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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

A Patient's Guide To Stem Cell Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Therapies

by Francisco Arnold

If you are living with chronic pain or degenerative joint disease, then both stem cell injection therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection therapy may be helpful for reducing your long-term pain and discomfort. Though these therapies tend to not be covered by health insurance, there are many different research studies hoping to change this situation for the future. Also, while you can opt for one treatment or the other, they are often given together for maximum healing.

If you are interested in pursuing either type of injection therapy or both of them, then you need to understand everything you can to ensure you choose the right therapy to meet your needs and get the most for your investment. To this end, here is more information.

Stem Cell Injection Therapy Basics

Stem cells are magical cells in your body that can create any other type of cells and are excellent for promoting natural healing. For stem cell injections, fat tissue or bone marrow stem cells are injected into the area where you are injured.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Therapy Basics

In contrast to stem cell injection therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection therapy uses your own blood platelets. To extract them, your doctor's office will draw some of your blood and spin out the platelets using a centrifuge. 

Once your own blood platelets are isolated, then they are injected into the area where you are experiencing pain or joint degeneration. This makes this type of injection safe and allows your body to use your own platelets to heal.

Conditions Improved with Injection Therapies

Stem cell and platelet-rich injection therapies are used by doctors to treat many different common conditions. Some of the most effective healing is seen in each of these medical issues:

  • arthritis
  • osteoarthritis
  • bursitis
  • tendonitis
  • shoulder injuries
  • hip injuries 
  • spinal disc herniation

In addition to each of these conditions, injection therapies are also very effective when treating injuries from overuse and chronic spinal pain.

Where to Go for Additional Information About Injection Therapies

If you are interested in learning more about platelet-rich plasma injection therapy and stem cell injection therapy, then you should ask your medical doctor for a referral to a clinic in your area. Thanks to the effectiveness these therapies are achieving, a clinic can be found in nearly all larger cities all around the country. Even if you need to travel a bit for your injection therapy services, it will be well worth it to reduce your pain.

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