Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Fri Nov 2, 2012 by Dave Phillips

Speaking from personal experience I had a PRP injection in my right elbow to help repair a tendon tear similar to what is known as "Tennis Elbow" which occurs on the outside of the elbow.

In basic terms, PRP involves the application of concentrated platelets, which release growth factors to stimulate recovery in non-healing injuries. PRP causes a mass influx of growth factors that help regenerate injured tissue.

Blood was taken from my arm and spun in a device called a centrifuge, this separates the blood plasma from the blood. The blood plasma is then injected back into the injured area under ultrasound. The entire procedure took about 15 minutes and was relatively painless except for a few needle pricks.

I suffered through five months of elbow pain and tried multiple other forms of treatment, the injury completely healed within four weeks and I was back to hitting golf balls with no pain. 

If you have had soft tissue injuries like tendonitis, muscle strains, ligament issues you may be a candidate for PRP and should talk to your physician. 

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