Aaron Nola Is Avoiding Surgery for Now with PRP Injections Thanks to the Only Doctor in the World
Did you know that Dr. James Andrews is the only doctor in the world? It seems crazy, but it’s true. He’s the team doctor for Alabama, Auburn, the Yankees, and the Washington Redskins. He’s worked on Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Barry Zito, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, John Smoltz, Scottie Pippen, Paul Molitor, Pavel Bure, Dwyane Wade, Tiger Woods, Donovan McNabb, John Cena, Triple H, and Nerlens Noel. Literally he’s the only doctor. He’s worked on everybody. Now, Aaron Nola is added to that list.
Nola is done for the season – officially – but not yet going under the knife. Though he was diagnosed with “low-grade” sprains and strains, Andrews “examined Nola and prescribed a platelet-rich plasma injection and rest.” By avoiding going under the knife, the hope is Nola will have a shorter recovery time (and hopefully a lower-risk of re-injury). According to the New England Journal of Medicine, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 2014, injecting platelet-rich plasma injections for acute hamstring injuries had no discernible advantage over a placebo, with recovery time and re-injury rate being nearly identical. A study from the year before focusing on ligament damage said that PRP injections actually do help by “enhancing collagen gene expression, stimulating angiogenesis, [and] increasing cell migration,” (whatever any of that means) though clinical trials have had mixed results.
Andrews’ own site has this to say about PRP injections:
Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery, as well as a remarkable return of function. In addition, PRP has been reported to accelerate tissue healing by as much as 50%… PRP therapy helps regenerate tendons and ligaments but it is not a quick fix. This therapy stimulates the growth and repair of tendons and ligaments, and requires time and rehabilitation. Through regular visits, your doctor will determine when you are able to resume regular physical activities. On average, patients return to sports between 8 to 12 weeks after the PRP injection.
It’s not a quick fix and Nola may still need surgery, but they’re going to try this out first. When the world’s only doctor suggests something, you do it.