PRP is a therapy produced from the patient’s own blood that is made up of plasma and a high concentration of platelets. During platelet-rich plasma therapy, blood is drawn and sent to a laboratory. The lab uses centrifugation to separate red blood cells from plasma and platelets. After discarding red blood cells, what remains is a mixture of plasma and a concentration of platelets. It is then injected into the injured area, thereby introducing a high concentration of platelets (as well as growth factors and cytokines) to help stimulate healing.
PRP can be used to treat such degenerative conditions as osteoarthritis, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries. Examples include:
- Neck and back pain
- Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
- Osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, or shoulder joints
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Injuries of the cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.