SVF and PRP for Osteoarthritis in Vancouver

It means gradual wear of the cartilage on the ends of the bones in a joint. With thinning cartilage the joint loses cushioning, bones rub against each other and pain, stiffness and crunching set in — a degenerative, not an inflammatory, condition.

Many patients can, if treatment is not delayed. The aim of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation, and joint replacement is the last option — for a joint already destroyed.

Many patients see the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result takes about six months to form and can last from several months to several years, depending on the person. Because osteoarthritis is chronic, it needs an ongoing plan, not a single injection.

At early and moderate stages. The milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect usually is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage, when the joint space has almost disappeared, a lasting effect cannot be expected.

Heavily loaded joints — the knees, hips and ankles — together with the spine and small hand joints. All of them can be treated with regenerative treatment.

It usually moves forward: the pain stops going away, movement is more and more limited, the joint may deform and walking may get difficult. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and a doctor's involvement make a real difference.

The main method is an X-ray, which shows the stage. MRI gives a detailed picture of cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound reveals inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help exclude inflammatory conditions. If you already have results, the doctor can review them free of charge.

Osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage: aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest. Arthritis is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The approach to treatment differs, so the diagnosis comes first.

Yes — send X-rays, MRI or test results, and a doctor will review them at no charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and, if appropriate, suggest a non-surgical plan.

You can, and you should. Suitable activity builds the muscles that unload the joint, feeds the cartilage better and keeps you moving. Choose swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking or yoga, and avoid running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting and sudden movements.