The Healing Power Of PRP Injections

If you've ever been sidelined by a sports injury, like tennis elbow, you might have wished for a faster way to heal. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are becoming a game-changer in sports medicine, offering accelerated recovery times for overused tendons and more.

This treatment even has uses beyond sports injuries. Catherine Reese, MD, a primary care sports medicine physician with Franciscan Health Sports Medicine, helps us understand PRP therapy, its various uses and how platelet-rich plasma can get you back in action.

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy uses your blood's healing capabilities to speed recovery. Blood includes 93 percent red cells (RBCs), 6 percent platelets, 1 percent white blood cells (WBCs), and the plasma that moves the components throughout your body. Human platelets are naturally rich in connective tissue growth factors.

"Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments, tendons and joints, stimulates the body's natural repair process," Dr. Reese said.

In PRP therapy, providers concentrate the platelets so you can benefit from their natural healing proteins.

"In the sports medicine office, to get platelet-rich plasma, we draw the patient's blood, spin it down in a centrifuge and then take out the part rich in platelets," said Dr. Reese. They then inject it into your damaged tissue. "It's a concentrated platelet product rich in growth factors, proteins, cytokines and other molecules, which are important in tissue healing."

What Conditions Are Treated With PRP Injections?

PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon sprains or strains that haven't responded well to traditional therapies. Injuries and conditions that benefit from PRP injections include:

• Achilles tendinosis and plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis in knee and hip joints
• Chronic tendon issues like tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
• Hamstring tendinosis
• Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendinosis
• Rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries
• Shoulder pain and instability
• Tennis and golfer's elbow
• Trochanteric bursitis

What Are The Benefits Of PRP?

For athletes who've tried everything from physical therapy to anti-inflammatory medicine without success, PRP therapy offers a promising alternative.

"Imagine your tendons start out like a brand-new box of spaghetti - straight and organized. Over time, they get cooked, twisted and disorganized," Dr. Reese said. "PRP reorganizes and strengthens these 'noodles' by stimulating a natural repair process."

PRP injections help with the following:

• Healing sports injuries
• Maxillofacial procedures (jaw surgery)
• Skin rejuvenation in dermatology

What Is The Downside Of PRP Injections?

While PRP injections are generally considered safe and effective for treating several injuries and conditions, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Cost and insurance - At around $425 per session, insurance, including Medicare, does not usually cover PRP.
• Discomfort - The procedure involves drawing blood and injecting the platelets into the injured area, which can cause mild pain.
• Effectiveness - Results can vary for each person depending on the area treated.
• Research and Results - PRP has been used for years and has shown promise, but it is still considered a relatively new treatment approach with varying results.

What To Expect From PRP Treatment?

The PRP procedure is straightforward and takes 30 to 40 minutes in the office. It begins with a blood draw (like getting a blood test), isolating the platelets, and then numbing the treatment area. The concentrated platelets are then injected under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement.

"It's a quick procedure with potentially huge benefits for recovery and long-term health," Dr. Reese said.

What Are The Potential Outcomes Of PRP Injections?

Studies show an 80 to 85 percent improvement in reduced pain and enhanced function. Some people experience complete relief from their pain. It usually takes about three to 12 months to feel the full benefits of PRP.

"I would say three months is kind of that magic number to get that full benefit from it," said Dr. Reese. "It's not an immediate magical cure. The goal of PRP is to create long-term healing. So, it's not a quick fix."

Should I Avoid Any Medications When Having PRP?

A week before the injections and a month after, it's critical to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, which can interfere with the healing response. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication.

How Long Do PRP Injections Last?

After the initial treatment, your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit four to eight weeks later to check on the healing progress. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, some people need two or three treatments. In those cases, doctors provide injections every eight to 12 weeks.

Get Care For Your Injury

Don't let injuries hold you back. Schedule your PRP therapy consultation at Franciscan Health Sports Medicine today and start your journey back to peak performance.