HMS News & Events

Case Study: Professional BJJ Fighter Battles Back from a Torn Meniscus with PRP

Written by Hyperbaric Medical Solutions | 2/29/24

Jason Rau, a black belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu and professional grappler, faced a daunting challenge: knee pain threatening his upcoming fight in just two months. Determined to avoid surgery and its lengthy recovery, he opted for regenerative medicine.

Upon initial consultation, an ultrasound examination of the knee, under stress, revealed significant disruption in his meniscus, joint effusion (fluid), and a cartilage defect on the lateral condyle.

Following treatment with two PRP injections and five hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, Jason experienced remarkable progress. He's now back in training, fully preparing for his upcoming match.

CASE STUDY: 

Patient Age: 34

Gender: Male 

Presentation: Inflamed, painful knee. Ultrasound examination showed joint effusion, a tear of the radial meniscus and lateral meniscus and a cartilage defect on the lateral condyle.

Health History: Previous surgeries to the right knee (not the current knee in pain)

Personalized Treatment Protocol:

2 PRP injections over 2 weeks, under ultrasound guidance, each coupled with a sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at a 2.4 ATA for 90 minutes. 5 HBOT sessions in total.

Patient Outcome: Healed meniscus and a complete return to training.

Dr. Alan A. Katz & Jason Rau


Notes From the Clinical Team at HMS:

A Powerful OrthoBiologics Combination

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are regenerative medicine treatments that effectively help patients recover from wounds, muscle injuries, pain, and more.

When these innovative therapies are combined, they create a synergistic effect, helping patients achieve optimal health. You can expedite healing without the need for intensive procedures, surgeries or medications.

In this case specifically, the athlete wanted to avoid surgery and expedite recovery so he could get back to training for his professional fighting career.

PRP & HBOT may be used to help the following ailments: 

  • Osteoarthritis 
  • Plantar Fasciitis 
  • Ligament Sprains or Tears
  • Tennis Elbow 
  • Ankle Sprains 
  • Meniscus tears 
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis 
 

HBOT for Athletes

Many athletes operate in a “Chronic Cytokine Storm” as a result of stress, fatigue, and lactic acid overload incurred during training, and even due to frequent air travel (low oxygen and pressure environment). Tissues chronically exposed to hypoxia over-express inflammatory cytokines which can disrupt normal immune responses.

HBOT can help by:

  • Increasing both the amount of oxygen and the pressure at which it is delivered, which profoundly affects immune modulation
  • Supporting mitochondrial function and energy production
  • Increasing the production and circulation of STEM cells
  • Improving neurocognitive performance including reaction time by elevating brain neuroplasticity and interconnection
  • HBOT can be used to treat concussion leading to a more rapid return to play
  • HBOT preconditioning: preseason/pre-post game use can decrease injury risk