PRP and HA Combination Therapy Improves Results
New research continues to highlight the growing potential of PRP, especially when combined with hyaluronic acid (HA), in improving knee joint health.
Exploring PRP as a Promising Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease marked by cartilage degeneration, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and significant physical limitations. Traditional treatments like corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, NSAIDs, and physical therapy offer symptom relief but fail to halt disease progression. As a result, joint replacement often becomes inevitable, posing both personal and systemic burdens.
Emerging research is now focusing on orthobiologics—specifically platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—as a potential disease-modifying therapy for knee OA. PRP, derived from a patient’s own blood, is rich in growth factors and cytokines that may aid tissue repair by promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation. However, the effectiveness of PRP varies significantly depending on how it's prepared—factors such as leukocyte and red blood cell content, activation method, and platelet concentration all play critical roles in outcomes.
Recent studies suggest that PRP injections may offer superior pain and functional improvement compared to corticosteroids and HA. Combining PRP with HA may also enhance benefits and may represent a shift toward more regenerative, less invasive management of osteoarthritis.
At Sports Health Northwest, we are happy to answer questions you might have about PRP and discuss its potential use for your musculoskeletal injury. PRP can be safely utilized for many conditions affecting the knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, feet, ankles, hands, and wrists.
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