PRP therapy for Osteoarthritis

A study by researchers from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York has shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) holds great promise for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment improved pain and function, and in up to 73% of patients, appeared to delay the progression of osteoarthritis, which is a progressive disease. The study appeared in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine.

Traditionally, steroid injections have provided excellent relief for arthritis. However, steroids do not alter the course of the disease. PRP therapy uses growth factors in platelets, to help repair damaged cartilage and tissue.

Both Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal have used it for painful knees. Recent technological advances have enabled the administration of PRP to move from the hospital setting into General Practice.

PRP therapy for tendon and ligament injuries

PRP has been shown to aid in the healing and regeneration of tendons and ligaments. Common conditions that are able to be treated include achilles tendonosis, plantar fasciitis, meniscal injuries, rotator cuff syndrome, tennis/golfers elbow and arthritis of the knee. Russell Crowe has had PRP injections to help repair his achilles tendons.

Research is on-going and the body of evidence showing the benefits of PRP is continuing to expand. Click on the links below to read online summaries of the latest research:

Knee osteoarthritis

Hip bursitis

Achilles tendinopathy

Tennis elbow (medial and lateral epichondylitis)