Overview
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is prepared from a patient’s peripheral blood using anticoagulation and centrifugation to create a plasma fraction with a platelet concentration above baseline. The final product may contain different platelet, leukocyte, red-cell, fibrin, and plasma profiles.
PRP is not one standardized product
Single- versus double-spin systems, tube and anticoagulant, blood volume, platelet recovery, leukocyte and red-cell content, activation, final volume, and injection route vary. “Five times platelets” does not prove optimal dosing; more is not automatically better.
Evidence is indication-specific
Evidence supports possible pain or function benefit for selected tendinopathies and knee osteoarthritis, but trials are heterogeneous and guideline conclusions differ. Results cannot be generalized to every joint, acute tear, back pain, cartilage loss, hair condition, or aesthetic use. PRP does not reliably regrow cartilage, reattach a torn tendon, or replace needed surgery.
Not stem cells
PRP is a platelet-containing blood product, not stem-cell therapy. Autologous origin reduces donor-disease and some allergy concerns but does not prevent infection, processing error, bleeding, nerve or vessel injury, or reactions to additives.
Procedure and rehabilitation
Target diagnosis, imaging guidance, needle placement, concurrent local anesthetic, number of injections, and post-procedure loading influence outcome. Routine medication restrictions should be individualized; patients should not stop anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs without the prescribing clinician.
Benefits
Uses an autologous blood-derived preparation
May improve pain or function for selected musculoskeletal indications
Avoids marrow or fat harvest
Can be characterized by platelet, leukocyte, red-cell, activation, and volume profile
Can be paired with image-guided placement and structured rehabilitation
The Procedure
1
Confirm diagnosis and evidence
2
Collect and process
3
Image-guided administration
4
Rehabilitation and follow-up
Preparation
Bring imaging, diagnosis, prior treatment, medications and anticoagulants, anemia or platelet disorders, infection history, allergies to anesthetic or additives, pregnancy status, and rehabilitation plan. Ask for the exact preparation protocol.
Recovery & Aftercare
Injection-site pain, swelling, stiffness, or a flare can last several days. Follow target-specific loading instructions. Fever, drainage, severe or escalating pain, weakness, numbness, calf swelling, or chest symptoms requires prompt assessment.
Risks & Considerations
Pain flare, bleeding, bruising, infection, contamination, wrong-patient or processing error, nerve or vessel injury, tissue damage, allergy to additives, joint infection, scarring or pigment change in skin uses, and treatment failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
[1]
Meta-analysis of PRP for Tendinopathy.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546516643716[2]
PubMed: PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis Systematic Reviews.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=platelet-rich+plasma+knee+osteoarthritis+systematic+review[3]
PubMed: PRP Classification and Reporting Consensus.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=platelet-rich+plasma+classification+reporting+consensus[4]
CDC. Injection Safety.
https://www.cdc.gov/injection-safety/
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