PRP: Platelet Rich Plasma
During the past several years, much has been written about a preparation called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its potential effectiveness in the treatment of injuries.
Many famous athletes — Tiger Woods, tennis star Rafael Nadal, and several others — have received PRP for various problems, such as sprained knees and chronic tendon injuries. These types of conditions have typically been treated with medications, physical therapy, or even surgery. Some athletes have credited PRP with their being able to return more quickly to competition.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment in which doctors inject a modified version of an athlete's own blood into injured tissue. PRP sounds far out there, but credible scientists and orthopaedic surgeons say that it can heal a range of orthopedic injuries in athletes that are often difficult to treat.
Best of all, PRP patients can avoid surgery.
