Diagnosed with Knee Osteoarthritis? Why surgery isn’t your only option.
Chronic knee pain, stiffness, and the inability to climb stairs are classic signs of knee osteoarthritis. Many patients are told that if physiotherapy and medication cannot help, major surgery is the only solution. However, advances in regenerative medicine allow many patients to delay or avoid surgery entirely.
A Real-Life Patient Story
Malee, a 58-year-old business owner, had struggled with aching knees for over a year. At first, it was just stiffness in the morning, but it progressed to sharp pain whenever she walked for more than ten minutes. Over-the-counter painkillers provided less and less relief, and the pain began to affect her sleep.
Her doctor diagnosed her with osteoarthritis and suggested she prepare for a total knee replacement in the near future. Terrified of the long recovery time and risks associated with surgery, Malee sought a second opinion with our specialist doctor.
After an evaluation, she was treated with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections. The procedure was performed in the clinic using her own blood, took less than an hour, and required no general anesthesia.
Within three weeks, Malee noticed a distinct reduction in pain. The “grinding” sensation diminished, she stopped taking daily painkillers, and she was able to return to her evening walks comfortably.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
This condition involves the gradual wearing down of the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced motion.
How does PRP Injection help?
PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These platelets are packed with growth factors. When injected directly into the knee joint, they release these growth factors to reduce inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural healing process in the damaged tissue.
Who is a suitable candidate for PRP?
- Patients with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis: Where the cartilage is worn but not completely gone (not yet “bone-on-bone”).
- Those wanting to delay surgery: Patients who are too young for a knee replacement or simply wish to postpone the procedure.
- Patients unable to take painkillers: Individuals with stomach ulcers or kidney issues who cannot take NSAIDs long-term.
- Those with failed conservative treatments: Patients who have tried physical therapy or cortisone injections without lasting success.
Benefits of PRP
- Natural Healing: Uses the body’s own biological material, reducing the risk of allergic reaction.
- Minimally Invasive: A simple injection rather than an open surgery.
- Quick Recovery: Minimal downtime compared to joint replacement.
- Symptom Relief: Significant reduction in pain and improved joint function, often lasting months to years.
When is surgery truly needed?
Knee replacement is generally reserved for advanced cases where there is severe bone deformity, complete loss of mobility, or when all conservative treatments—including physical therapy and injections—fail to provide relief.
Why PRP Injection Should Be Combined with Physical Therapy
While PRP injections can effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain at the source,
the underlying causes of knee osteoarthritis go beyond the joint itself.
They also involve muscle strength, weight distribution, movement patterns, and daily posture.
This is why physical therapy after PRP injection plays a crucial role in treatment. It helps to:
- Strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint
- Improve movement patterns and reduce repeated stress on the joint
- Prolong the benefits of PRP treatment
- Reduce the risk of recurring pain and long-term reliance on pain medication
- Strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint
Key Message
The case of Khun Malee demonstrates that chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis does not always have to end with surgery.
With a thorough assessment and a treatment plan tailored to the stage of the condition,
PRP injection combined with physical therapy can effectively reduce pain, restore knee function,
and help patients return to daily activities with greater confidence.
👉 If you or someone close to you is experiencing chronic knee pain,
a combined approach using PRP injection and physical therapy may be a valuable option—
one that offers clearer results and more sustainable long-term outcomes.
