Jerryd Bayless Update: Philadelphia 76ers PG Underwhelming
By Bret Stuter
What’s Wrong With Wrist?
Soft tissue injuries, such as those of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, are problematic. These tissues heal slowly. The problem is that sometimes soft tissue responds more favorably with surgery, and sometimes it responds more favorably without surgery.
And it’s virtually impossible to predict which is which.
The surgery is season ending. Non surgery is merely when pain subsides. So far the pain hasn’t subsided, but Bayless has not opted to end the season via the operating room. Instead, Bayless has opted for platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
But there is always more to the story. Tendons and ligaments are made up of fibers of collagen-which is the substance which gives your skin elasticity. When these fibers are stretched or torn we may refer to the injury as a “pull”, “tear”, “sprain” (ligament) or “strain” (tendon). These structures are vascular which means there are blood vessels in them. Thus, when they are injured they bleed. That bleeding eventually leads to bruising around the area of injury.
Blood flow to the area increases to aid in healing, both to bring fresh supply of new materials to rebuild healthy tissue, as well as to remove damaged tissue. The blood carries platelets and growth factors that allow for healing of the tissue by creating new collagen fibers. These new fibers need to be constructed in an organized, layered fashion to heal correctly and allow the ligament or tendon to regain its proper strength and flexibility.