PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) definitely is not the same as Stem Cells procedures. There are many advertising and marketing strategies that are intended to persuade patients to get PRR as if they were the same as Stem Cells or very similar therapies, but it is not the reality. At Stem Cells transplant Institute in Costa Rica we offer high quality Stem Cells treatments and as a responsible consultant we want to help our patients to be well informed about the difference between these procedures and the real benefits obtained. Now you know who to speak to if you have questions or concerns about these treatments. Contact us
What is Platelet Rich Plasma and what is Stem Cells Therapy? What are the differences and which is better?
PRP is a component of your blood (plasma) with concentrations of platelets above normal values. PRP typically contains 3-8 times the concentration of normal platelet levels. Basically, PRP is just that, it is a volume of autologous plasma that has a platelet concentration above baseline. PRN does not contain stem cells or any other type of cell. Naturally, platelets are on the front line of the healing response and play a role by releasing growth factors that influence tissue repair. Many clinicians use PRP in tendon, muscle and cartilage to improve tissue healing, its usage in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and sports medicine has increased over the past decades, however compared with Stem Cells procedures the curative potencial is considerably lower and the regeneration is limited to the cells that are present in such tissue.
Can PRP be used in degenerative diseases?
No. PRP has not regenerative potencial, it can act accelerating healing and maybe improving the final healing process, but it will always depend on the cells that are present in the different tissues.
Stem Cells therapies in the other hand, uses unspecialized cells (stem cells) capable of renewing themselves through cell division. These cells can become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions, they can divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues. The use of Stem Cells is very promising in the treatment of degenerative diseases like Parkinson´s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Myocardial infarction and other conditions were PRP has no benefits. Contact us and get more information about Stem Cells therapies.
Can Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cells be used in the same diseases?
PRP could be used in tendon, muscle and cartilage injures to improve tissue healing. It´s used mostly in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and sports medicine, but not in many other diseases like spinal cord injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and many other neurological problems where stem cells are being tested.
Stem Cells are such a powerful tool for treating many degenerative and inflammatory conditions by replacing damaged cells in virtually any tissue or organ. Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica offers Stem Cells therapies with the highest level of quality. Get more information here.
What are the disadvantages of PRP?
Pain in the Area: Some people complain about an acute ache or soreness in the spot of the injection. Sometimes this pain is even felt whether in the muscle or deeper areas like the bone.
Infection: While precaution is taken when injecting a patient with a PRP serum, sometimes an infection can break out in the injured area and it may cause health problems afterwards.
No Improvement in Injured Area: Not all patients respond to a PRP injection. Sometimes the original pain and soreness of the injury remains or it may even get worse.
Allergic Reaction: Some patients experiment allergic reactions to PRN, more studies need to be done to understand why.
Blood Clot: Because a PRP injection uses a needle, there is a chance that an artery or vein could be damaged. If that happens a blood clot occurs and it may cause obstruction of the blood flow.
So far the use of Stem Cells have demonstrated to be secure, with immense medical benefits and it has been legally approved in many countries, however since stem cells are still in their research phase for many diseases, the true long term effects of their use are not known or totally understood yet.
Want to know more about the benefits of Stem Cells therapies and how they can heal your disease? Either give us a call or visit our office in Costa Rica. We look forward to hearing from you.
