What are PRP Injections?
What are Platelet rich plasma (PRP) Injections:
Figure 1: Hip and Knee Pain - Osteoarthritis & PRP Injections - Physio Frenchs Forest, Physio Macquarie Park
PRP involves removing a small amount of blood from the patient and spinning it a high speed which then separates a component of the blood called platelets. Platelets are cells in our body that contain nutrients and growth factors that are essential to repair injured tissue. The blood is then injected into the site of injury which then regenerates the tissue to an extent (Mishra, Pavelko, 2006); (Edwards, Calaandruccio, 2003); (Sanchez, Anitua, Orive, Mujika, Andia, 2009).
What is a tendon?
They are made of different cells in comparison to muscles. These are tenocytes, water, and fibrous collagen protein. The proteins come together to create a strong structure connecting muscle to bone.
Why do tendons hurt?
The tendons transfer force when we move such as when we run. If they are overused or mistreated repeatedly then micro tears occur.
Why do they take longer to heal?
Tendons have a poor blood supply and therefore heal much slower than when we tear a muscle. It is this poor blood supply that does not initiate a inflammatory response and therefore limits the healing.
What are the signs and symptoms of tendonitis or tendinopathy?
- Tenderness over the tendon
- Swelling of the tendon
- Sensation of warmth
- Creaking sounds of the tendon
- Symptoms worse at night time or the next day following exercise
- Impaired performance - lack of muscle power
What to expect after the PRP injection?
The Doctor will administer 1-3 injections over a period of time. Expected recovery and symptoms vary from person to person due to the severity of the injury and age. Most patients are able to return to normal activity by 3-4 months.
Do I still need to do my physiotherapy?
Yes! The painful tendon has had a helping hand, however if you don’t correct the dysfunction then you are likely to end up in a vicious cycle. The physiotherapist will be able to tailor an exercise program that if specific to you and your injury.
See our expert Physiotherapy team at Frenchs Forest and Macquarie Park!
Reece Jones
Principal Physiotherapist
Set in Motion Physiotherapy
References.
1. Edwards, S & Calandruccio, J. 2003. Autologous blood injections for refractory lateral epicondylitis. American Journal of Hand Surgery, 28(2): 272–8.
2. Mishra A, & Pavelko T. 2006. Treatment of chronic elbow tendinosis with buffered platelet-rich plasma. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 10(10):1–5.
3. Sánchez, M., Anitua, E., Orive, G., Mujika, I., & Andia, I. 2009. Platelet-rich therapies in the treatment of orthopaedic sport injuries. Sports Medicine, 39(5):345-54.