Advantages of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

You may have recently heard about platelet-rich plasma therapy in regard to professional athletes using this approach in an effort to heal faster so they can return to their sport. However, you may be able to take advantage of this advanced method of soft tissue regeneration as well.

How it Works

Ligaments and tendons consist of collagen fibers. When these fibers are stretched or torn, we refer to them as pulls, tears, strains or sprains. These fibers contain blood vessels, so when we suffer one of these kinds of injuries we bleed. Bruising is one consequence of this bleeding. In order to promote healing, blood flow to the injured areas needs to be increased. Platelets in the blood help to create new fibers of collagen and quicken healing.

However, sometimes the healing process results in scar tissue rather than the development of new collagen fibers. This prohibits proper blood flow, because blood vessels are not able to penetrate through the scar tissue. People can become understandably frustrated when their injuries do not heal, turning to pain medications, gels, creams, physical therapy and other treatments. If these approaches do not work, many people simply resign themselves to living with the pain.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy could be the solution. It uses a patient’s own blood in order to help speed recovery. Blood is drawn and then placed into a centrifuge to draw out platelets and other materials needed for healing. The doctor then uses ultrasound to target the area that has been injured and injects the platelet-rich plasma exactly where it is needed.

Conditions Treated By Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

There are several types of injuries and chronic conditions where platelet-rich plasma therapy may be effective. These include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Patellar tendonitis
• Foot and ankle sprains
• Hamstring strains

This just scratches the surface of the many ways patients could benefit from platelet-rich plasma therapy. If you would like to learn more or schedule an examination, get in touch with a Plano foot and ankle specialist with Southwest Foot and Ankle Center. Contact us online or call 972-805-9985 in Plano, 972-318-2738 in Lewisville or 972-318-2655 in Irving.