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Looking for any feedback from anyone who's son has had a PRP injection in their elbow and the recovery time.  2018 injured his elbow pitching in October.  Went to see an ortho who said rest.  Started some throwing a couple weeks ago and pain was still there.  Then went to ortho who had done work on me for 2nd opinion who thought the PRP would be an option.  Referred to 3rd ortho who does these PRP's for local NFL, NHL and MLB teams.  During procedure last Friday, he said the UCL looked a little loose causing the bones to separate more than they should and that there is a good chance the PRP will work.  Two weeks of nothing, then two weeks of stretching, then 4 weeks of build up.  Son is hoping to be back to be able to see if fall velocity (88-90 clocked on someone's personal radar gun) is still there.  Been a catcher for his baseball life and now sees pitching as way to next level.

Anyone have any experience with the PRP injection they can share?

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There's at least several of us here with sons who've done stem cell and/or PRP.  My guy had nerve impingement in the forearm causing significant pain in the elbow.  He did a steroid injection for that.  He did stem cell and PRP for a SLAP labrum tear in his shoulder.  Six weeks completely off, then started a return to throwing program.  No pain.  His velocity came back.  Truly remarkable stuff.

2019 had PRP, didn't work. Seems to be pretty common that it doesn't work from what I've read and heard. My suggestion is get a closed MRI with dye contrast done to see exactly what is going on. Send it to Andrews Sports Medicine for them to evaluate the MRI. Best move I made in a long, laborious process I wish I did sooner. Good luck to your son.

Thanks.  We did do the MRI with dye and it showed some fluid getting between the ligament and bone which isn't normal.  The doctors thought it was more fraying of the ligament rather than a tear.  I don't believe there are plans on a follow up MRI.  Doctor will be sending us to a PT that local MLB uses and have us start a throwing program that Dr. Andrews gives out.  Crossing fingers!

FYI, my son did his PRP and stem cell at the Andrews Institute in Florida.  This is the location where Dr. Andrews practices.

He also saw a physical therapist there who gave him a PT gameplan post injections and before starting a throwing program.  And he was given names of therapists recommended by Andrews PT in our area who understand the throwing athlete. 

We wouldn’t have done the injections anywhere else other than with a doctor of Andrews’ caliber. Highly recommend going to Gulf Breeze for a second opinion. 

I can't add to the specifics of the PRP route to healing, but I'll add my 2 cents about the Andrews Clinic in Gulf Breeze. I've been there a few times driving a couple different friends over for treatment/evals. Each time we have seen well known pro athletes and the staff has treated my friends the exact same as the multimillionaire patients. They doctors there are extremely good at explaining and making you comfortable with complicated procedures and rehab plans.

If my 2022 were to stub his toe, you can bet that's where I would go for bandaids 😎

Last edited by Tug Tide

My son (2020) felt a pop last Dec at a camp.  Got an exam and dye MRI the next day.  Found 2 partial tears.  Got a PRP injection and put in a cast for 4 weeks.  Cast off and PT once a week for 2 months.  Started a slow return to throwing program.  Missed his freshman year but was able to play showcase in Jun & July and did great.  The PT was the key.  We didn't rush it.   

Mudnyeri posted:

My son (2020) felt a pop last Dec at a camp.  Got an exam and dye MRI the next day.  Found 2 partial tears.  Got a PRP injection and put in a cast for 4 weeks.  Cast off and PT once a week for 2 months.  Started a slow return to throwing program.  Missed his freshman year but was able to play showcase in Jun & July and did great.  The PT was the key.  We didn't rush it.   

Son also had PRP treatment after a small partial tear.  Had it done at Kerlan Jobe clinic in So Cal.  Many professional athletes, college athletes and high school from all different sports.  The usual 6-8 weeks down time, then PT and begin a throwing program.  A good throwing program for him was about 10 weeks.  He has been throwing 100% with no discomfort or problems (knock on wood), a position player.   Others have the opinion PRP is only delaying the inevitable (TJ surg) but hopefully that won't be the case with proper arm care.  Heard most insurances will not cover this procedure (mine did not).  Good luck.

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