Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a topic of hot discussion among sports medicine practitioners. Even players ask me during their initial rehab phase- “would PRP be of assistance?” The purpose of this discussion is to give the Strength and Conditioning Coach both answer to that question, and also an understanding or PRP therapy.
Put simply- the idea behind PRP is to use higher concentrations of and athletes blood platelets to promote faster injury healing.
PRP preparations contain a concentration of 3-5 more platelets and growth factors (up to 25 times that in normal blood). The rich concentration is achieved by collecting the individual athletes blood samples and using a variety of filters and centrifugation, the production of platelet rich solution is derived. about 24-48 hours after the original extraction, the platelet rich solution is injected back in the injured site based upon a variety physician recommendations. At this stage of treatment- it is important to note- that physician opinions vary as the the amount of injections- the type and locations of treatment, as no formalized recommendations yet exist. A costly process- injections can run the gamut- from $500- $2000 per shot.
PRP injections are also best performed under ultrasound guidance. In order to maximize the effect of the treatment, PRP should be directly injected into the injured area, and specifically- the damaged site. If the athlete is experiencing a tendon injury- some physicians may make several holes in an injured tendon to facilitate n increased inflammatory response, which further promotes healing. Following the injection- the athlete remains inactive for a period of 24-48 hours before phase one of rehabilitation begins.
PRP is increasing in clinical practice and trends are emerging. Tendinopathies and acute muscle injuries form the most common use of PRP therapy, with ligamentous and other soft tissue conditions following. It is important to know that no long term- high quality studies of PRP treatment have been performed, however- anecdotal results for muscular tissue injuries have been good.
When an athlete asks a strength coach “would PRP be a good option here?” the answer is simple:
“I don’t know… thats something you’ll need to address with both the athletic trainer and the team doctor”.
PRP- a medical treatment is no different than any other phase of medicine- and while the knowledge of the process is important for you to understand, the position you take a a strength coach is important to your entire profession, organization, and the athlete themselves.
After all- you dont want the team nutritionist or massage therapist prescribing exercise- do you?
PRP appears to be emerging in professional sports as a treatment option. Consult your teams medical staff and inform them of an athletes discussion surrounding PRP. Know what the effect of PRP is- if any- on your phase of the athlete rehabilitation process- at a time when load is being introduced- and exercise options surround an athletes return to play- try to understand the effect that PRP will have on initial strength- strength progression – movement facilitation and energy system manipulation. While the “side effects” known are minimal- stay attuned to the research and share your own findings with your medical team.
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