Please enable JS
Stem Cell Therapy or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)?

Stem Cell Therapy or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)?

20.05.2024

Stem cell therapy and PRP are separate procedures for the treatment of orthopedic disorders. Let's take a closer look at these often confused methods.

As a result of the increasing popularity of both treatment methods, it is only natural that they are confused. If you have experienced orthopaedic disease, stem cells, and PRP may have come up as an option. It is important to have detailed information about the procedures before deciding which one you should prefer.

Both procedures have their highlights. While stem cell therapy is carried out with cells obtained from you, PRP also utilizes your platelets. The proteins contained in platelets both help repair damaged tissues and play a role in blood clotting. You can get more detailed information about both treatments by contacting Phoenix Healthy.

What is Stem Cell Therapy in Orthopaedic Diseases?

Stem cell therapy, which is one of the methods used in the repair of orthopedic damage, is carried out by using stem cells in your body. These cells can renew themselves. After they are obtained from your body, they are injected into your damaged tissues. They both heal these areas and relieve your pain. The conditions for which this treatment is used are listed below:

  • Tendonitis
  • Joint calcification
  • Ligament damage
  • Muscle injury
  • Cartilage damage

How is PRP Treatment Performed?

PRP, which is another treatment preferred to treat orthopedic diseases, works on the principle of separating the blood taken from you through a special process. The plasma obtained through this separation process is rich in platelets. These also have elements that accelerate healing. PRP is therefore a very advantageous method in the treatment of damaged tissues. Similar to stem cell therapy, it is used in the treatment of diseases such as muscle, cartilage, and ligament damage, and tendonitis.

In Which Diseases Is PRP Treatment Effective?

PRP treatment is very effective in various orthopedic diseases. Chronic tendinopathy is one of them. In this disease, PRP is known to give better results than cortisone treatment, which can have severe side effects. In addition, it has a high success rate in diseases such as Achilles tendon disorders, knee ligament injuries, patellar tendon injuries, and plantar fascitis, which are common, especially in athletes. Its contribution to the repair of cartilage injuries in young patients is still being investigated.

What are the Differences Between Stem Cell Therapy and PRP?

Stem cell therapy and PRP are confused because they have similarities. However, both are different procedures. In stem cell therapy, live cells are injected into your damaged tissues, while growth factors secreted by platelets are activated in PRP. Stem cell therapy is a more comprehensive procedure than PRP. It also has longer-lasting effects compared to PRP.

Your stem cells initiate regeneration in your damaged tissues and accelerate healing. Although PRP shows its effect more quickly, the results are short-lived. While PRP is mostly preferred for mild and moderate disorders, stem cell therapy is used in more severe cases. Both treatments can provide benefits according to your specific situation and needs. During your examination with your specialist, it is decided which method to choose.

How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?

Stem cells, which form the basis of stem cell therapy, are responsible for renewing all tissues that are essential for your body to be healthy. These special cells can transform into the required structure where necessary and reproduce themselves. The resulting new cells also become reparative tissue and quickly affect your damaged area. Stem cells also release substances called exosomes during healing.

Exosomes consist of biochemicals that mobilize different healing actions. These play a role in the healing of tissues and also strengthen the cells. They can transduce DNA and RNA and stimulate and activate growth factors. These special and precursor cells can be used for different purposes in many parts of your body other than orthopedic treatments.

How Are Stem Cells Obtained?

Stem cells are obtained from fat tissue and bone marrow in your body. Mild sedation and local anesthesia are used to ensure that you do not experience any pain or sensitivity during the harvesting of these cells. They are usually taken from your pelvis or navel. They are then filtered and separated under sterile conditions. These processes take approximately half an hour. At the end of this time, the stem cells obtained are ready for application.

What are the Results of Stem Cell Therapy?

The positive effect of stem cell therapy on orthopedic problems has been the subject of many studies for years. The effect of this treatment, which is still being developed, especially on cartilage problems, and the results obtained are remarkable. On the other hand, it can be said that stem cells carry certain risks specific to this disease due to their ability to transform into any cell. It has also been observed that they transform into bone-like tissue other than cartilage cells. Among the main factors that increase the chances of treatment are the correct diagnosis and the technique of collecting stem cells.

If you have any of the orthopedic problems mentioned in our article, you should consult a specialist without wasting time. With stem cell therapy or PRP, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of diseases and relieve your pain. Your treatment is planned according to your condition and needs. For detailed information and Turkey stem cell therapy costs, please contact Phoenix Healthy.

Contact Us