1. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRPT)

2. What is PRPT?
New treatment gaining popularity in the Sports Medicine field of rehabilitation used for orthopedic injuries
Patient’s own blood is drawn and then re- injected into the area needing treatment
Platelet rich plasma is believed to significantly enhance the healing process of an injury

3. What is platelet rich plasma?
Concentrate extract of platelets of
patient’s own blood
Step by step process
1. Patient’s blood is drawn
2. Blood is centrifuged once
3. 2 separate levels appear
4. Blood is centrifuged again
5. 3 levels in the blood appear, on
of them being platelet rich plasma
Higher concentration of platelets in the
blood after centrifuge
Plasma is taken from centrifuge and
re-injected into area of injury

4. How does it work? Platelets contain growth & healing factors
Platelets help stimulate and accelerate the immune system which initiates tissue regeneration of ligaments and tendons
Promotes angiogenesis
Stimulates growth of new healthy cartilage

5. Who is it for? Tendinopathy Torn ligaments
Research has been done on treatment of the elbow or knee
Torn ligaments
Research has shown improved results for the UCL at the elbow
Beneficial treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee
Hip arthritis
Tendinitis
At the hip/ rotator cuff/ achilles tendon
Greater trochanter bursitis

6. What are the results? Effective at relieving pain
Hastens the healing process
Proof of tissue repair has been seen through ultrasound and MRI
In both ligaments and tendons
Decreases need for surgery

7. Common Side Effects Localized swelling Pain Risk of hematoma Infection
Scarring

8. Contraindications Cancer Pregnancy Active infection
Patient on anti-coagulants

9. Complications More research needs to be done
A controlled clinical study needs to be completed
Insurance companies are not yet covering PRPT
No standard protocol for how much PRPT or how often treatment should be
Treatment will vary from patient to patient

10. How does it effect PT? PT should follow PRPT injection
Patient should not do physical activity for 1 week after injection
Start patient on progressive strength program
Typically lasting 8 weeks
Specific exercise programs will vary depending on the patient’s affected area

11. References
Park Y, Han S, Song S, Kim T, Ha C. Platelet-rich plasma therapy for knee joint problems: review of the literature, current practice and legal perspectives in Korea. Knee Surgery & Related Research [serial online]. June 2012;24(2): Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 10, 2012.
Podd D. Platelet-rich plasma therapy: origins and applications investigated. JAAPA: Official Journal Of The American Academy Of Physician Assistants [serial online]. June 2012;25(6): Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 10, 2012.
Araki J, Jona M, Yoshimura K, et al. Optimized preparation method of platelet-concentrated plasma and noncoagulating platelet- derived factor concentrates: maximization of platelet concentration and removal of fibrinogen. Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods [serial online]. March 2012;18(3): Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 11, 2012.