Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi provides Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy which is a regenerative medicine technique gaining popularity for various musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon, ligament, muscle and joint injuries. It involves injecting a concentrated dose of a patient's own platelets, which are rich in growth factors, into the affected area to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
How PRP Works
- Reduced Pain and Inflammation:
PRP injections can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area, providing relief for chronic conditions and accelerating recovery. - Tissue Regeneration:
PRP can stimulate the production of collagen, promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and potentially increase stem cell numbers, all contributing to healing. - Growth Factors:
Platelets contain growth factors that promote cellular anabolism, enhance the release of anti-inflammatory and analgesic mediators and support tissue regeneration. - Faster Recovery:
PRP may shorten recovery time, enhance bone strength and improve healing in conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinopathies and muscle strains.
Conditions Treated
PRP has been used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis: Knee osteoarthritis, and potentially other joint osteoarthritis.
- Tendinopathies: Tennis elbow, jumper's knee, rotator cuff tendinopathies, Achilles tendinopathy.
- Ligament and Muscle Injuries: Sprains, strains and tears in ligaments and muscles.
- Other Conditions: Plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and osteochondral lesions.
Benefits
- Potential for Faster Healing: PRP may accelerate the natural healing process of musculoskeletal tissues.
- Reduced Pain and Inflammation: PRP can help manage pain and inflammation, providing relief for chronic conditions.
- Reduced Need for Opioids and NSAIDs: PRP may reduce the need for pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Minimally Invasive: PRP injections are generally considered a minimally invasive procedure.