Highlights
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PRP vs. Steroids & Physical Therapy – PRP delivers superior long-term pain relief and function for SAIS.
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PRP for Discs & Epidural Injections? – Strong research supports its effectiveness in these areas.
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Be the Go-To PRP Expert – Build authority with education, Q&As, referrals, and media exposure.
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Conversations in REGEN: Register for today’s session with Dr. Mary Ambach.
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BOB Live at IOF: Save the date for Feb 27, 2025, in Scottsdale, AZ—an event you don’t want to miss!
Today’s Research Article
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma, Corticosteroid, and Physical Therapy in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
Tuğçe PASİN, Safinaz ATAOĞLU, Özge PASİN, Handan ANKARALI
Summary:
This study compared the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy for treating subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS), a common cause of shoulder pain. The results showed that while all three treatment options improved pain, function, and quality of life, PRP provided the most significant long-term benefits. At the eight-week mark, PRP outperformed corticosteroids and physical therapy in pain reduction (VAS scores), functional improvement (QuickDASH and UCLA SRS scores), and overall quality of life (SF-36 pain subgroup scores). The study suggests that physical therapy should be the first line of treatment, but PRP is a superior option for patients seeking a long-term solution with fewer risks than corticosteroids.
PRP therapy works by harnessing growth factors naturally found in platelets to accelerate tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Unlike corticosteroids, which can cause adverse effects like tendon weakening and atrophy, PRP has a safer profile with sustained effectiveness. While physical therapy remains a valuable conservative approach, PRP offers a minimally invasive yet more powerful alternative for those with persistent or moderate-to-severe symptoms. Long-term follow-up studies are needed, but current findings strongly support PRP as an effective and durable treatment for SAIS.
Talking Points for Doctors to Patients: Why Choose PRP
