Below is a PRP patient experience from a super heavyweight champion bodybuilder.
What was your injury that was treated with prp?
Tendonosis in the left quadriceps tendon. About a year ago, I was hack squatting very heavy and on rep 6 I heard a slight pop in my left knee. It seemed like it took forever to heal, and then it sort of stopped getting any better after it reached about 75%. The ultrasound showed a few “trouble spots” in the tendon. No tear still seems present, but there are areas that appear weak inside the tendon.
Did you try any other therapy before you opted for prp treatment?
Yes, ART which has literally cured other things before, did nothing. Graston, same thing.
Why did your physician decide to utilize prp for this injury?
I asked for it because I have heard good things. I simply can’t afford to miss any more leg training time.
What medical facility did your physician perform this treatment? Hospital? Physician clinic?
The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. Dr Lebraun.
Did your physician have you follow a specific protocol the night before your prp treatment?
Yes, still in the initial phase of complete rest of the quad.
Do you remember how much blood was drawn from you? After they drew the blood, how long did you have to wait before the platelet rich plasma was ready for use on your injury?
30cc of blood. They got 4-5 cc of platelets. Waited about 20 minutes before the shot.
What did the physician do to prepare the injury site for injection?
Very small injection of lidocaine.
Did the physician use ultrasound as a guide to place the platelet rich plasma?
Yes
How did the injection feel? Explain. And do you remember how long the prp treatment took? If you had pain, how long did the pain last? Any swelling?
It was almost undetectable, until she pushed the needle deeper into the tendon to finish the shot (she left 3 separate deposits all with the same injection), then it became uncomfortable and odd feeling. I tolerated it very easily, it wasn’t terrible. I had zero swelling and zero pain from the shot. Didn’t throb or anything.
How long did the entire visit take?
90 minutes or so.
After treatment, did your physician wrap the treatment site? If not, what did he do post treatment?
Just a band aid.
What was your physicians post prp treatment protocol for you? Restrictions? Rest? Exercise? Stretching? Pain medication? Any specific directions you had to follow?
Yes, total rest for a week, just walking was allowed. Took it easy climbing stairs. Told not to use the knee for anything. Still kept training other bodyparts, just had to be selective of exercises so my knee never had a load on it. I can ride some very light stationary bike, can begin light stretching at the 7-21 day mark. At that point I may get another shot when I get my check up.
How much was the prp treatment?
$300
Did the treatment work for you? If so, when did you start feeling better? How soon could you bet back to playing your sport?
Not sure yet. I think by 3 weeks I will know if it helped just by how it feels when I’m allowed to squat down and try some bodyweight squats.
Other comments or thoughts about your prp experience?
Just excited and hopeful. As a bodybuilder, my training is extremely important, and in order to improve it needs to be extremely intense. I need to be able to train legs like a madman with no hindrances. Hoping to get back at it as soon as I can. Lots of guys emailing me and telling me how much their PRP shots helped them get back at it. Guys with torn tricep, and quad tendons, saying they are back lifting after 6 weeks after the shot. If they can come back after a real tear that required surgery, then I should be able to come back from this.
Update October 17, 2011: “The first shot didn’t do anything……However, 6 week slater I had a second shot, and I felt like it made a big difference rather quickly.”
Have a patient experience of your own? Let us know.
