Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has been a part of surgical applications since the 1970s. Thanks to the recent technological surge, this non-surgical mode of treatment has also forayed into the sports arena too where it is being effectively used to mend ligaments and repair tendon injuries.

Tendons are structures that connect muscles to the bone. Any injury or wear and tear of the tendon causes an inflammatory condition called 'tendinosis' which often occurs in the knee, ankle, Achilles tendons, calf, shoulder, biceps and wrist.

Collagen fibers of the ligaments, on the other hand, connect the bones to one another and play a role in controlling movement. A damaged or injured ligament weakens the joint, causes pain and becomes unable to provide the required support.

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is the name given to blood plasma with a high concentration of platelets (another blood component). These concentrated platelets contain huge doses of bioactive proteins, such as growth factors, that are pivotal in the repair and regeneration of issues. These special proteins also initiate new blood vessel formation, bone regeneration and healing, connective tissue repair and endorse overall wound healing.

The procedure 

The core procedure involves collecting a concentrate of Platelets along with White Blood Cells (WBCs) from the patient’s blood, with the aid of a closed platelet separator. This concentrate, which contains platelets and growth factors (multiplied several fold), is then mixed with activating agents and is injected back into the patient’s own damaged tissue where it begins to initiate the process of repair.

The repair response in the injured tissue is kick-started by the formation of a blood clot. This is then followed by the implanted platelets getting dissolved, triggering the release of growth factors which in turn leads to the formation of a fibrous scar tissue . Eventually the injured tissue is completely replaced by healthy cells.

Most people undergoing treatment may require 3-6 doses of injections which is given approximately a month from each other. The risks and side effects do not vary with the number of treatments so a person may have as many as required.

PRP therapy is not a quick fix. Regeneration of injured tendons and liaments will take time. Physical therapy may be continued a week after the procedure.

Procedure Safety

The chances of an adverse reaction is completely nullified because the components used for treatment are derived from a person’s own body. This makes the procedure entirely safe. Besides, the use of closed systems for preparing the PRP concentrate has ruled out any other material entering the system during the production of the concentrate.

A word of Caution

A patient who has undergone PRP therapy may initially suffer some soreness or discomfort, especially at the target site. Some medications like Tylenol may help to control the pain. Heat fomentation or Icepacks may also be applied as required.