PRP therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma) - for whom is it useful?
This information is aimed at horse owners whose horse has a Tendon injury or relapses again and again after a long convalescence. PRP utilises the body's own healing mechanisms, to optimise the Fabric quality of the tendon and to improve the Load capacity more sustainably. Autologous, very well tolerated and doping-free.
What is PRP - and what does it do?
PRP is Platelet-rich plasma, which originates from the Autologous blood of the horse. The blood platelets (thrombocytes) are at least fourfold concentrated; with the system used in our practice up to a tenfold concentration possible. Blood platelets set numerous Growth factors free (a. o. TGF-β, IGF-1, PDGF, VEGF), which Cartilage- and connective tissue-protecting and -building processes trigger the immune system: They dampen tissue-degrading cytokines, promote, among other things. Decorin (important for the Organisation of the collagen fibres), stimulate Collagen type I („normal“ tendon collagen) and COMP, that the New formation and alignment of the collagen structure. Result: Regeneration of tendon tissue that comes much closer to the original, healthy tissue than by simply waiting.
Why tendons so often tear again
Tendon damage is caused by single overstretching (core lesion) or Cumulative microlesions - favoured by Load heat and Reduced blood flow. Damaged tendons are increasingly characterised by TNF-α and Interleukin-1, enzymes such as MMPs and COX-2 and thus further damage tissue. The result is often Scar tissue with collagen type IIImore tear-resistant, but less elastic - and therefore susceptible to New damage above or below the old lesion, despite long recovery period and careful construction.
Advantages of PRP
PRP is autologous (body's own), therefore Very well tolerated and doping-free. The treatment significantly increases the chance, that your horse is back on previous performance level becomes resilient. It is particularly useful when a Sustainable fabric quality is aimed for, instead of only on the time. PRP supplemented conservative therapy and structured training programmes - it does not replace them.
Briefly summarised:
- Target: biological Quality healing instead of an unstable scar.
- Principle of action: concentrated Growth factors control healing processes in the direction of Collagen I and Ordered fibre structure.
- Plus points: autologous, well tolerated, doping-free, Higher probability of return to the previous load capacity.
For a personalised assessment, we will examine your horse thoroughly and discuss it, whether and when PRP makes sense in your case - including training and rehab plan.
