Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine procedure, and it uses components of a person’s own blood. Because the material comes from the patient’s own body, PRP therapy is classified as an autologous treatment. This means the body is less likely to react to it the way it might react to donor material. Learning what a typical appointment involves can help you have a more informed conversation with a healthcare provider.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Blood contains several parts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are best known for their role in clotting. They also contain proteins called growth factors, and these take part in the body’s natural process of repairing tissue.
To create PRP, a provider draws a small sample of blood and places it in a machine called a centrifuge. This device spins and separates the components of blood, and the result is plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than normal circulating blood. The provider then injects this solution into or around the targeted area.
What Does It Treat?
PRP therapy appears in a range of medical specialties and may treat many conditions. A provider can review your medical history, and they will typically assess your current symptoms. Providers discuss it as an option for many concerns, such as:
- Tendon conditions, including tennis elbow and Achilles tendon problems
- Osteoarthritis
- Ligament and muscle injuries
- Tissue healing after some surgical procedures
People with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates.
What Should You Expect?
Before your appointment, your provider can ask you to pause anti-inflammatory medications for a set period. Always follow your provider’s guidance, and do not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to them first. A typical PRP session follows a straightforward sequence:
- A provider draws a blood sample, similar to a routine lab test.
- The sample is processed in a centrifuge.
- The treatment area is cleaned, and a local numbing agent may be applied.
- A provider injects the PRP, sometimes using ultrasound imaging to guide placement.
The entire visit usually takes about an hour. You may notice soreness or swelling at the injection site for several days afterward. Many people return to routine activities soon after, but providers can recommend limiting strenuous exercise for a short time. The number of sessions differs from person to person. Some treatment plans involve a single injection, while others include a series spaced across a few different appointments. Because PRP relies on the body’s own processes, any changes tend to develop gradually over weeks or months. Responses vary, and some people may only notice a minor difference.
Seek Professional Regenerative Medicine Services
Regenerative medicine includes several approaches beyond PRP, and a provider in this field can explain how each one compares for your specific concern. If you are dealing with joint pain or a lingering injury, a regenerative medicine provider may review your situation and help you understand the options available to you. Find a regenerative medicine provider to learn whether PRP therapy fits your treatment goals.
