Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become a valuable tool in orthopaedic care, especially for patients looking for minimally invasive ways to manage pain and support tissue recovery. As regenerative medicine gains momentum in Australia, many people are asking the same question: what conditions does PRP treat?
Understanding PRP in Orthopaedics
PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from your own blood and injecting them into damaged or inflamed tissues. These platelets are rich in growth factors that can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and encourage tissue repair. While originally used in sports medicine, orthopaedic PRP is now widely applied to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Common Conditions Treated with PRP
Orthopaedic PRP is used to treat a wide variety of soft tissue and joint conditions. Here are some of the most common:
- Tendon injuries: PRP for tendons is commonly used in cases of tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff injuries, and patellar tendinopathy.
- Ligament sprains and tears: Conditions like partial ACL tears or ankle ligament injuries may benefit from PRP for ligament healing.
- Muscle strains: Hamstring, quadriceps, and calf muscle injuries are often treated with PRP for muscle strain.
- Joint pain and arthritis: Patients with early osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, or shoulder may respond to PRP for joints.
- Bursitis and shoulder conditions: PRP for shoulder pain, particularly in cases of bursitis or shoulder tendonitis, is gaining popularity.
- Plantar fasciitis: Chronic heel pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments may benefit from PRP for plantar fasciitis.
When Is PRP Considered?
PRP treatment is often recommended when conservative options such as physiotherapy, rest, or traditional anti-inflammatory strategies haven’t achieved lasting results. It can also be considered as an alternative to surgery or cortisone injections, especially for patients seeking a more natural healing process.
The Advantages of PRP Therapy
- PRP therapy uses your own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
- It can be administered in a clinical setting with minimal downtime.
Unlike cortisone injections, PRP aims to support healing rather than just mask symptoms.
