PRP vs BMAC: What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma & Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate?

A New Frontier In Healing

The body is a fantastic machine. When a part becomes injured, worn, or diseased, a healing response is activated immediately. The body activates stem cells and growth factors to protect and repair the damage. Unfortunately, sometimes the response is not enough to provide long-term relief, leading to surgery. What if there was a way to amplify this natural healing process and even avoid surgery? Over the years, scientists have developed different forms of regenerative medicine. These include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).

What is platelet-rich plasma?

PRP is a simple yet innovative form of treatment. The blood contains platelets responsible for stopping bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets also encourage the body to heal the affected area. PRP starts by taking a blood sample from a patient. Next, the sample is placed in a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge uses rapid spinning to separate the red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. The doctor or medical professional then injects the plasma into the affected area.

What’s the purpose of PRP?

Scientists and doctors have found a range of uses for platelet-rich plasma therapy. Joint injuries and joint recovery are the most effective uses. Joint osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear of cartilage, can benefit from PRP. Doctors also use PRP for acute injuries like tennis elbow, sprains, rotator cuff tears, and pulled muscles. Other notable uses include hair loss, wound care, and recovery after surgery. PRP is customized for each patient and needs skilled medical teams to separate plasma. The therapy happens over several sessions, and 84% of patients experience at least a 25% reduction in pain.

Understanding BMAC

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate is a more effective form of regenerative therapy. While PRP takes plasma from a blood sample, BMAC takes the process a bit further. Within the bones of the body is bone marrow. The bone marrow produces the stem cells that eventually turn into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Stem cells are also the core ingredient in healing and tissue regeneration. BMAC is a bit more invasive, as the process extracts a sample of the patient’s bone marrow. The stem cells can then be injected into the injured site for healing purposes.

Why choose BMAC?

The stem cells are perfect for reducing inflammation, healing, and regenerating tissue. BMAC is effective for damaged ligaments, pulled muscles, torn tendons, arthritis, and much more. The doctor takes a sample of marrow using a long needle from the pelvic bone. Then, the marrow is placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma. Unlike PRP, BMAC contains additional mesenchymal stem cells. The body not only heals but there is the potential to regenerate tissue. BMAC may also need fewer sessions, about 1-3, compared to PRP.

Some interesting facts about PRP vs BMAC

Most healthy patients are eligible for PRP and BMAC. Doctors would often recommend treatment for ages up to 60. With BMAC, however, the younger the patient, the more potent the stem cells. Both procedures can be used together and are also safe to use with other treatment options and techniques. Since the FDA considers both therapies experimental, PRP and BMAC are not covered by insurance. Speak with the medical center about available payment options. Of course, there are risks with any procedure. Speak with the doctor about these risks as well.

Know the differences in your treatment

To improve the healing quality and speed of an injury or condition, a doctor may suggest PRP or BMAC. Both are effective in pain management and healing. However, BMAC may help with tissue regeneration. These procedures are purely supplementary and do not replace physical therapy and pain management. Speak with a doctor to see which method is best.