21 Mar Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw: PRP Injections Prepare Him for Next Season
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw praises platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for getting him ready for training next spring. The seasoned baseball player left the final season because of chronic discomfort from a forearm and elbow injury.
Fortunately, Kershaw did not show signs of severe ligament damage, making him the right candidate for this type of chiropractic treatment. Tommy John Surgery – commonly known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction – is often required for pulled or torn damages. But with it, recovery can take up to a year, two for athletes that need to restore their ability.
PRP injections are a great natural alternative. These injections are meant to stimulate the injury and begin a rapid healing process. The blood is sourced directly from the patient during the session. Once placed in the centrifuge, it extracts enriched platelets. It then gets re-injected into the site of injury.
As the industry of sports medicine continues to evolve, we expect more athletes will opt for PRP injections, or rehabilitative services like physical therapy, to treat chronic pain and injuries. Kershaw is one of many pitchers who have utilized this treatment. Alongside him are Chad Billingsley (former Dodgers right-hander), Shohei Ohtani (current Angels player), Garrett Richards (Angels right-hander).
Though PRP injections provide optimal relief, patients must continue to see a chiropractor consistently. At Premiere Chiropractic, we monitor our patients’ progress and provide them with the information needed to prevent further damage. Kershaw is optimistic that rest is all he needs – but it will require more effort. Eventually Billingsley, Ohtani, and Richards all required Tommy John surgery from the wear and tear of repetitive movements on the field.
He shared his take on recovery with the Orange County Register. “I’m going to rest and let it heal. I’m not going to get surgery on it or anything. Everybody I’ve talked to, all the doctors and everything, feel good that I’ll be good to go by spring training,” he said.