Can PRP Help Heal My Orthopaedic Injury?

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is produced from your own blood. The platelets are cells in your body that contain nutrients and growth factors. With PRP, a high concentration of platelets can be delivered to an injured tissue or ligament and stimulate the healing cascade.

PRP is obtained by taking a small amount of blood from the patient and using a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The growth factors and nutrients are injected into the injured tissue and new collagen begins to develop. This collagen becomes stronger and eventually will allow the tendon or ligament to withstand the stresses of everyday use and activity. Some common injuries that can be effectively treated with PRP are tennis elbow, ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome.

Usually, significant improvement in symptoms can be seen within 6 weeks and in severe cases, a second injection may be needed. In addition to other conservative treatments, with medications and physical therapy, this may eliminate the need for a more invasive procedure or surgery. PRP would be recommended for any patient with a tendon or ligament injury that has not responded to other conservative measures. The goals of treatment are to eliminate pain and improve quality of life.

About the author

Dr. Scott Bradley

Dr. Bradley practices Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine in the Williamsburg, VA office of Hampton Roads Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

He received his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from Colorado State University and subsequently graduated from Georgia Tech with a Master’s of Science in Biology. He went on to receive his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Dr. Bradley also completed a general surgery internship at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York and residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He completed his training in interventional spine and sports medicine with a fellowship at Alabama Orthopaedic Spine and Sports Medicine in Birmingham, AL. He has multiple publications in peer reviewed medical journals. Dr. Bradley is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Bradley specializes in disorders of the spine, musculoskeletal system, and acute sports related injuries. He received the Press Ganey Award for Patient Satisfaction from Upstate University Hospital Community Campus in 2014 and received the Letter of Excellence in 2010. Dr. Bradley is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, and the Spine Intervention Society.

When Dr. Bradley is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, surfing, snowboarding, cross- country skiing, mountain and road biking, as well as golfing.