What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and what are PRP injections?

Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood and is mainly composed of water and proteins. White cells, red cells and platelets swim in this plasma and move through the body. Platelets cause blood clots and stimulate growth and healing.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a process where platelets are collected by taking a few tubes of a patient’s own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. This concentrated solution is then injected directly into the joint or diseased body tissue with or without ultrasound guidance. Platelets release growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces. This accelerates the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. As a result, PRP injections use individual patient’s own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems.

Candidates are assessed individually and this treatment will be offered based upon current literature supporting its correct indication and use.