My Dr. wants to perform a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection in my TFL to help it heal. I have been battling this issue for 4 months, rested extensively, had many ART sessions, PT sessions, Chiro, and two Sports Med docs look at it, and a trigger point injection with lido and steroid. Nothing has made it feel better.
Anyone had a PRP injection and can relay your experience?
Note: Current issue of LAVA has an article on PRP - how timely!
Thanks, John
I have done quite a few PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma injections) for various pathologies for about 2 years now. Getting mixed results, but there really are no down sides if your insurance will cover (some do, some don’t).
I had PRP on my Achilles. Brought some immediate relief / healing, but the process was interrupted by a blood clot in my calf and I had to end my immobilization. Can’t say for sure if it would have eventually provided total healing or not…but it absolutely improved my situation.
As rroof notes, there is no downside to the process. You are just injecting “you” into you. Haven’t heard of it being used for treating a TFL, but it can’t hurt. If you insurance does not cover the procedure, they may at least cover the ultrasound if they use that to guide the process. My insurance covered the blood extraction, separation and ultrasound for guiding it. They did not cover the injections. Cost me about $500, IIRC.
Thanks. The challenging thing is that after the other treatments this seems to be the only one left. Not sure what to do if this does not work.
I will have to pay out of pocket for it, too new in Central Ohio for insurance to cover it.
FWIW, I finally overcame my Achilles issue with a year of rest. have the feeling I am looking at the same time frame for my ITBS, but we’ll see…
I know it seems like a long time, but 4 months may just not be enough rest.
Can you still ride w/o pain?
Yes, I can swim and bike without pain, but running causes pain immediately.
There are two types. I don’t remember the name of the newer type I want to say ARP? Anyway from what I have heard and been told the PRP is too high in platelets and doesn’t work as well as the ARP.
Some of this might be the sales rep, but most of the docs agree PRP is not all its talked up to be.
I had my PRP injection yesterday. Pretty simple process - they drew my blood, spun it in a centrifuge, then prepped my TFL site, used the Ultrasound screen to find the exact spot and injected the platelets. Pain is not too bad at the moment. Came home on crutches to keep the weight off and no exercise for 7-10 days in order to give the inflammatory response the best chance to help heal the TFL tissue.
The Dr. actually cringed when I asked if I could do a 60 mile bike on Monday! Guess he is not used to patients trying to get back to exercise so quickly.
Time will tell is this new procedure actually helps.
Keep us updated…glad the procedure went well.
Sorry to revive a dead thread, just wondering if there is any update or others that have used or considered this treatment.
Thanks
I have not had PRP but Prolotherepy for my achilles. Four months of Chiro/PT etc etc no results. I had my first prolo injection 7th July very sore for 48 hours then what happened was amazing - I could put full weight on the foot, walk normal even started riding again (which was great after 4 months of aqua jogging). I went for my second injection one week ago. Same results first 48 hours sore as hell. This past week-end I cycled a 20 then a 25 no pain before during or after. I am not saying this is a magic bullet but it seems to be working for me. Only time will tell. I have to call again in 4 weeks as my doc does not think I need another injection.
I did it last winter on my L ankle and will prlly do it again this winter.
The dr had me in a boot for 6 weeks post trt.
Was it the 6 weeks rest or the PRP that showed improvement, I don’t know?
MRI did show reduced scarring/improvement in the area, but not 100% recovery.