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Sports Medicine

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Sports Medicine

Overview

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative therapy used in sports medicine and orthopedics to promote tissue healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal injuries. It involves injecting a concentrated solution of a patient’s own platelets into an injured area to stimulate tissue repair.

How PRP Works

PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, which is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets and growth factors. The platelet-rich portion is then injected into the injured area, where it enhances the body’s natural healing process. Growth factors in PRP help reduce pain, reduce inflammation and promote cell repair.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy offers multiple benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Healing: Growth factors in PRP stimulate cellular repair and regeneration
  • Reduced Inflammation: PRP helps decrease inflammation, leading to pain relief and improved function
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure is simple and non-surgical, requiring only an injection
  • Natural Treatment: Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, there is minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection
  • Accelerated Recovery: PRP speeds up the healing process, especially in soft tissue injuries
  • Potential to Delay Surgery: PRP may provide relief in degenerative conditions, postponing the need for more invasive treatments

To find out if PRP may be suitable for you, please reach out to us today for a detailed evaluation and advice.

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Conditions Treated with PRP in Sports Medicine

  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (Shoulder Injuries)
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Osteoarthritis (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Ankle, etc.) – PRP reduces pain and improves function.
  • Meniscus Tears – Used as a non-surgical option for knee pain and degeneration.
  • Labral Tears (Hip & Shoulder)
  • Hamstring Strains
  • Quadriceps or Calf Muscle Tears
  • Non-healing fractures (non-union fractures)
  • Stress Fractures – PRP may help accelerate bone healing

How is PRP Performed?

  • Blood Draw – A small sample (30-60 mL) of the patient’s blood is taken
  • Centrifugation – The blood is spun to concentrate platelets and growth factors
  • Injection – The PRP is injected into the injured site, under ultrasound guidance for precision
  • Post-Injection Care – The patient follows rehabilitation and gradual return to activity

PRP vs. Other Treatments

  • vs Corticosteroids: PRP promotes healing, while steroids only reduce inflammation
  • vs Surgery: PRP may help avoid surgery in some cases, but not for severe structural damage
  • vs Physiotherapy: PRP is often combined with rehab for better outcomes

What are the Limitations & Considerations of PRP?

  • It is not a quick fix – PRP may take weeks to show results
  • There can be varied effectiveness – Works well for some injuries but not all
  • It requires careful administration – Best done by a sports medicine physician
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Frequently Asked Questions

A PRP session typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. This includes drawing blood, processing it in a centrifuge, and administering the injection.

The number of treatments varies depending on the condition being treated. Some patients experience relief after one session, while others may require two or three treatments spaced several weeks apart.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during the injection. A local anesthetic can be used to minimize pain. Some soreness may persist for a few days post-injection, similar to a mild bruise or muscle ache, but it usually subsides quickly.

Results vary depending on the severity of the condition and the body’s healing response. Some patients notice improvements within a few weeks, while others see significant benefits after three to six months as the tissue continues to regenerate and heal.

Light activities, such as walking, can usually be resumed within a day or two. However, high-impact activities or strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least one to two weeks. Your orthopaedic doctor will provide specific guidelines based on your condition.

After PRP therapy, patients should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can slow healing. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and following physiotherapy recommendations can enhance recovery and improve treatment outcomes.