Andre Johnson has received platelet-rich plasma therapy (commonly known as PRP) to treat his high-ankle sprain.
The Texans have used platelet-rich plasma therapy to aid a number of players in healing injuries. The Texans would not confirm Johnson received this form of treatment, citing their policy not to discuss specific health treatment procedures.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is, in a nutshell, using the body's own substances to aid healing. A doctor removes blood from the patient's body, spins the blood in a special centrifuge that concentrates platelets, and then re-injects the platelets into the injured area. The process is used in many sports - perhaps the most notable example was the use of PRP in getting Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu healthy enough for Super Bowl XL.
In recent years, it has been used for non-athletes, as well, but only those who can afford the expensive treatments. This is primarily because the efficacy of the treatment has not been established through enough studies for insurance companies to warrant spending money on the process.
Johnson remains a game-time decision for Sunday. Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones will pick up the slack if Johnson is out. The one that is guarded least by Nmandi Asomugha will likely have the best day of the two.
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