PRP for Osteoarthritis: A Non-Surgical Option for Joint Pain
Mild to moderate osteoarthritis can reach a point where it is too much for simple measures but not yet ready for surgery. The joint aches, activity becomes harder, and you want options that are not an operation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly discussed as a way to manage symptoms and, in selected patients, help avoid or delay surgery. Here is what PRP for Osteoarthritis can and cannot do.
Osteoarthritis and the gap before surgery
Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage that cushions a joint gradually wears, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced function. In the early to moderate stages, many people sit in a difficult gap: conservative measures alone are not enough to control symptoms, but surgery feels premature. This is the window in which treatments aimed at managing symptoms become most relevant.
How PRP is used for arthritic joints
PRP therapy uses a concentrated portion of your own blood, rich in platelets that release growth factors. For an osteoarthritic joint, the aim is to support the body’s natural processes and help manage symptoms. At Ringwood Sports Medicine, the PRP therapy is delivered under ultrasound guidance so the preparation can be placed accurately within the joint. Precise placement matters in a joint, which is why we explain the role of ultrasound guidance in a separate guide.
Can PRP help you delay surgery?
One of the listed benefits of PRP is that it may help avoid or delay surgery in selected patients. The wording matters here. PRP is not presented as a cure for osteoarthritis or a guaranteed alternative to joint replacement. Rather, for some people with mild to moderate disease, it may form part of a strategy to manage symptoms and maintain function while postponing the point at which surgery is considered.
Whether you are a suitable candidate depends on the severity of your osteoarthritis and your individual circumstances. A consultation with one of our Specialist Doctors or Sports and Exercise Physicians is required to make that judgement.
What results to expect in PRP for Osteoarthritis
Improvement may begin within several weeks, although symptom improvement can continue over several months. Results vary depending on the condition being treated, the severity of the joint changes and how closely you follow any recommended rehabilitation. Some patients require more than one PRP treatment to achieve the desired outcome.
PRP forms part of a comprehensive treatment approach and is often used alongside physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and other evidence-based treatments rather than on its own. Strengthening the knee and surrounding muscles above and below the knee is still the gold standard and the PRP can assist with reducing pain and therefore allowing these muscles to hypertrophy, get stronger and protect the knee.
A note on cost
PRP does not currently attract a Medicare rebate. When you are weighing the value of treatment against the prospect of surgery, it helps to understand the costs involved, which we cover in our guide to the cost of PRP and how Medicare applies.
As with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications, although serious adverse events are uncommon.
Book an assessment for PRP for Osteoarthritis
To find out whether PRP therapy is appropriate for your osteoarthritis, contact Ringwood Sports Medicine for an assessment, or book an appointment online.
