Getting back in the game quickly is one of the goals of every injured athlete. Understandably, the longer you are out of the field or court, the higher likelihood of physical de-conditioning and loss of skill and technique. Doctors who specialize in treating injured athletes, sports medicine doctors, create treatment plans that help athletes heal quickly from injuries.
One of the best non-surgical techniques used by sports medicine doctors to boost an athlete’s healing ability is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, also called PRP therapy. Here’s how PRP injections can benefit the right candidates.
What Are PRP Injections?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapyis a treatment option that involves using a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote healing and tissue regeneration. PRP injections have proven to be highly effective in treating soft tissue injuries, such as those that occur with tendonitis, pulled muscles, and ankle ligament sprains. Faster healing and less swelling are just some of the benefits that an individual can reap from platelet-rich plasma injections.
Who Could Benefit From PRP Injections?
Athletes and weekend warriors with the following injuries can benefit from PRP injections:
Tendon Injuries
PRP injections have been extensively used in the treatment of tendon injuries, such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), Achilles tendonitis, and patellar tendinitis. PRP can help stimulate tissue repair by signaling the processes involved in repairing damaged tendons.
Ligament Injuries
The use of PRP injections in the treatment of ligament injuries is gaining traction. Ligament injuries, such as sprains and partial tears like injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or other ligaments in the body,can also benefit from enhanced tissue repair brought on by PRP therapy.
Muscle Injuries
Platelet-rich plasma therapy as a treatment for muscle injuries has been proven in a number of studies. The injections set off the process of tissue regeneration for patients with muscle strains or pulled muscles, accelerating healing and improving the process of regeneration.
Non-Healing Fractures
In some cases, PRP injections may be used to aid in the healing of nonunion fractures, where the bone fails to heal properly. PRP can provide growth factors that accelerate bone regeneration and accelerate the healing process.
Osteoarthritis
Athletes can develop arthritis from years of high physical demands placed on their bodies. PRP injections have been used as a treatment option for athletes with arthritis, particularly in the knee, and many have been able to overcome arthritis and experience reduced pain and improved joint function, and maintain their competitive advantage in sports. The injections, when combined with other interventions such as physical therapy, can potentially slow the progression of the condition.
PRP Injections in Dallas, TX
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, our sports medicine doctors use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as a conservative alternative to surgical repair for a range of sports injuries and painful and limiting orthopedic conditions. We use only non-surgical therapies to help our injured athletes and weekend warriors heal and recover.
We can prescribe treatments that will help you achieve your goals. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, call our office today at (972) 503-7272 or use our online request form.
