Can Regenexx treatments postpone Osteoarthritis progression?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has shown promising results in postponing the progression of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood into the affected joint. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. In osteoarthritis, PRP injections have been shown to reduce inflammation, promote cartilage regeneration, and improve joint function.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma found that PRP injections significantly improved knee function and reduced pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research showed that PRP injections stimulated cartilage regeneration and prevented further cartilage breakdown in a rat model of osteoarthritis.  

Previous studies have shown that the average arthritic knee can lose up to 5% of its cartilage every year.   Researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery published a study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine that showed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment improved pain and function, and in up to 73% of patients, appeared to delay the progression of osteoarthritis. 

From other outcome data, we can see that these joint protective effects last around a year.  People with earlier osteoarthritis are better candidates for this type of response as well.  For those with more advanced osteoarthritis, Bone Marrow Concentrate treatments would likely be recommended.

In conclusion, PRP therapy has the potential to postpone the progression of osteoarthritis by promoting a healthy joint environment that diminishes degeneration.