Last week, the Associated Press released a story about a group funded by the NFL and US Olympic Committee awarding $1.3 million in grants for anti-doping research. The research includes a project to study how “blood spinning” therapy – or Regenerative Injection Therapy as we call it – might help athletes.
Regenerative Injection Therapy involves using platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections with stem cells from fat. PRP is extracted using a patient’s own blood, similar to a lab test. The blood is placed in a special machine that spins the blood at high speeds and separates the platelets from the other blood components. The platelets are then concentrated and re-injected into the injured area or arthritic joint. In turn, the platelets release substances known as growth factors that lead to improved natural tissue healing.
Previously, PRP treatments had been banned when injected through the muscles. The World Anti-Doping Agency recently removed them from the banned list after studies showed the injections offered no possibility of performance enhancement.
In my opinion, the concern over PRP muscle injections is an overreaction to the anti-doping rule. PRP is not known to build muscle. It is known to heal damaged muscle tissue. I have performed over 1,000 Regenerative Injection Therapy with PRP treatments. The Therapy has great benefit.
Elite athletes and weekend warriors need to get back on the field, track, tennis court or golf course or in the pool as soon as possible. What needs to be studied is the ideal concentration for various ages and injuries to optimize results and minimize downtime.
I also believe that studies need to be conducted on the efficacy of using PRP for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Check back for more thoughts on that, and as always, please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.
No comments:
Post a Comment