on-bone osteoarthritis, often requiring joint replacement.

“For patients at levels 2 or 3, PRP provides 80% symptom relief,” says Case.

“I’ve had patients who had four years of relief from hyaluronic acid injections every six months. When it stopped working, they decided they were ready for surgery, which I did. Hyaluronic acid and PRP should always be considered before surgery. A knee or hip replacement requires a recovery period of three to six months, while PRP patients often start feeling better within two weeks, with continued healing over the next six months. The effects can last from nine to 12 months,” advises Case.

Body Restore of Naples is located at 4760 Tamiami Trl., N., Ste. 24, in Naples. For more information call 239-241-2869. Visit BodyRestoreNaples.com.

BODY RESTORE OF NAPLES - 4760 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 24, Naples, FL

Dr. Case is an orthopedic surgeon with 25 years of experience. He provides latest generation Platelet Rich Plasma therapies for Joint pains to delay/avoid major surgeries. Read More »