"Own-blood injections" shown to heal injuries faster

Treating microtears in the hamstring muscle may be just a few injections away. Researchers in London have discovered a new method involving injecting blood from the individual as well as a small concentration or a steroid, doubled with a method known as “dry-needling”, or creating small punctures in the affected area.

Researchers explain the injection of blood from the individual themselves into the injured area will promote healing naturally, as blood assists in growth. Preliminary studies have shown this method to decrease healing time of specific injuries.

Hamstring injuries commonly occur in sports requiring sudden movements. Improper warm-up or overuse are common causes of many hamstring injuries.

While torn muscles and tendons can often be repaired by surgery, microtears are often difficult to notice, and can take a long time to completely heal.

For this study, 42 patients known to have hamstring injuries had MRI scans to determine the extent of their injury. Individuals were split into one of three groups for treatment: (1) anesthetic injection and steroid, including dry-needling procedure; (2) anesthetic injection and small amount of their own blood, including dry-needling; (3) anesthetic, own blood, steroid, and dry-needling.

All procedures took place during ultrasound, allowing researchers to instantly witness increased blood flow to affected areas.

After treatment, each patient was evaluated during a one year follow-up period to determine their levels of pain and physical functionality.

Researchers discovered the most beneficial treatment method to be group 3: injections of own blood, steroid, and dry-needling. The shortest relief was noticed in those in group 1.

Researchers have noticed this treatment method to be effective in other areas of the body as well, including the elbow and shoulder.