One of the most amazing medical science discoveries made in recent years is that our bodies have natural healing abilities. Our platelets contain growth factors that contribute to cell growth and division. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a popular form of regenerative medicine that maximizes the platelets to heal injuries effectively. One of the most common conditions PRP therapy is used to treat is tennis elbow.
Here’s how it works.
What Is PRP Therapy?
When any part of your body gets injured, blood vessels send out a distress signal. These signals are picked up by platelets that immediately travel to the site of the injury. These cells transform and bind together to stop the bleeding.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses the healing capabilities of platelets. During PRP treatment, a physician draws your blood and processes it in a high-speed centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood content. A PRP solution usually has five to ten times the normal concentration of platelets and growth factors.
Once the concentration is ready, it is drawn into a syringe and injected directly into the affected body part. For a more precise injection, your doctor may use medical imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the diseased cartilage, tendon, ligament, or muscle.
PRP Treatment For Tennis Elbow
PRP can relieve musculoskeletal pain caused by sports injuries while accelerating the body’s natural healing process. It is instrumental in treating tennis elbow, a condition where the elbow’s tendon fibers deteriorate due to overuse or trauma.
Although the pain may vary in intensity, individuals with tennis elbow find it increasingly difficult to perform daily tasks. Over time and without treatment, the pain may spread to the forearm and wrist. When conservative treatment options cannot address the issue, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Studies show that PRP therapy reduces the need for surgical intervention among patients with intractable tennis elbow. Unlike corticosteroid injections that provide short-term relief, PRP therapy offers long-term improvements that do not damage the tendon. On the contrary, it is believed that the growth and healing factors in PRP injections facilitate tendon regeneration.
Growth Factors
Platelets contain several growth factors that can relieve painful symptoms and support cellular and tissue repair:
● Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
● Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
● Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)
● Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β
● Epidermal growth factor (EGF)
● Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
Because of these growth factors, PRP treatment increases collagen production and cell viability. In turn, these processes stimulate angiogenesis, a process where new blood vessels are formed to support wound healing.
PRP can also reduce inflammation by sending platelets straight to the source of the problem. Since it is directly injected into the affected body part, it alerts healing mechanisms to focus their attention on healing the targeted area. Therefore, PRP treatment significantly cuts the recovery process, allowing you to return to previous activity levels sooner.
Your PRP Treatment Plan
Your PRP injection plan will depend on the severity of your injury and overall health. PRP injections are usually not used as a standalone treatment and are part of a holistic pain management regimen that may include medication, physical therapy, and stem cell therapy.
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor how many injection sessions are recommended and at what intervals. Be sure to disclose any existing conditions that may interfere with treatment, like anemia, hepatitis, HIV, and neurological disorders. If you’re taking blood thinners, your doctor may advise against this treatment.
PRP Treatment in Pembroke Pines And Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
PRP treatment is an excellent option in treating a wide range of sports injuries, post-surgery wounds, arthritis pain, and inflammation. Doctors are also harnessing its regenerative capabilities for cosmetic applications. Since it uses your own blood, there is minimal risk of contamination, infection, or other side effects, making it a safe and effective procedure.
If you want to check whether PRP treatment is a good option for your musculoskeletal pain, visit our team at Total Orthopaedic Care today. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists can design a treatment plan that includes PRP injections and traditional therapeutic modalities to get you back to sports as soon and as safely as possible.
To learn more about our services, call us today at (954) 735-3535 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you move without pain and limitation!
