Two of the most well-known treatments in regenerative medicine are stem cell and PRP therapy. So, as you can think, patients often keep on asking, “What’s the difference between PRP and stem cell treatment?” Why should an individual go for one or the other if they both do similar things (that is to elevate the recovery process)? There are quite a few differences between PRP and stem cells, but today, we’re going to understand the two that tend to matter most to people.
WHAT EXACTLY IS PRP/STEM CELL THERAPY?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, and in addition to platelets, this liquid substance is rich in healing and other growth factors. It is prepared by taking a small blood sample from the patient’s own body and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate PRP from the liquid plasma.
Stem cells, on the other hand, are cells that are naturally present in the body and can change into other cell types. They also have a powerful messaging ability that can recruit other cells when repairing tissue. They are usually obtained from a patient’s body fat or bone marrow sample.
Apart from how they work on a biological level, cost and potency are the two big factors that differentiate PRP and stem cells from each other.
When it comes to the treatment of various types of musculoskeletal injuries (like injured muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints), both have been shown to consistently give positive results, but stem cells are up to 30-40% more effective than PRP.
So why doesn’t everyone get stem cell therapy? Because stem cell therapy usually costs about twice as much as PRP. For many patients, the price difference is the problem, and for others, PRP is perfectly positioned to help them reach their health goals (and save money in the process).
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Before selecting to get one of these treatments, it’s always essential to communicate with your regenerative medicine doctor so they can tell you how each one will affect your specific condition (both therapies react differently when applied to particular types of tissues). During this conversation, they can also discuss the cost-benefit analysis as well. Will the extra strength of stem cell therapy be worth the expense when PRP is a more affordable alternative? The answer will differ from patient to patient with respect to their injury and recovery timeline.
The fact is that if you are dealing with an injury that doesn’t seem to be healing or are limiting your ability to live your life on your own terms, PRP and stem cell therapy are both good options that have already helped countless patients around the world. Either one is a good choice for your body, and your provider can help you decide which is the best one.
If you are searching for a regenerative therapy clinic in Texas, and want to know which therapy is suitable for you whether stem cell or PRP, visit Specialty Care Clinics for proper healthcare advice. Our team of certified doctors is experienced in giving stem cell and PRP treatment. To know more about these treatments book an appointment with us.