A pros and cons list is is a useful tool for determining what decision to make. We use them all the time, both to determine major decisions (such as, what college to go to) and insignificant ones (i.e. what to eat for dinner).
When considering PRP vs surgery, this approach is just as helpful. The desired result from both approaches is the same (healing from injury), but the methods of each approach vary greatly and must be considered before choosing one method over the other.
Ultimately the three major costs to consider for the procedures are an expense, time, and pain. While the three major benefits would be safety, reliability, and naturality.
When it comes to PRP vs surgery, this is how the pro-con list works out.
Expense. No one will deny that traditional surgery is expensive. Although PRP is not always covered by insurance, it is still far less expensive than traditional surgery. Treatment cost is usually in the low $1000s and depending on how extensive the injury it may cost far less than half of an invasive, painful surgery. And without the associated pain, downtime, and possibility of painful error that a surgery holds.
Time. Time is money. While insurance might not cover your PRP injections, this downside is easily turned over by the quick procedure and even quicker recovery time. The initial procedure takes less than an hour and you can go back to work right away. The timeframe for experiencing results is dependent upon the area of injury and the extent of the injury. On average, most patients start to see signs of improvement in the form of reduced pain or increased function within a few weeks.
Pain. This is probably the biggest plus for PRP vs surgery. Because PRP is minimally invasive and natural, the pain the body experiences both during and after the PRP procedure is nominal when compared to surgery. So rather than unnaturally invading the body, PRP uses the body’s natural methods of healing, which causes far less pain. When there is pain, however, it does not last more than a few days and can be easily minimized with over the counter Tylenol.
Finally, the ultimate benefit of PRP injections is that unlike other treatments, it has a sustained outcome and has been categorized as a permanent fix. By fusing advanced scientific technology with the body’s natural healing properties, PRP has a much quicker recovery period when compared to traditional surgery.
Surgery — no matter how minimal — is a procedure most would rather avoid, it is painful and often requires a prolonged recovery time. Platelet Rich Plasma injections are a groundbreaking, non-operative treatment option that relieves pain by naturally promoting long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. If you think that you might benefit from PRP procedure or if you have further questions, please contact Dr. Stuart A. Kauffman.
