Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: Way to a Rapid Recovery

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) is a new way of healing that has been deserving of much debate in the past year upon its effectiveness. It is a non-surgical, cutting edge injection therapy that is to promote healing of bone, soft tissue, cartilage, and nerves. The injection is composed of platelet extracts from whole blood. Athletes such as Tiger Woods received several of these injections in 2009 to promote healing of a tendinitis condition that he had acquired after an Achilles tendon injury in the year prior. Another well known athlete that had the advantage of PRP therapy is Troy Polamalu who received the injections for the treatment of a strained calf after a knee injury.

PRP is able to promote healing by mediating the degree of inflammation in the affected area. After an injury is sustained by a tissue, an inflammatory response begins causing redness, heat, and swelling. This aids in preventing infection and allows the tissue to become prepared for healing. The healing process begins after the inflammation period is over. Platelets play a major role in both the inflammation and the healing process. Platelets are capable of inhibiting inflammation, and therefore allowing the healing process to begin much earlier by producing several growth factors in the tissue including those that aid to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

According to a research done by Dr. Grambert, of Indiana University School of Medicine, more than one injection may be needed for complete healing and results may be seen in as many as 4 to 6 weeks. He also has found success in treating patients with plantar fasciitis using PRP accompanied by a tear in the plantar fascia which aids in lengthening. Boot immobilization is then followed to allow the patient full recovery. This treatment regimen has provided his patients with promising results, where 85% of his 89 plantar fasciitis cases returned to normal activity with no limitations within six weeks.

Another advantage of PRP is that, it is an affordable treatment for most patients. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is ongoing debate and it is currently being researched on in many labs and by many practitioners across the country, however, its promising results should not be foreseen.