Beginning on February 9, the world’s most talented winter athletes will compete on the world stage in PyeongChang, South Korea as they participate in the 2018 WInter Olympic Games. Events like Alpine skiing and snowboarding will demand that athletes remain in prime form to beat their competitors and bring home gold. As a result, the doctors and trainers of those athletes are turning to regenerative medicine therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to keep athletes at the peak of their performance. At Bennett Orthopedics and Sportsmedicine in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Bennett also utilizes PRP treatments to help patients combating tendon, ligament, cartilage, and muscle injuries.

Why Does PRP Deliver Results?

PRP accelerates and enhances the body’s natural healing processes. It harnesses the power of platelets found in the blood. Platelets carry a number of essential proteins and enzymes called growth factors that support tissue healing and battle inflammation. Dr. Bennett completes every PRP procedure by drawing a small amount of blood and placing it into a centrifuge to spin and concentrate the platelets. Those platelets are suspended in a small amount of the patient’s own plasma and immediately injected into the injury site guided by ultrasound technology. Many athletes experience symptom relief in just days, and most return to full, uninhibited play in just weeks.

The Perks of Using PRP

PRP quickly works its way to the injury and functions like a super-charged healing cocktail.  Olympic athletes are drawn to PRP instead of more traditional treatments (physical therapy, steroid injections, etc) because PRP supports thorough healing without the need for surgery. Athletes are acutely aware that one surgical mistake or poor recovery could end their careers. PRP is an incredibly easy and safe procedure that promises results without the risks. Furthermore, PRP alleviates pain and makes it possible for athletes to perform at their best levels without relying on painkillers and other pharmaceuticals.

Be on the Lookout for PRP Treatments Before the 2018 Winter Olympics

PRP has been growing in popularity among winter olympics athletes for years. In late December 2013, before the 2014 Winter Olympics, U.S men’s hockey captain Zach Parise suffered a left foot fracture that threw his participation in the Sochi games into question. Figure skater Kaetlyn Osmond, meanwhile, suffered a torn hamstring in her right leg just months before the 2014 games. Both athletes underwent PRP therapy and enjoyed accelerated healing that allowed them to commit themselves to the Sochi games.

What athletes will reveal their use of PRP as the 2018 games begin? If you have your own orthopedic injury, call (941) 229-1648 to schedule a PRP consultation with Dr. Bennett at Bennett Orthopedics and Sportsmedicine in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Bennett has been using PRP for nearly a decade to help his patients overcome injuries more efficiently than ever before.