3 Famous Athletes who Have Benefited from PRP Therapy
Aug 25, 2015
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections have helped countless people since the procedure was developed. Typically the only time PRP makes news headlines is when famous athletes decide to undergo the procedure. In this article, we are going to look at some famous athletes who have used PRP injections and other regenerative medicine techniques to bounce back from injuries.
One of the most recent athletes reportedly using PRP therapy is former Green Bay Packers quarterback and Hall-of-Famer, Bart Starr. While Bart wasn’t getting PRP injections while he was an active player (PRP hadn’t been developed at that time), he has found use for them off the field. The aging Starr was in pretty bad shape after suffering a heart attack, four strokes, and numerous seizures. PRP therapy helped him walk again.
Read more about Bart Starr’s experience with PRP here.
Tiger has had a lot of injuries and medical issues over the past few years – he has torn his Achilles tendon, blown out his ACL, and more. He utilized PRP injections in conjunction with surgery to repair his ACL, and opted for PRP instead of surgery to repair his Achilles. In both instances, he was able to return to competitive play.
Here is some additional information on Tiger’s history with PRP.
Back in the mid-2000s, Nadal had serious knee tendon issues that threatened to prematurely end his career. But after PRP therapy (and a lot of hard work and physical therapy), he returned to the tennis court and made his way back to the number one player in the world.
More on Nadal’s story here.
These athletes have all see great success with PRP therapy. It has allowed them to recover from their injuries and return to playing the sports they love. However, regenerative medicine is not just reserved for famous athletes. PRP injections can potentially benefit any person suffering from ligament tears, bone fractures, and other injuries. Talk to Dr. Thorson, a regenerative medicine specialist, to learn more about your options, and to see if you are a good candidate for PRP therapy.