8 Musculoskeletal Conditions That Improve with PRP Therapy

You may have heard about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy being used by famous athletes, or a friend may have recommended it. But you may be asking yourself how it works and whether it can benefit you.

The team here at BodyWorks Medical Center in Carol Stream, Illinois, is happy to answer your questions and provide you with effective solutions for all of your medical needs. Among the solutions we offer is platelet-rich plasma therapy.

How does PRP therapy work?

PRP therapy is a completely natural therapy that’s created using your own blood. It involves taking a small amount of blood from your arm using a syringe. We then spin that blood in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets; the resulting solution is injected into the area of your body that needs treatment.

PRP injections work because platelets have growth factors such as collagen and elastin that promote healing. Among the ways PRP can benefit you is with musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Tendinitis

Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of your tendons, the tissues that attach your muscles to your bones, and it can be incredibly painful. This condition can occur in your elbows, shoulders, and knees.

Ligament sprains

Your ligaments are the crossed, fiber-like bands that connect your bones to each other. When you sprain a ligament, it means you’ve stretched it too much or even torn it. When this happens, you might hear a popping sound. These sprains can affect your knees, ankles, or shoulders. 

Joint pain

Joint pain can be the result of osteoarthritis brought on by aging or overuse caused by activity. Sometimes joint pain can result from carrying excess weight, which puts stress on your joints.

Chronic muscle pain

This condition is either the result of an injury to the muscle itself or an injury to the surrounding nerves. 

Muscle strains

Strains happen when you’ve overstretched or torn a muscle. Also referred to as a pulled muscle, a muscle strain can also lead to blood vessel damage, pain, and swelling. 

Minor cartilage damage

Cartilage is the tough, pliable material that cushions your bones and keeps them from causing bone-on-bone friction.

ACL injury

An ACL injury is either a tear or a sprain in the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the major ligaments in your knee. This is a common problem for athletes who have to perform a lot of high-impact and sudden movements. 

Frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where your shoulder joint becomes stiff, making it difficult or even impossible for you to move it. It’s common to have this condition if you’re recovering from another medical problem that prevents you from moving your arm, like a stroke or mastectomy. 

For more information on how PRP therapy can improve these or other musculoskeletal conditions, call us or use our online booking tool to make an appointment today.