Ligament injuries are common among athletes and active individuals, often leading to pain, swelling and reduced joint stability. Traditionally, moderate to severe ligament tears have been managed with surgery, rest and rehabilitation. However, with the rise of regenerative medicine in Australia, many patients are now exploring whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may offer a non-surgical option for healing.
Understanding Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that link bones together, providing joint stability and guiding movement. A tear can occur through sudden trauma or repetitive stress, and is commonly seen in the knee, ankle, shoulder and wrist. Once damaged, ligaments have a relatively poor blood supply, which can limit the body’s ability to heal efficiently. This is where regenerative approaches like PRP therapy are gaining traction.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the injury site. Platelets contain growth factors that may help trigger tissue repair and reduce inflammation. In the case of a ligament tear, PRP injections are administered directly into the injured area under ultrasound guidance to improve precision.
PRP for Ligament Tears: What Does the Research Say?
Recent PRP research studies suggest that PRP therapy may help promote healing in mild to moderate ligament injuries. It is most commonly used for conditions like PRP for ankle sprains, PRP for ACL partial tears, and PRP for shoulder ligament injuries. Some studies have reported reduced pain, improved joint function, and shorter recovery times when PRP is used alongside a physiotherapy program.
However, it’s important to note that while early findings are promising, the success rates of PRP therapy can vary depending on injury severity, patient health, and the quality of the PRP preparation. Severe, complete ligament ruptures may still require surgical repair, especially in load-bearing joints like the knee.
PRP vs. Surgery for Ligament Injuries
Surgery remains the standard treatment for complete ligament tears or those causing joint instability. It typically involves reconstructing the torn ligament with grafts, followed by months of rehabilitation. PRP treatment, by contrast, is minimally invasive, performed in-clinic, and has a shorter recovery window in many cases.
For patients with partial tears or chronic ligament sprains, PRP may be considered as a first-line treatment before opting for surgery. It also offers an appealing option for those who are not surgical candidates or prefer to avoid more invasive procedures.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
If you’re considering PRP for a ligament tear, the process generally involves:
- A consultation to determine suitability for PRP therapy
- Blood draw and PRP preparation in-clinic
- Injection into the injured ligament using ultrasound guidance
- A recovery period involving rest, followed by guided rehabilitation
PRP injection recovery time may vary depending on the location and severity of the tear, but many patients resume light activity within days and begin physiotherapy within weeks.
