Platelet-rich plasma has become a leading regenerative medicine treatment, especially as an alternative to invasive surgery. However, as many athletes have proven over the past few years, the value of PRP goes beyond treating existing injuries. Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, now a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has shown that PRP can also be utilized as a preventative treatment.

Dr. William Bennett at Bennett Orthopedics and Sportsmedicine knows this as well. He has long recognized the importance of PRP in helping his patients accelerate and enhance the body’s natural healing process. For the past eleven years, Dr. Bennett has offered PRP and stem cell treatments to successfully treat tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, meniscal injuries, rotator cuff problems, plantar fasciitis, and so much more.

PRP Supports Ohtani’s Mission to Preserve Ligament Health

Shohei Ohtani recently sustained ligament damage to his throwing arm. According to his doctor, “Although partial damage in the deep layer of his right UCL exists… he is able to continue full baseball participation with a sufficient elbow care program.” It would appear that PRP injections are being used as his elbow care program.

The Los Angeles Angels recently signed Ohtani and have demonstrated confidence in the PRP treatments to keep Ohtani healthy enough to play through the regular season. The ultimate goal of PRP treatments in the elbow is to prevent further damage that would necessitate the invasive and complex Tommy John surgery. So many pitchers find themselves needing Tommy John surgery at some point in their careers, but Ohtani hopes to avoid that fate with the help of preventative PRP.

How Does PRP Act As a Therapy For UCL Injuries?

PRP is the perfect therapy for Ohtani’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury. The majority of high-level throwing athletes experience UCL damage and tears, and studies show that PRP can be used successfully to treat such conditions. One study published in The American Journal of Orthopedics in July 2016 found that PRP can be used to treat partial UCL tears in high-level throwing athletes in order to prevent the need for surgery and its prolonged recovery period.  

A full 73 percent of players who failed to demonstrate positive results with a conservative treatment had good to excellent outcomes with PRP injections. PRP’s ability to accelerate natural healing and improve blood flow to ligaments makes it a unique and unparalleled treatment option. Regular PRP injections allow the body to recover from injury before that damage has the opportunity to cause severe pain or limitation. This in turn extends an athlete’s career, increases the odds that he can continue playing all season, and preserves his overall range of motion.

Whether you are a professional athlete, recreational sports player, or sufferer of a work-related overuse injury, PRP could the key to your ongoing health. If you are looking for superior PRP therapy, simply call Dr. Bennett at (941) 229-1648 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Bennett is always at the forefront of alternative medicine and is proud to offer PRP treatments with a proven success rate.