2tomlinson
Registered
Having enjoyed this forum for several months, I am aware a sizable number of bodybuilders here have joint issues that range from minor to debilitating. Has anyone tried PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy? I'm very interested in your personal experience because I had my first PRP treatment yesterday. According to my MD, trainers at every professional level are now convinced that PRP is hugely effective in helping elite athletes recover from injuries. Hopefully, the same data applies to aging amateurs such as myself. Several months ago, while throwing a castnet, I partially tore my rotator cuff and my bicep tendon which, my doctor said, required surgery (this was after two months of therapy and a steroid injection failed to help.) Because RC surgery requires at least three to five months of careful therapy, I opted to try PRP. The procedure is pretty simple: They drew 22 CCs of my blood, and put it in a centrifuge for fourteen minutes. The PA then drew-off the urine-colored platelet poor plasma, which left about 6 CCs of very dark looking, platelet rich plasma, which she saved in a large syringe. Using a fluoroscope, the MD then injected it into my shoulder, along with 4 IUs of Human Growth Hormone. The literature is convincing, although results aren't guaranteed, of course. As my MD predicted, my shoulder hurts like an MF-er this morning, but I should feel marked improvement in a week to six weeks. A major drawback for many is that insurance does not cover the procedure. However, if it spares me surgery and several nightmare months unable to workout, it'll be worth every penny.
I've posted a link from a New York Times story on PRP below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/sports/17blood.html
I've posted a link from a New York Times story on PRP below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/sports/17blood.html