The research on the value of PRP therapy for athletes is ongoing. But the data is promising. From a 2024 study of young athletes showing PRP’s value in treating a wide range of joint and muscle injuries to research released by the Olympic Committee highlighting PRP’s benefits, the conclusion is becoming clear: PRP holds immense potential in treating sports injuries.
At STEMS Health, we work with athletes nationwide to support their injury treatment and recovery goals for the long term. This post explains the role of PRP in injury recovery and answers common questions you might have as you begin returning to the sports you love.
The Need for PRP for Modern Athletes
Athletes from the youth sports levels to the professional leagues are playing more often. There’s a notable rise in the number of Americans playing sports regularly, as data shows that 80% of all Americans 6 years and older participated in at least one sports or fitness activity in 2023.
Alongside the rise in physical activity, the risk of joint injuries grows. UCLA data shows youth sports injuries are on the rise, and professional leagues – from the NBA in the U.S. to the Bundesliga soccer league in Germany – are reporting an increase in injury frequency.
Athletes of all ages and in various sports are struggling with recurring injuries. Now, many are seeking solutions from regenerative medicine, with PRP therapy a leading treatment option showing significant potential.
Why PRP for Sports Injuries?
- Heals injuries and reduces inflammation
PRP samples used for PRP injections contain 5-to-10 times the number of platelets in normal blood. These platelets are cell fragments that contain growth factors. The growth factors produce fibroblasts and endothelial cells, which subdue inflammation and promote healing.
- Reduces pain to improve the recovery process
Pain during injury recovery often stalls training progress, preventing athletes from continuing their workout routine and potentially weakening their muscles, causing further injuries. Data from the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows PRP can help athletes with tendon and ligament injuries, with athletes who underwent PRP therapy reporting significantly less pain than control groups.
- Limited risks compared to surgery and steroids
Because PRP uses the body’s natural resources to treat the injury, there is less risk of side effects from PRP treatment than the risks associated with surgery and steroid treatments.
Surgical interventions are associated with a prolonged recovery, during which athletes cannot train and rebuild their bodies. Surgery also has the associated risks of infection and further tissue and nerve damage. PRP can offer the ideal first option for athletes hoping to avoid surgery and recover from chronic injuries without invasive treatments.
FAQs on PRP for Sports Injury Treatment
- What type of athlete is a good candidate for PRP therapy?
The best candidates for PRP are those who have tried surgical intervention and want to stop taking pain-relieving medications and return safely to playing regular sports. PRP candidates must have stable platelet function for treatment viability.
- What are the training restrictions after the PRP procedure?
Your doctor will advise you of any specific restrictions after your PRP treatment. However, generally, it’s advisable to restrict movement of the treated area for three days after the PRP injection. You should also limit strenuous activity for seven days to avoid re-injury and allow your body to heal.
- How quickly do PRP injections work?
Treatment and recovery timeframes depend on your health, your degree of injury, and following the guidance of your regenerative care doctors. However, many PRP patients experience relief and functional improvement within 7 days of treatment. You may require more than one injection to experience the benefits of PRP treatment.
The board-certified doctors at STEMS Health will tailor a treatment plan for you and your goals.
- Can I coordinate PRP with my other injury treatments?
Yes. When you choose PRP treatment with STEMS Health, we’ll analyze your injury and review your medical records to determine whether PRP can work concurrently with ongoing treatments. Our board-certified doctors use the latest imaging technology to explore the root cause of injuries and build your personalized path to recovery while coordinating care with your current medical specialists.
STEMS Health PRP Doctor Dr. Ankeet Choxi Discusses PRP’s Role in Injury Treatment.
Begin Your Tailored PRP Injury Treatment at Our Miami Clinic
Request your introductory consultation with the STEMS Health team now to explore the wide range of benefits PRP can bring to your injury recovery process.
Call our Miami Beach clinic at (305) 677 0565 or book a consultation online to begin your PRP journey with us!
