Advanced Treatments For Chronic Tendon Injuries: Do I Need PRP?

Is Your Tendon Issue Not Letting Up?

Tendons are tough connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Injuries are common as tendons are necessary for movement and shock absorption. Common tendon injuries include tendinopathy, tendonitis, and tenosynovitis. Tendons can also rupture with part or all the tissue detaching from the bone. Some tendon-related conditions are minor and heal with rest and pain medication, but others can fail to improve. This chronic issue requires deeper or alternative forms of treatment. Recently, doctors have been using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help treat these and similar conditions.

What is PRP?

PRP falls under the umbrella of regenerative medicine, which uses the body’s natural healing factors to support healing. When the body experiences a cut or injury, platelets gather at the location to begin healing and regenerating the tissue. PRP therapy sends a boost of additional platelets to the affected area. The procedure begins with a doctor or medical professional extracting a blood sample from the patient. The sample goes through a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the platelets and plasma. The medical team extracts the platelets and then injects the new sample into the injured location. For the best results, PRP is performed in multiple sessions over several weeks or months.

PRP benefits you can’t ignore

Studies show that PRP speeds up the healing timeline for soft tissue injuries, particularly tendons and ligaments. Someone with chronic tendon injuries like tendinitis may benefit from PRP. People with chronic tendon injuries experience continuous pain, which needs to be managed with medication or physical therapy. Growth factors reduce inflammation, allowing reduced swelling and improved mobility. Patients can, therefore, limit the use of pain medication and return to everyday activities faster. The innovative use of the platelets supports a natural healing process that improves long-term outcomes.

A potential alternative to surgery

Chronic tendon injuries can require surgery, leading to extensive recovery and a risk of complications. Some individuals may want to avoid surgery while speeding up healing. A typical example is an athlete trying to return to sport quickly without extended downtime. PRP can be an alternative to more invasive surgery, with some evidence that the therapy can help regenerate tissue. Combined with pain management, exercise, and physical therapy, PRP can help athletes have longer careers. In the future, PRP may be a cutting-edge alternative to surgery and a first step for those looking for natural alternatives to treating chronic tendon injuries.

Is PRP or surgery right for you?

PRP is an effective treatment option but may not be for everyone. The results can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the injury. A complete tendon rupture, for instance, will need surgical intervention first. In many cases, PRP is part of a broader treatment plan. PRP is ideal for mild to moderate cases of tendon injuries that will respond well to regenerative medicine. While PRP has been around for many years, the research into effectiveness and long-term outcomes is still ongoing. At the same time, evidence shows that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Patients with chronic tendon pain or injury can seek advice from a healthcare professional to determine if PRP can help with recovery.