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After 7 - 10 days patients can If you would like more information or gently recommence their have any concern, please telephone Rich (PRP) Growth factors are released rehabilitation programme; this is 01270 612551. Injections from the which are thought to be essential to assist found in the stream and with tissue healing. In recent years there have been influence the biological rapid developments in the use of processes necessary for repair How many treatments and how growth factors for accelerated of soft tissues such as tendon often is the therapy? healing of injury. or ligament following acute traumatic or overuse injury. While responses to treatment vary PRP therapy offers a promising most people will require 1 – 3 solution to accelerate healing of Initially, autologous (originating injections. Each set of treatments This leaflet is available in audio, tendon injuries naturally without from the patient) is spaced approximately four to Braille, large print and other subjecting the patient to was injected to promote six weeks apart. However, where languages. To request a copy, please significant risk. PRP is an healing in damaged tissues. the first injection produces no ask a member of staff. emerging treatment in a new However, PRP injections benefit, it is unlikely that a second health sector known as provide a much higher injection will help. ‘Orthobiologics’. The philosophy is concentration of growth factors This leaflet has been reviewed by the There is no limit to the number of to merge cutting edge technology which are required within the Readers’ Panel August 2014. treatments you can have. The with the body’s natural ability to body to promote tissue healing. heal itself. risks and side effects do not PRP is a blood plasma with change with the number of Blood is made of red blood cells, concentrated platelets (the injections. white blood cells, plasma, and body’s repairmen for damaged

Printed September 2014 platelets. Platelets were initially tissue). The concentrated Follow-up Review September 2016 known to be responsible for blood platelets found in the PRP Follow-up is usually 6 - 8 weeks Ref: SC/ORTHO/0130 914 clotting. However, they are now contain huge reservoirs of with an Orthopaedics Consultant. known to release growth factors, bioactive , including

At that time we will determine if a which promotes the healing growth factors that are vital to second injection is required. Produced with kind acknowledgement to processes. initiate and accelerate tissue Vale Healthcare. repair and regeneration.

These bioactive proteins initiate As a result the tendons and How does this differ from a This step removes the unwanted components that are not primarily connective tissue healing and ligaments become inefficient steroid injection? repair, prom ote development of causing chronic pain and responsible for healing. Studies have shown that steroid new blood vessels and stimulate weakness. Medical intervention is injections may actually weaken Once separated, the PRP which the wound healing process. now possible in a new way. tissue. contains platelet cells and growth

What are the tendons and Is PRP right for me? factors is then ready to be injected Steroid injections may provide a ligaments? back into the patient at the site of If you have a tendon or ligament quick fix for temporary relief and the chronic injury under ultrasound Tendons connect muscles to the injury which has failed to respond lessening of but can guidance. bone, making it possible for you to traditional conservative potentially produce a tissue to do many every day physical treatments, the PRP therapy may weakening effect. Consequently The injection is then performed with activities. be the solution. The procedure is they do not generally provide long- ultrasound guidance to ensure certainly safer, less aggressive, term healing. accurate placement of the PRP Overuse or damage to the tendon and less expensive than surgery. injection into the damaged area. Conditions currently treated over a long period of time causes It should aid tissue healing with Local Anaesthetic is not usually with PRP Injections include: the fibres in the tendons to form minimal or no scarring and needed. small tears, a condition called alleviates further degeneration of Plantar fascilitis tendinosis. Damage to tendons After the injection the tissues. Patella tendinosis most often occurs in the knee, The patient rests afterwards for 5 – ankle, shoulder, wrist, biceps, calf Before any treatment there will be Achilles tendinosis 10 minutes and is then discharged and achilles tendons. an initial consultation with an Any chronic tendinopathy or home with post procedure Orthopaedic Consultant to see if ligament injury instructions. Ligaments are composed of PRP therapy is right for you. Tennis elbow fibres that hold one bone to Golfer’s elbow Increased pain at the site of injury another, stabilising the range of PRP is not first line treatment for may result for 48 – 72 hours post motion. When a ligament is tendon and ligament injuries but The procedure injection. Rest of the affected tissue damaged, it is no longer able to should be considered where After previous diagnostic imaging during this time is recommended. provide support, which weakens conservative rehabilitation has and a consultation with Mr Barnes the joint. failed. to check your suitability for PRP Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac Tendons and ligaments have This treatment can be used in injections, a 10ml sample of blood etc) are best avoided in the first 10 poor blood supply. Combined elite athletes, provided a is withdrawn from the patient’s days following the injection. Simple with the stress of day-to-day Declaration of Use is submitted arm. pain killers, rest, and ice can be activities, they do not easily heal by the athlete. The blood is then placed in a used for post-injection pain. from damage. that spins the blood for

approximately 5 minutes.