Musculoskeletal Medicine

Platelet rich plasma injections (PRP injections) can be used in the treatment of many musculoskeletal injuries including that of tendons, muscles and joints. Typically 1-2 injections are required, separated by 4-6 weeks apart. This may vary depending on your injury. Your GP will discuss this with you at your initial consultation.

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What tendon injuries can be treated with PRP?

PRP can be injected into:

• Tennis elbow (common extensor tendinosis)

• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)

• Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinosis)

• Achilles tendinosis

• Plantar fasciitis

• Hamstring tendons

• Adductor tendons

• Gluteal tendons

 

What muscle injuries can be treated with PRP?

PRP can be injected into the:

• Hamstring

• Calf

• Quadriceps

 

What other injuries can be treated with PRP?

PRP can also be used in:

• Trochanteric bursitis

• Knee MCL tears

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Hip Osteoarthritis

 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Tendons

 

What is the structure of tendons?

Tendons are made of special cells called tenocytes, water and fibrous collagen protein. These proteins weave together to make a strong durable structure that naturally anchor to bone.
 

Why are tendons injured?

Tendons can transfer great force and thus can be injured if they are overused or overwhelmed. If this occurs, micro tears start to form in the collagen.
 

How do tendons heal after injury?

Injured tendons heal by scarring — this affects their strength and hence increases the risk of re-injury. Also, because tendons do not have a good blood supply, they tend to heal slower than other soft tissues.
 

Why is my tendon injury not improving?

As tendons have a poor blood supply, there is only a minimal inflammatory response. Without inflammation, the tendon repair system is limited and an abnormal pathological response occurs called angiofibroblastic degeneration (5-7). This degenerative response to the micro tears in collagen is the essence of tendinopathy or tendinosis. Often pain, localised tenderness, swelling and impaired performance occurs.
 

How have tendons been treated traditionally?

Traditional therapies do not address the inherently poor healing properties of tendons. Corticosteroid is sometimes injected but adverse effects such as atrophy and permanent structural damage to tendons can occur (6). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can cause gastrointestinal or kidney damage.
 

How is PRP different?

PRP injections aim to embrace and stimulate the inflammatory process which in turn will encourage the healing process. PRP focuses on restoring normal tissue composition while avoiding further degeneration.

Ask your doctor about whether your tendon injury can be treated with PRP.
 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Muscle Strains / Tears

PRP can potentially accelerate muscle healing and reduce injury time. The early blood clot can be substituted by PRP with its supraphysiological concentration of growth factors which stimulates the healing process.

Ask your doctor about whether your muscle injury can be treated with PRP.
 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Other Injuries

There is ongoing medical research into the use of PRP regarding its potential to heal other musculoskeletal injuries including: Trochanteric bursitis, Knee MCL tears, Knee osteoarthritis and Hip Osteoarthritis.

Ask your doctor about whether your injury can be treated with PRP.

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*Above information from https://www.prpinjection.com.au*

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