Traumatologist D. Prascevičius: A-PRP injections are the natural path to joint and tendon health
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A-PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are increasingly becoming an effective and long-lasting treatment for various joint, tendon and ligament problems. This method uses the natural resources of the human body to extract platelet-rich plasma from the patient's own blood to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation and enhance natural regeneration.
"This is a treatment that harnesses the body's natural capacity for regeneration. We are simply helping the body remember how to heal," says traumatologist D. Prascevičius.
What does A - PRP injection treat?
Younger people who are active in sports often have chronic tendon or joint problems such as degenerative changes, inflammation or even partial tears. These problems are often caused by poor training habits - not warming up before sport, suddenly starting intense activity, not eating a proper diet or not drinking enough water. These conditions lead to cartilage softening, loss of tendon elasticity and more frequent micro-trauma. In these cases, A-PRP helps to accelerate tissue healing and prevent further damage.
Even inactive young people may need these injections - a sedentary lifestyle leads to shortening and hardening of tendons, which increases the risk of injury. Even minor injuries can lead to chronic inflammatory processes over time and ‘tightness’ syndromes in joints. A-PRP allows damaged structures to be restored and pain and inflammation to be reduced.
According to the traumatologist, "Tendons that are not used start to shorten. Working at the computer, driving, they are under constant strain. Then one sudden movement is all it takes and the injury is guaranteed."
Older people are most likely to turn to doctors because of pain even after minimal exercise or during the night. The most common cause is wear and tear on the joints (arthrosis). In this case, traditional measures are no longer effective, so A-PRP injections are an alternative that can help alleviate symptoms and slow down the process.
"Most of the time these people say ‘it hurts so much I don't want to go anywhere’. And when we see that traditional measures are no longer helping, A-PRP becomes a last but very effective chance to return to a more active life."
A-PRP injections are also recommended after injuries or surgery when a joint becomes immobile (contracture). An injection given a week before rehabilitation helps to regain mobility faster.
Which diseases can be treated with A-PRP?
A-PRP is effective for the following conditions:
Softening of joint cartilage (chondromalacia), arthrosis, chronic inflammation.
Epicondylitis (elbow pain), plantar fasciitis (plantar pain), Achilles tendonitis.
Degeneration of the menisci, rotator tendinitis, ankle or wrist ligament tears.
Inflammation of various tendons (tenosynovitis), rupture of the labrum of the hip joint.
How does the procedure work?
The procedure is simple and is performed on an outpatient basis - it takes about 20 minutes. Blood is drawn from the patient's vein to prepare platelet-rich plasma. This is injected into the problem area. As the procedure is carried out without anaesthesia, there may be a brief pain during the puncture, the intensity of which depends on the individual pain threshold and the injection site. The procedure is performed lying down to avoid fainting due to fear of needles.
"It's like a short prick, but the effects are long-lasting. The pain during the procedure is often the patient's biggest concern, but in reality it is very brief and bearable." - says traumatologist D. Prascevičius.
What is the effect?
The effect of the injection develops gradually, with patients usually experiencing relief in the first month. For more complex conditions, several treatments may be needed.
"Sometimes people get up the next morning and say: “the pain is as bad as ever”. For others, it takes a few weeks, but in general, everyone feels a change within a month."
Most importantly, the treatment is not only symptomatic, but also has a profound effect, helping to repair damaged structures, improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation.
"The difference between A-PRP and other injections is not just the pain that is ‘flooded’. Here we are actually treating. And it's long-term help." - says the traumatologist.
Is one treatment enough?
It all depends on the diagnosis and the duration of the disease. If the symptoms last up to 2 months, one injection is usually enough. For longer-lasting diseases or degenerative lesions, 2-4 injections may be needed.
"We always assess the tests, the patient's condition and decide how many injections are needed. But this is not a procedure that needs to be repeated every month for life. Usually one course for a few years is enough."
Patients often notice a reduction or disappearance of pain, improved joint mobility, less twitching, and reduced use of analgesics. As the condition improves, muscle strengthening can be started, increasing the effectiveness of physiotherapy. In rare cases, a temporary lump or pressure may appear at the puncture site, which resolves itself within a few days.
Are A-PRP injections suitable for everyone?
Yes, this method is safe as it uses the patient's blood without any additional substances. The injections are also suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and even oncology patients. The only possible inconvenience is temporary pain during the injection, so everything should be discussed with your doctor before the procedure.
A-PRP injections are a modern, safe and natural way to repair damaged tissue and restore a pain-free quality of life.
A-PRP injections are an advanced, safe and natural treatment method for a wide range of tendon, ligament and joint problems. Whether it's micro-damage caused by sports, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle or age-related wear and tear on joints, platelet-rich plasma can provide a solution that avoids the need for long-term medication or even surgery.
As Dr Prascevičius points out, “it is not just a temporary pain relief - it is a treatment that encourages the body's natural regeneration.”
An individually tailored treatment plan, a quick procedure, minimal discomfort and long-lasting results are the reasons for the growing popularity of A-PRP therapy among both athletes and elderly patients. If movement is becoming painful, it may be time to call on the body's own resources for healing.