Muscle and joint injuries are common conditions in the United States. In fact, at least one in two adults had a musculoskeletal disorder, translating to more than 126 million Americans. The condition's prevalence has negative health and financial implications on patients and the United States' healthcare expenditure. The risk of muscle and joint injuries is higher among people participating in mechanical activities, such as contact sports and heavy lifting. 

Whereas muscle and joint injuries are common, many people solely rely on pain relievers that provide short-term solutions. Instead, patients should consider alternative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cell injections. Here, you can learn more about PRP stem cell therapy and why you should consider it over pain relievers.

Understanding Plasma, Platelets, and Stem Cells

Plasma and platelets are integral blood components and fulfill essential roles in the body. Platelets or thrombocytes fulfill vital roles, including initiating clotting and tissue repair. On the other hand, plasma fulfills a courier role in transporting blood cells and proteins required for muscle repair. Lastly, stem cells are vital during the body's healing process because of their natural multiplication and transition into other cells. These blood components and cells form the basis of PRP stem cell therapy.

Explaining PRP Injections

PRP stem cell therapy uses a patient's blood to trigger healing at the injured muscle or joint site. Reliance on the patients' blood protects patients from adverse outcomes that would be a concern if patients received donated blood. The attending medic draws the patient's blood from which the plasma and platelets are retrieved. The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate it to its constituent components, allowing the collection of plasma and platelets. During PRP injections, doctors rely on ultrasound to identify specific injury sites and ensure accurate targeting. PRP stem cell therapy uses non-surgical procedures to ensure timely delivery.

 Reviewing PRP Stem Cell Therapy Effectiveness

PRP and stem cell therapies emerged as individual treatments for musculoskeletal injuries. Both therapies have been associated with significant success in treating muscle and joint disorders. There is significant scholarly support on the use of PRP stem cell therapy either as separate or combined treatment forms. The provided definitions of each component confirm their integral role in body repair. Combining blood plasma, platelets, and stem cells aggregate their functions, achieving timely and effective results. Patients who receive PRP injections should expect to experience relief within a few days of undergoing the procedure.