Nstride and PRP for joint pain

 nSTRIDE is an autologous protein solution (APS) used as a regenerative biologic treatment. Its formula contains powerful components, including anti-inflammatory cytokines and anabolic growth factors. While Health Canada Approved specifically for treating osteoarthritis, it is also used off-label to alleviate joint pain associated with tendonitis.

The nSTRIDE APS is used to create the autologous solution for injection by taking your blood, separating the white blood cells and platelets, and concentrating them into a small volume of plasma.

The obtained solution is then injected directly into the joint of concern.

 In a joint afflicted by osteoarthritis (OA), a critical biochemical imbalance occurs: the concentration of inflammatory cytokines (“bad” proteins) surpasses that of anti-inflammatory cytokines (“good” proteins), resulting in chronic inflammation and the steady destruction of articular cartilage.

The nSTRIDE APS kit directly addresses this imbalance. The process generates a potent autologous protein solution (APS) by isolating and concentrating the patient's own anti-inflammatory cytokines. This solution is then injected into the joint to effectively neutralize inflammatory activity. Additionally, nSTRIDE is rich in anabolic cytokines which actively promote the synthesis and repair of the damaged cartilage matrix.

By simultaneously reducing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair, nSTRIDE helps to slow, halt, or potentially reverse the typical progression of osteoarthritis.

• Single-injection treatment that is non-invasive.
• Provides sustained pain relief—approximately an 80% reduction in pain and inflammation—lasting up to two to three years.
• Restores and significantly improves joint mobility.
• Works to preserve existing cartilage by protecting it from deterioration.
• Stimulates the proliferation (growth) of cartilage cells.
• The procedure is autologous (uses the patient's own material), ensuring a minimal risk of adverse reactions.
• Can negate the necessity of frequent cortisone injections.

 nSTRIDE is an effective treatment for the symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis and is also used off-label for tendonitis. It is important to note its limitation: once the knee cartilage is almost or entirely degenerated, patients have reached the stage of severe osteoarthritis and cannot benefit from this treatment. 

 nSTRIDE is a non-invasive, biologic treatment for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Compared to standard surgery, nSTRIDE is significantly more convenient: it takes less than an hour and requires little to no downtime. For those with moderate osteoarthritis, where surgery is often not an option, nSTRIDE is an option, as it has been shown to potentially slow, halt, or even reverse disease progression. Because nSTRIDE uses the patient's own blood (it is autologous) and is non-invasive, it carries few risks compared to a surgical procedure. However, nSTRIDE is not a practical substitute for total knee replacement in cases of severe osteoarthritis.

Both nSTRIDE and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) are autologous treatments that use the patient's own blood proteins to promote tissue healing. However, nSTRIDE offers a distinct advantage which is that its formula includes leukocytes and activated anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are not found in PRP. This difference allows nSTRIDE to be effective as a single injection that typically provides relief for 1 to 2 years, whereas PRP requires multiple injections to achieve desired results. Patients usually return for a follow-up injection when the effect begins to wear off.

 During the procedure, our nurse draws blood from your arm and separates it using a centrifuge to obtain a concentrated nSTRIDE APS solution. This solution (approximately 3 mL) is then injected into the affected joint. 

During injection, you may experience a pinching sensation and discomfort.

Immediately following the nSTRIDE injection, it is normal to experience some temporary pain and stiffness in the joint, which usually subsides within about two days.

To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, it is recommended that you minimize physical activity for the next 14 days.

You can typically expect your pain to begin decreasing within one to two weeks, with the most significant results typically occurring at six weeks. Pain and discomfort will continue to alleviate over the following weeks, with the full results lasting approximately 12 to 24 months and up to three years.