New regenerative medicine techniques are revolutionizing orthopedics. At the forefront of innovation are two types of treatment: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy. Both therapies can ease pain and restore patient mobility more safely than surgery.
What is the Difference?
The best way to distinguish between the two is that PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood while stem cell therapy can come from a variety of sources.
For a PRP treatment, the LKO physician will take the patient’s own blood, spin it down in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, and then perform the injection in the area(s) that are affected by pain or injury. This direct injection into the affected area results in a higher concentration of growth and healing factors, essentially allowing one’s body to heal itself.
Stem Cell Therapy, on the other hand, can come from different sources: one’s own stem cells taken from the iliac crest (hip area) or they can be isolated from human tissue, such as the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid from full-term, healthy deliveries. The LKO physicians believe that the stem cells taken from healthy, biologically-young sources offer the most benefit to our patients. Since these cells are unspecialized, they can convert into any cell the body needs, such as damaged tissue, cartilage or bone.
Another key difference between the two therapies is that PRP helps restore or accelerate the body’s existing healing process, while stem cell therapy is used to regenerate tissue that is lost.
Is One Better than the Other?
Stem Cell Therapy and PRP both offer benefits to patients suffering from orthopedic conditions. The difference in what treatment is better for the patient lies in what condition the patient is suffering from.
At Lederman Kwartowitz Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we believe in conservative, comprehensive orthopedic care. This means we only recommend surgery when it is absolutely necessary and believe it is your best option. Our physicians are here to help you get back to the activities that you love quickly and safely.
For more information on Regenerative Medicine such as Stem Cell Therapy and PRP, or any other orthopedic condition or injury, please call (248) 669-2000 or request an appointment online.
Get Better Faster at Lederman Kwartowitz Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine!
