Has anyone had any experience with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or IRAP injections in the treatment of their Achilles injuries? I ask because I was joking around with one of my colleagues who is big into equine surgery and we figured since they are both currently used options for horses, there might be some human usage as well.
Anyways, feel free to comment if you’ve had any experience with either therapy or perhaps anything else different or progressive. I get my stitches out on Monday and I want as many ideas as I can get for recovery!
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I have heard of people getting PRP for Achilles tendonosis. It was suggested to me but no real evidence that it works and not covered by insurance. Not sure whether an option for ATR recovery, but suspect same as above.
Never heard of IRAP, but several of us here (including me) have had PRP for ATR, and maybe even more for AT tendinosis, etc. Some people experienced excruciating pain, others had topical freezing, some of us (including me) got lucky and didn’t hurt too bad. I think most of us paid plenty — $400 each for 3 ultrasound-guided shots in my case.
Soon after my shots, the results of the first (and still only, AFAIK) randomized study was published on PRP for AT problems (maybe ATR, I forget). it showed the PRP shots were no better than saline injections. My OS said that saline wasn’t a good placebo, because saline injections are often used as a TREATMENT for AT problems. OTOH, I doubt anybody would charge me $1200 for 3 saline shots.
I’d skip the PRP and concentrate on a good rehab protocol. After that, I’d think about diet and maybe some supplements. The only variable that has been proven to correlate with good outcomes are fast modern protocols with early mobility, WB, and PT, like bit.ly/UWOProtocol . Even surgery vs. non-op, and the different variations on surgical technique (standard open, percutaneous, reinforced with cadaver or autologous fiber or synthetics) haven’t shown significant or consistent differences when combined with a good protocol. (With old-fashioned slow protocols, surgery beats non-op especially for re-rupture rates.)
There is a new surgical approach used in Japan (and discussed in my blog) that permitted super-fast recovery and return to sports — but that’s water over the dam for all of us here.
The cost I was quoted was similar, and the ortho who suggested didn’t sound very convincing. So rather easy decision to skip.
I had PRP for my ATR and I chose this more expensive option not only to go back to sport sooner but more importantly to be able to get back to work immediately. Though I’ve not made recent updates, my blog entries describe my path to recovery.
I see a doctor of Chinese medicine and the acupuncture has been really helpful for pain and healing. I have also been taking Serrapeptase for swellling. Castor oil is supposed to be good for reducing scar tissue but I am still in a cast. There is lots of information on the internet about these alternative medicines. I figure alternative therapies can’t hurt and I believe they are healing things from the ground up. Good luck getting back on your feet.
Thanks everyone! The cost is about what I would have expected. If my insurance covers Acupuncture I may look into it down the road as I had it done 10-12 years ago and although I was pretty skeptical, I was happy with the results.
in cancer which therapy should be impemented for better results. ?
A good diet also improves heart health and reduced the risk for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
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