Nearly half of US adults have a musculoskeletal condition that affects their mobility and quality of life. If you’re one of them, you may assume that surgery is the only way to get noticeable relief, but that isn’t necessarily the case.
A growing number of people are exploring minimally invasive alternatives, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a type of regenerative medicine that uses natural growth factors found in the blood, called platelets, to encourage the body’s healing. When injected into targeted areas, such as an arthritic knee or injured rotator cuff, PRP may help reduce inflammation, ease pain, and make it easier to move comfortably.
At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, our team regularly administers PRP injections. Here, we highlight five common musculoskeletal issues that may benefit from this treatment.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects nearly 13% of women and 10% of men age 60 and older. It occurs when cartilage in the knee wears down, causing the bones inside the joint to rub against each other. Knee replacement surgery is often recommended for severe or chronic OA-related pain, but PRP may help some people manage symptoms and delay the need for surgery.
When injected into a joint with arthritis, research suggests that PRP may help increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and support joint tissue health, which can ease pain and improve mobility for many patients.
Many athletes who play racquet or club-based sports, such as tennis, golf, and pickleball, experience tendonitis, like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. These conditions occur when the tendons are overused and develop microtears, leading to pain and inflammation.
Instead of masking pain, like over-the-counter medication, PRP may help reduce inflammation while supporting the body’s healing response. Growth factors in PRP can promote tendon healing and reduce swelling, easing pain and improving range of motion. One study even found that PRP produced outcomes comparable to surgery for certain patients with golfer’s elbow.
Each year, nearly 2 million Americans seek treatment for rotator cuff injuries, such as a rotator cuff tear. These injuries are often associated with playing sports or performing repetitive work-related tasks, like using hand tools, but they can make daily activities like brushing your teeth or combing your hair quite painful.
PRP injections may support rotator cuff healing and recovery. When combined with other treatments, like physical therapy, PRP may also help patients return to their routine more comfortably.
Many people with plantar fasciitis wear custom orthotics or special shoes to help ease chronic heel pain associated with the condition. However, not everyone responds to these treatments, which can be a problem, especially if you enjoy exercising or spend long hours on your feet.
Because PRP contains growth factors, it may help reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia that contributes to heel pain. It may also support tissue healing, which can be especially beneficial for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who’ve tried other conservative treatments without noticeable relief.
The lower back contains dozens of muscles and ligaments that support the spine and contribute to movements, like bending, lifting, and twisting. If any of these soft tissues are injured due to overuse or poor posture, PRP may help reduce inflammation and support healing, providing relief.
Before recommending this treatment approach, we complete a comprehensive exam to identify the source of your discomfort. If you have a herniated disc or pinched nerve, other treatments, such as injections or surgery, may be better suited to your situation.
Musculoskeletal issues like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and plantar fasciitis can keep you from your favorite activities. But PRP offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery that can help you return to your normal routine.
Get in touch to see if PRP is right for you. Contact Woodlands Center for Special Surgery today by calling the office near you.
