Efficacy of Platelet-Rich-Plasma in Accelerating Muscle Injury Recovery in Athletes

A Literature Review

Abstract

Muscle strains are common injuries in sports that significantly affect athletes' training and competition time, often leading to prolonged recovery periods despite traditional treatments like Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) and physical therapy. These injuries occur when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement, which can impact performance and overall team success. As a response to the limitations of conventional therapies, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option, involving the injection of a concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient's own blood into the injured area, in order to promote tissue healing and regeneration. While some studies suggest that PRP injections can lead to faster recovery times compared to traditional treatments, others indicate no significant benefits. This highlights the variability in outcomes influenced by factors such as injury type and PRP preparation methods. This literature review critically examines the current evidence regarding the efficacy of PRP injections in reducing recovery time for muscle injuries in athletes, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its potential benefits and limitations, and to explore the hypothesis of whether PRP injections can effectively accelerate recovery for athletes with muscle strains and sports injuries.