Effect of platelet-rich plasma therapy in conjunction with physical therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of combining ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy with physical therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Design: We present a case report of rotator cuff tendinopathy treated with ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections followed by physical therapy. Methods: After undergoing conventional treatment modalities, a patient underwent a course of ultrasound guided PRP injection followed by physical therapy (core strengthening) for 10 weeks. The patient outcome was measured using the numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oxford Scoring System (OSS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) Index. Radiological examination using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was also performed before and after PRP treatment. Results: Following treatment, the patient reported pain relief within a week. As the patient continued core strengthening exercise for 10 weeks, he showed drastic improvement in function with no pain and discomfort as determined by NPRS, OSS, and WOMAC index respectively. At the same time, there were no significant complications. Even the repeat MRI performed after 18 m showed no supraspinatus tendinopathy tear. Conclusion: In this case report, PRP injections in combination with physical therapy for the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy demonstrated improvement in all outcome measures. This highlights the need for conducting more controlled trials to determine the effect of this combinational treatment.