The measures presented make it clear that PRP is more than just an injection - it is a process that can be actively shaped before and after the actual injection. For doctors and therapists, this means that they should provide patients with holistic care: Advice on nutrition, lifestyle and accompanying supplements is not a "nice to have", but can make all the difference in outcome. In view of the fact that PRP treatments are often privately funded and associated with high expectations, it is in everyone's interest to maximize their effectiveness. An interdisciplinary approach - such as orthopaedic surgeons working together with nutritionists or sports medicine specialists - could set new standards in PRP therapy. Why not give every patient a FAQ sheet with nutritional and behavioral tips? Many facilities already do this. One PRP clinic in the USA, for example, explicitly recommends that patients eat "as clean as possible" before treatment, as a balanced, vitamin-rich diet can improve the quality of the PRP
https://www.prpcenters.com/post/does-diet-affect-prp-quality
Another practice emphasizes that a chronic pro-inflammatory diet (lots of sugar, saturated fats) causes the platelets to clump together and could therefore reduce the effects of the therapy
These indications are not only based on experience, but also on scientific findings. Let's think back to the initial story: two similar patients, different healing processes. Perhaps in future we will routinely assess how a patient lives and eats before deciding whether PRP makes sense - or whether we should first "build up" the body (similar to the concept of prehab before major operations). It would be desirable to quantify more clearly in studies the extent to which nutritional factors influence PRP results. Currently, there are still few direct clinical studies, but trends are emerging. For example, interim results from a large study at the University of Heidelberg indicate that vegans vs. meat eaters have different cytokine profiles in PRP.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37843575/
Even if it is unclear whether this is clinically relevant, it does show that the patient's biology reflects their diet - even in the therapeutic agent PRP. In practice, this means involving the patient as an active partner. The patient can make a significant contribution to success through their behavior. The feeling of being able to control something themselves (diet, amount they drink, stop smoking, etc.) also increases compliance and satisfaction. Many people report that the PRP experience has motivated them to adopt a healthier lifestyle in general - a welcome side effect that extends far beyond the actual treatment. Finally, it should be emphasized that all recommendations should be individualized. Everyone reacts slightly differently and may have allergies, intolerances or cultural dietary habits. A good therapist will take this into account and give tailored advice that is feasible for the patient without overburdening them. It's not about perfection, but about conscious optimization. Even small improvements - a glass more water here, a cigarette less there, an extra portion of vegetables - can create an environment in which PRP can develop its full potential.
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