Are you dealing with a tendon injury or disease? Many people who have tried PRP therapy have found pain and discomfort relief. It’s a cutting-edge treatment that has proven to help amplify the body’s own healing system, allowing you to get back to living your life with less pain and discomfort. PRP heals tendonitis and tendon tears, an idea or option that has been accepted by a lot of people. But what is it? How does it work? What are the two most important factors affecting the effectiveness of the PRP for tendon treatment?
What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injection?
Plasma is the blood liquid component, mainly proteins and water, while platelets (or thrombocytes) are the blood cells responsible for clotting and other healing activities.
PRP injections can create a solution that stimulates the body’s natural healing process by taking some of a patient’s blood and concentrating the platelets using a centrifuge.
The injection is guided by ultrasound imaging and is directly injected into the affected tissue, releasing growth factors that promote healing. The procedure is quite effective for tendons, muscles, joints, ligaments, and other related injuries or diseases.
It has fewer side effects than other treatments since it’s made from the patient’s blood. So there is no chance of the body rejecting it.
Can PRP Help Tendons Heal? How does it Work?
The injection of a concentrated amount of platelets activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms. As soon as the injection is administered, the growth factors present in the platelets start working, and the healing process is noticed within 24 hours.
Although the body usually activates this process when one gets cut or experiences a serious injury, this does not always occur when the injury is minor or does not have a good blood supply. PRP therapy helps kick-start this healing process even in such cases, and the benefits can last at least a year.
The patients must follow a healthy diet and avoid smoking or drinking for a few days before the therapy to achieve optimal results. The severity of the injury or disease also affects the effectiveness of the treatment. So, the sooner the PRP injection is administered, the more effective it is likely to be.
What are the Two Most Important Factors That Affect Its Effectiveness?
The effectiveness of PRP therapy depends on two significant factors, namely the quality of the platelets and plasma and the severity of the tendon injury.
Quality of Platelets and Plasma
The quality of the platelets and plasma used in the injection is the most crucial factor in determining the success of the PRP treatment. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking and drinking for a few days before the therapy can maximize the efficacy of the treatment.
The severity of Tendon Injury
The severity of the tendon injury is another factor that affects the results of the PRP injection. The fewer healthy cells available at the injury site, the less effective the PRP treatment will be. That’s why it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible after the injury.
PRP Injections for Tendons vs Surgery Vs Medications
When it comes to treating joint-related problems, surgery is often considered the best option. However, it requires a 2-3 month recovery period and carries the risks associated with surgery.
On the other hand, PRP injections have been shown to have equally impressive results, with a much faster recovery time and without the associated risks or high costs.
Medications, such as steroids, prescribed as pain relievers may have harmful side effects or be habit-forming. So, PRP is the safer alternative, as it uses the body’s components to heal without needing medications.
Who is PRP Tendon Treatment For?
Tendon injuries can be excruciating and debilitating. PRP treatment is suitable for anyone dealing with tendon damage, whether due to an acute injury or chronic wear and tear.
PRP injections can be used to treat:
• Achilles tendonitis
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Patellar tendinitis
• Chronic lower back pain
• Bicep tendinitis
• Wrist tendinitis
Regarding age, there is no upper limit to who can benefit from PRP treatment. However, younger patients typically experience better results as their bodies are still adept at healing. Treatment periods generally are around four weeks. However, that may vary depending on the injury severity.
Conclusion
PRP therapy offers a safe and effective way to speed up tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joint healing. However, there are two most important factors that affect the effectiveness of PRP injections – the quality of the platelets and plasma and the severity of the tendon injury. Patients should follow a healthy diet and avoid smoking and drinking before the therapy to get the best results.
