Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Sports Medicine

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.

Conditions Treated with PRP in Sports Medicine

Tendon & Ligament Injuries (Chronic and Acute)

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (Shoulder Injuries)
• Plantar Fasciitis

Joint & Cartilage Injuries

• 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)

Muscle & Soft Tissue Injuries

• Hamstring Strains
• Quadriceps or Calf Muscle Tears

Bone Healing & Fracture Recovery

• Non-healing fractures (non-union fractures)
• Stress Fractures – PRP may help accelerate bone healing

⁠Benefits of PRP in Sports Medicine

• Promotes Natural Healing – Uses the body’s own growth factors
• Non-Surgical Alternative – Can help avoid or delay surgery
• Reduces Pain & Inflammation – Helps with chronic pain conditions
• Faster Recovery – May speed up healing in athletes and active individuals
• Low Risk of Rejection – Since PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, there’s minimal risk of allergic reactions

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