However, with advances in medicine, PRP therapy is allowing athletes to get back in the game even faster after an injury.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma is an innovative new form of therapy that allows the athlete’s own body to accelerate and enhance healing. This healing technique can help to repair damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints. Those athletes who have endured tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff injuries have used this therapy to help get them back in the game even faster.
Athletes who engage in repetitive motions such as tennis players and baseball pitchers are more susceptible to ligament and tendon injuries. Those who perform at higher levels push themselves to an extent where these areas endure injury. The blood supply is poor in ligaments and tendons as opposed to other areas of the body, so allowing ligaments and tendons to heal on their own without treatment is not the best course of action as this can extend the recovery time.
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
PRP contains a high amount of growth and healing factors, which stimulate a wound-healing cascade leading to the deposition of new collagen and regeneration of damaged tissue. As the collagen matures, it shrinks and tightens the tendon or ligament, making it stronger.
Following PRP therapy, pain relief and improvement in function occur within three to four weeks, and this may continue over three to six months by which time most athletes may expect a near 100 percent return to their ability level before the injury.
If you are an elite athlete or someone who has suffered a musculoskeletal injury that has occurred while playing or working out, you may be pleasantly surprised by the amount of pain relief and improved mobility that you experience after PRP therapy.
To learn more about this beneficial therapy, contact our Atlanta sports medicine doctors for more information. Dial (404) 855-2141 to schedule an appointment today.
