What we need to know about biological therapies for sports injury management
Written by:
Orthopaedic surgeon
Published: 07/02/2024
Edited by: Conor Lynch
Sports injury management is the latest topic up for discussion today at Top Doctors UK. Here, in this article below, esteemed consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar, explains what biological therapies for sports injury management are, and outlines the various different types of biological treatments available for such injuries today.
What is meant by biological therapies for sports injury management?
Biological therapies are a promising new approach to sports injury management. These therapies use the body’s own natural healing processes to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
What are the different types of biological treatments currently available?
There are several different types of biological therapies that are currently being used in sports medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell therapy, and growth factor therapy.
What is PRP therapy?
PRP therapy involves the injection of concentrated platelets into the injured area. Platelets contain growth factors that help to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Stem cell therapy involves the use of stem cells to regenerate damaged tissue.
Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into many different types of cells, making them a powerful tool for tissue repair. Growth factor therapy involves the use of growth factors to promote tissue regeneration and repair.
How effective are these biological therapies?
Several studies have shown that biological therapies can be effective in treating sports injuries. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that PRP therapy was highly effective when it came to treating chronic tennis elbow. Another study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that stem cell therapy was extremely effective in treating rotator cuff tears.
What are alternative treatments for sports injuries?
In addition to these therapies, there are other treatment options available for sports injuries, including physical therapy, medication, and surgery. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and reduce pain and inflammation. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be recommended for more severe injuries.
To schedule in an appointment with Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar today, just head on over to his Top Doctors profile.