Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of a concentration of a patient's own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. PRP injections use each patient's own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems.
PRP injections are prepared by taking anywhere from one to a few tubes of your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into your injured or diseased body tissue, releasing growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces.
Key advantages of PRP injections
Effective results
PRP has been demonstrated to improve function and reduce pain in people who have tendonitis or chronic tendinosis conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow.
Less need for meds
PRP can reduce the need for anti-inflammatories or stronger medications such as opioids.
Limited side effects
Side effects of PRP injections are very limited — because the injections are created from your own blood, your body will not reject or react negatively to them.