Overview
PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the target area. Platelets contain growth factors that may promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
In-Depth: PRP
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the most widely used and extensively studied regenerative medicine treatments available today. The concept behind PRP is straightforward: platelets, which are best known for their role in blood clotting, also contain a concentrated supply of growth factors and bioactive proteins that play important roles in tissue healing. By drawing a small sample of the patient's blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets to levels three to five times above normal, and then injecting that concentrated plasma into damaged or degenerated tissue, PRP therapy aims to amplify the body's natural healing response at the site of injury.
The PRP preparation process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes from blood draw to injection. The specific concentration of platelets, the volume of PRP produced, and the presence or absence of white blood cells and red blood cells in the final product can vary depending on the preparation system used. These differences matter, as research suggests that the composition of PRP may influence outcomes for different conditions. For example, leukocyte-rich PRP (which contains white blood cells) may be more effective for tendon injuries, while leukocyte-poor PRP may be preferred for joint injections. Patients should ask their provider about the specific preparation system and protocol being used.
PRP is used across a wide range of medical specialties, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and urology. In orthopedics and sports medicine, it is commonly used for tendon injuries (such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis), mild to moderate osteoarthritis, muscle injuries, and ligament sprains. In dermatology, PRP is popular for hair restoration and facial rejuvenation. Because PRP is derived from the patient's own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission is essentially eliminated, making it one of the safer regenerative options available.
How It Works
- 1 A small blood sample is drawn from the patient
- 2 The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate components
- 3 The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is extracted
- 4 PRP is injected into the treatment area under imaging guidance
- 5 Growth factors work to promote healing over 4-6 weeks
Best For
Risks & Side Effects
- Temporary pain, swelling, and stiffness at the injection site for several days
- Bruising at the blood draw site or injection site
- Rare risk of infection at the injection site
- Possible nerve or tissue damage if injection is not properly guided
- Treatment may not produce desired results — response varies between patients
- Cost is typically not covered by insurance
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Good candidates: Patients with mild to moderate tendon injuries, early-stage osteoarthritis, or hair thinning who have not responded to conservative treatments
- Good candidates: Athletes or active individuals looking for treatments that may support natural healing without surgery
- May not be ideal: Patients on blood-thinning medications or with blood disorders that affect platelet function
- May not be ideal: Patients with active infections, certain cancers, or severe systemic illness
- May not be ideal: Patients with severe, bone-on-bone arthritis who may benefit more from surgical intervention