Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

(PRPT)

What is PRPT?

New treatment gaining popularity in the Sports Medicine field of rehabilitation used for orthopedic injuries

Patient’s own blood is drawn and then re-injected into the area needing treatment

Platelet rich plasma is believed to significantly enhance the healing process of an injury

What is platelet rich plasma?

Concentrate extract of platelets of patient’s own blood

Step by step process 1. Patient’s blood is drawn 2. Blood is centrifuged once 3. 2 separate levels appear 4. Blood is centrifuged again 5. 3 levels in the blood appear, on

of them being platelet rich plasma

Higher concentration of platelets in the blood after centrifuge

Plasma is taken from centrifuge and re-injected into area of injury

How does it work?

Platelets contain growth & healing factors

Platelets help stimulate and accelerate the immune system which initiates tissue regeneration of ligaments and tendons

Promotes angiogenesis Stimulates growth of new healthy

cartilage

Who is it for?

Tendinopathy Research has been done on treatment of the

elbow or knee

Torn ligaments Research has shown improved results for the

UCL at the elbow

Beneficial treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee

Hip arthritis Tendinitis

At the hip/ rotator cuff/ achilles tendon

Greater trochanter bursitis

What are the results?

Effective at relieving pain Hastens the healing process Proof of tissue repair has been seen

through ultrasound and MRI In both ligaments and tendons

Decreases need for surgery

Common Side Effects

Localized swellingPainRisk of hematomaInfection Scarring

Contraindications

Cancer Pregnancy Active infectionPatient on anti-

coagulants

Complications

More research needs to be doneA controlled clinical study needs to be

completedInsurance companies are not yet

covering PRPT No standard protocol for how much

PRPT or how often treatment should beTreatment will vary from patient to

patient

How does it effect PT?

PT should follow PRPT injectionPatient should not do physical

activity for 1 week after injection Start patient on progressive

strength program Typically lasting 8 weeks Specific exercise programs will vary

depending on the patient’s affected area

References Park Y, Han S, Song S, Kim T, Ha C. Platelet-rich plasma therapy for knee joint problems: review of

the literature, current practice and legal perspectives in Korea. Knee Surgery & Related Research [serial online]. June 2012;24(2):70-78. Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 10, 2012.

Podd D. Platelet-rich plasma therapy: origins and applications investigated. JAAPA: Official Journal Of The American Academy Of Physician Assistants [serial online]. June 2012;25(6):44-49. Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 10, 2012.

Araki J, Jona M, Yoshimura K, et al. Optimized preparation method of platelet-concentrated plasma and noncoagulating platelet-derived factor concentrates: maximization of platelet concentration and removal of fibrinogen. Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods [serial online]. March 2012;18(3):176-185. Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 11, 2012.

http://www.treatingpain.com/diagnosis-and-treatments/platelet-rich-plasma.htm

http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2012/09/prp-work-knee-injuries.html

http://www.jointrehab.com/hip_pain_prp_therapy_los_angeles.htm

http://www.dierenartshoegaerts.be/nl/therapie/injecties/documents/prpguide.pdf

http://ptsportswellness.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/platelet-rich-plasma-prp-injection-therapy-a-musculoskeletal-panacea/