Science and technology have helped us improve the quality of our lives and even extend our lives beyond expectations. New and innovative technologies are gaining popularity throughout the healthcare and medical field. Regenerative treatment options such as stem cell therapy and PRP treatment are now widely available.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses a mixture of plasma and platelets as a therapeutic tool. Plasma is a light yellow-colored liquid that remains when red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets are separated from the blood. Platelets are small, colorless cells present in the blood. They prevent or stop excessive bleeding by forming clots and promote healing.

(Image adapted from https://bpharmanote.com/composition-of-blood-and-its-function-of-blood/)
Fig.1. Composition of Blood

Platelets contain growth factors, that help in the healing and repair of tissues by stimulating the body's natural healing process. Thus, PRP therapy can repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. To collect platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the doctor withdraws blood from the body and uses a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood components.

(Image adapted from https://prpinjectionmd.com/stem-cell-therapy-vs-prp-therapy-arthritis/)
Fig.2. PRP Injection

The prepared PRP is then injected into the affected site. For example, in case of leg muscle injury, the doctor injects plasma into the affected leg muscle. Once platelets reach the site of injury, they break down and release growth factors. These growth factors further help the cells to repair and renew themselves.

The advantages of PRP therapy include:

The orthopedic conditions treated with Platelet- rich plasma (PRP) therapy include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Torn ligament
• Achilles tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff tear
• Tennis Elbow, etc

Stem Cell Therapy:

Stem cell therapy uses stem cells as a therapeutic tool to treat various diseases. Stem cells are specialized cells that can differentiate into different types of cells, such as cardiac cells, nerve cells, skin cells, etc. However, unlike platelet-rich plasma, stem cells are not readily available. Every individual has a limited supply of stem cells in their bone marrow or fat deposits. Therefore, obtaining stem cells is a more complicated procedure than extracting platelet-rich plasma.

(Image adapted from https://www.drlox.com/prp-vs-stem-cell-therapy/)
Fig.3. Stem Cells

During stem cell therapy, the stem cells are extracted from the patient's body and cultured (multiplied) in the laboratory. The cultured stem cells are then injected back into the patient's body at the site of injury. The process is minimally invasive and has no side effects or complications. The injected stem cells replace the damaged cells and promote the natural healing process.

The advantages of Stem Cell Therapy include:

The orthopedic conditions treated with stem cell therapy include:

• Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
• Bone Fractures
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Spine disorders
• Ligament injuries
• Sports or overuse injuries
• Rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries, etc.

Both PRP and stem cell therapy have shown promising results in the treatment of various medical conditions. Depending on the injury or disease, your physician may recommend either of the treatment. The choice about the treatment is based on several factors such as:

• The nature of your condition/injury
• Your body’s responded to other treatments
• The extent of the damage to tissues or joints
• Your treatment goals and pain management

However, the treatment of certain conditions may also require a combination of stem cell therapy and PRP therapy to boost the overall result.