Having a joint replacement is becoming a common occurrence throughout the world. You all know that I had a total right hip replacement in 2012. I have been very proactive in staying at my ideal weight and exercising. I am thrilled with my results and it has given me an appreciation for life in a whole different way since then.
For many people having the joint replaced has been a God send in that virtually all the pain associated has gone away. In some instances there are complications. This the nature of the beast so to speak. I am well aware that there could be a day that I may need a revision. This is the reason for my diligence.
Since I had my hip replacement there are other options to consider that were not readily available 4 years ago.
There are other protocols that are becoming more and more main stream that should be looked at.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
For anyone who has seen their doctor and the need for joint replacement may be on the horizon I would suggest you do your research on PRP. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet-rich_plasma
The brief discription of PRP from Wikipedia is that it is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains (and releases through degranulation) several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue.
There is the exciting part…stimulates the healing of bone and soft tissue!
This study shows the improvements gains by having PRP injected in osteoarthritis hips. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22075062
This is a study that shows improvement gains by having PRP injections for knee osetoarthritis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287055/
Here is how it works. https://youtu.be/ndpMSUhCCWA
PRP works for all types of osteoarthritis. The video showed how it works on knees, however the principal is the same on hips and shoulders. It is minimally invasive and can provide relief. It is not covered by standardized medical in Canada so you would need to pay to have this done.
PRP can be used in other areas like hair growth, skin treatments and so on.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Stem cells are unprogrammed cells in the human body that can take on properties of other types of cells. Stem cells are in the forefront of a new science called regenerative medicine. Stem cells have the ability to take on properties of bone, cartridge, and muscles. They are being considered in the treating of diseases like Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and much much more.
Stem cells in the form of blanks are introduced into damaged areas in the body where they take on the properties of the stem cells in that affected area helping to promote healing. These stem cells can self renew which allows for these stem cells to continue to adapt and differentiate as the affected area heals. All this is done in a very non invasive way by way of injections.
This new science is believed to be on the cusp of a whole new world of healing!
There has been tremendous controversy in the past about where the stem cells come from. The good news is that this has subsided because of the use of adult stem cells right from the patient themselves. Adipose (fat) stem cells are the preferred choice when attempting to heal affected ares like the hip or knees. They are loaded with stem cells and easy to get and in fact have more than bone marrow which is much more difficult to obtain. . All that is required is a mini liposuction to get the fat cells loaded with blank stem cells. Since these stem cells come from our own body there is very little rejection issues.
Most clinics will use ultra sound guided injections to ensure that the injection goes into the right location in the affected are. http://www.drmagaziner.com/stem-cell-injections-for-osteoarthritis/
The new science of stem cell therapy is exciting.
What I a suggesting in the blog is to check out all your options. These protocols are not covered by the Canada medical system. Remember you are worth it so don’t let the cost deter you if possible. Check out your options and see if any of this is a sound option before you finally get the joint replaced. What do you have to lose?
Yours in Health
John – One Hip Guy