Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers a natural and effective solution to alleviate pain, promote healing, and restore mobility for conditions like basilar thumb arthritis and tennis elbow.
Tennis elbow affects up to 3% of the U.S. population, and Basilar thumb arthritis affects 25% of men and 40% of women. These conditions can significantly impact your daily activities, from gripping objects to performing simple tasks at work or home.
Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve’s Dr. Alexander Spiess specializes in Hand Surgery & Peripheral Nerve Surgery in PA, offering innovative treatments that help patients regain function and reduce pain. Dr. Spiess provides comprehensive care for hand and nerve conditions, including advanced PRP therapy options. Ready to explore your treatment options? Schedule an appointment today.
Let's examine five key benefits of PRP therapy for these common but debilitating conditions.
Understanding PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body's healing mechanisms to treat injured tissues. The treatment involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting this platelet-rich solution directly into the affected area.
Platelets contain growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration. When concentrated and injected into areas affected by basilar thumb arthritis or tennis elbow, these growth factors can accelerate healing and reduce inflammation naturally.
1. Natural Relief for Inflammation and Pain
How PRP Reduces Inflammation
PRP therapy’s anti-inflammatory properties are effective for conditions like basilar thumb arthritis and tennis elbow. The concentrated platelets release growth factors that reduce swelling and pain by calming irritated tissues and promoting healing at the cellular level.
Pain Relief Without Medication
Unlike pain medications, PRP therapy addresses pain at its source. Many patients notice significant pain relief within weeks, with continued improvement as tissues heal. This natural option appeals to those who want to avoid long-term medication or who haven’t found relief with other treatments.
2. Enhanced Healing and Tissue Regeneration
Faster Recovery
PRP for tennis elbow delivers growth factors directly to damaged tendons and tissues, stimulating cellular repair and helping tissues heal more effectively. For tennis elbow, PRP focuses on repairing damaged tendons in the elbow area, restoring tissue structure and function.
Long-Term Tissue Health
PRP not only relieves symptoms but also strengthens tissues, reducing the risk of future injuries or degeneration. For basilar thumb arthritis, this can help preserve joint function and slow arthritis progression.
3. Minimal Downtime and Quick Recovery
Convenient, Same-Day Procedure
PRP therapy is an outpatient treatment that takes less than an hour. Patients can typically return to light activities the same day, with only mild soreness that resolves within a few days.
Faster Return to Activities
Compared to surgery, PRP offers a quicker recovery. Most patients can resume regular routines within days to weeks, making it ideal for athletes, manual laborers, and others who need hand and arm function for daily life.
4. Improved Mobility and Function
Restored Range of Motion
Basilar thumb arthritis and tennis elbow often restrict motion. PRP therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing, restoring joint and tendon function. PRP injections for the elbow can reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and restore smooth tendon motion, enhancing daily function.
Strengthened Grip
Grip strength often decreases with these conditions. PRP helps repair muscles and tendons, improving grip function and allowing patients to return to activities they may have avoided due to pain or weakness.
5. A Safe Alternative to Surgery
Fewer Risks
PRP therapy uses your own blood components, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or complications. Unlike surgery, it avoids risks like anesthesia, infection, or surgical complications, making it a safer option for many patients.
Repeatable Treatments
PRP therapy can be repeated if symptoms return or further improvement is needed. This flexibility allows for ongoing management of chronic conditions like arthritis and helps patients maintain results over time without invasive procedures..
Who Benefits Most from PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is ideal for patients with:
- Early to moderate basilar thumb arthritis
- Tennis elbow unresponsive to other treatments
- A desire to avoid surgery or medications
- Active lifestyles need quick recovery
- Chronic conditions requiring ongoing care
It’s most effective when paired with rehab exercises and activity adjustments recommended by your provider.
What to Expect During Treatment
PRP starts with a simple blood draw, similar to routine lab work. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
The PRP is then injected into the affected area, sometimes using image guidance for accuracy. The process usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Mild discomfort during the injection is normal, and some soreness at the site may last a few days..
Transform Your Hand and Elbow Health Today
PRP therapy offers significant benefits for basilar thumb arthritis and tennis elbow, providing natural pain relief, enhanced healing, and improved function with minimal downtime. Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve has the expertise to help you determine if PRP therapy is right for your specific condition.
Don't let hand and elbow pain limit your life any longer. Schedule an appointment with Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve today to learn more about PRP therapy and other advanced treatment options for your hand and nerve conditions.
