It’s finally happening football season is here! But, don’t’ get too excited because it has been filled with a multitude of injuries to many players in both the NCAA and NFL. One injury that stands out is Malcolm Mitchell’s knee Injury. The Georgia wide receiver suffered from a season-ending ACL Tear in his touchdown celebration. Mitchell is the leading returning receiver for the No. 5 Bulldogs and hurt his right knee when celebrating with a teammate following Todd Gurley's 75-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
I believe that Mr. Mitchell is an excellent candidate for regenerative medicine therapy. The WR’s MRI report confirmed that he had injured his ACL in his right knee. I am advocating Platelet Rich Plasma therapy because I believe that this type of therapy will reduce the down time for the Mr. Mitchell’s rehabilitation and get him back to the grid-iron sooner. He has since had surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and PRP therapy can expedite his recovery.
PRP uses the patient’s own blood and is re-injected into the affected areas. The blood contains specially prepared platelets and substances known as “growth factors”. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy consists of a high concentration of platelets isolated and concentrated by the use of a bidirectional centrifuge. These platelets and growth factors lead to tissue healing and the healing of tendons and cartilage. With PRP therapy has 29 growth factors and 4 times the normal platelet concentration. The body’s natural healing process is accelerated when these platelets and growth factors are re-injected into affected areas.
The most important function of PRP for many years was thought to aid in clotting of blood. Currently, this may represent the least important function since platelets contain a significant number of growth factors, which accelerate and strengthen the healing process as well as promoting tissue regeneration. This therapy focuses on healing tears of the ligaments, tendons, muscle and cartilage. This therapy can be used to avoid surgery and aid in speedy recovery from surgery.
If you or someone you love is suffering from this type of injury, seek the help of an expert non-surgical orthopedist that is well versed in regenerative medicine. If you are in the tri-state area, contact our office Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, located in Howard Beach, NY, for an appointment today.