donor blood was processed, what the concentration of platelets is, and if the injection contains any additives.

Why PRP Works on Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is more common than rheumatoid arthritis. Basically, if you have cartilage, you can develop osteoarthritis as the cartilage begins to break down. Because cartilage serves as a cushion in the joints, losing it can lead to bone on bone pain.

Scientists are currently not fully versed on why PRP injections near LAX can reduce osteoarthritis pain, though the current thought is that a PRP injection can

• reduce inflammation inside the joint
• promote the formation of new cartilage
• increase the production of synovial fluid, lubricating the joint, and
• alter how the body receives pain signals as the joint moves

The key to getting the best results from your LAX PRP Injections is to work with a practitioner you trust and to continue to keep your appointments and injections for knee pain near LAX.

Platelets as Experimental Medicine
Platelets contain growth factors that can promote regeneration of damaged tissue. If your hands, knees, hips or other joints have started to wear down, a PRP injection can return flexibility to the joint. Some OA sufferers find they can get relief thanks to hip, knee or shoulder pain injections near LAX.

This osteoarthritis treatment is still experimental. If you sign up for PRP Injections near LAX, be aware that these treatments are not standardized. Should you find a clinic that offers LAX PRP Injections, make sure you study the practitioner, the product, and confirm that the practitioner knows exactly what's in the product before your injection.

It should also be noted that you will be receiving a deep injection. Getting a needle all the way into the joint capsule of your knee or hip will not be comfortable. Anytime you breach the skin, you increase the risk of infection. However, if you're confident that the practitioner offers injections for knee pain near LAX, be comforted through the injection process by the knowledge that many who undergo this treatment find relief.

Consider Self-Donation
It is possible to donate platelets to yourself for injection into your joint. While this wouldn't protect you from discomfort or injection risk, donating platelets for your own use prior to an injection for hip or shoulder pain injections near LAX could reduce the risk of a bad reaction and increased inflammation.

Maintenance Vs. Once and Done Therapy
The benefits of PRP injections for any joint damage must be maintained over time. While there are treatments for joint pain that only need to be done once, PRP injections will need to be maintained to be effective in preventing the return of bone-on-bone pain, or at least of bones coming too close together and pinching nerves inside the joint.

Wear and Tear
As noted above, osteoarthritis is the wear and tear joint disease. If you've got bones coming too close together because the cartilage in your joints is worn out, eventually the bones themselves will become damaged, even if your pain is lessened by a PRP shot. Be prepared to get x-rays done on the joint being treated and keep an eye on bone damage. If your PRP treatments are creating a bit more cartilage in the joint, giving you more cushion and reducing the risk of damage to the hip socket and the femur head, then joint wear is likely stopped or at least greatly reduced.

In the event that the shots are only helping you manage your pain, then it may be time to discuss a replacement with a surgeon. While PRP shots for osteoarthritis are considered safe, continued joint wear may still be occurring. Yes, pain management will reduce your current misery, but if the joint is still wearing, you will need to keep an eye on it and possibly make a more permanent change.

PRP Vs. Cortisone
Cortisone is a common anti-inflammation treatment for OA pain. However, long-term use of cortisone is very hard on your body. The side effects from cortisone can actually weaken the cartilage you still have and put you at risk for further degeneration.

PRP therapies do not come with this risk. In fact, if you can donate your own blood to be spun into PRP, the injections carry very little risk. Any clinic that can give you a cortisone shot can safely administer PRP, either from a donor or from your own blood.

Homework
After a PRP shot, you may suffer

• pain at the injection site
• swelling at the injection site
• some redness at the injection site

If you notice any pus, fever or heat in the joint, contact your practitioner immediately. Also, be prepared to rest. The PRP injection process takes time to act on damaged tissue. Rest, elevate or lay flat, and try to ice as possible to allow the PRP to do the work needed.

Conclusion
The use of your own blood derivatives to rebuild your joints and reduce your shoulder, hip, knee, or hand pain is a remarkable advance in the medical field. While there were other products that could reduce pain and inflammation, the side effect risk was prohibitive for those seeking long-term relief. While PRP therapy is still in its experimental phase, sufferers are getting good results with this remarkable therapy. Contact our chiropractor near LAX today!