Orthopedic PRP
    Orthopedic PRP

    Understanding PRP: A Patient's Complete Guide

    Everything you need to know about platelet-rich plasma therapy, from preparation to recovery.

    February 11, 2026
    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has grown from an experimental concept into a widely used regenerative medicine treatment, but many patients approach it with understandable questions: What exactly is PRP? Does it work? Who is it right for? This guide answers those questions clearly, drawing on the best available clinical evidence.
    Understanding PRP therapy: a comprehensive patient guide
    Understanding PRP therapy: a comprehensive patient guide

    What Is PRP and How Is It Made?

    PRP is a concentration of your own platelets prepared from a small blood draw taken on the day of treatment. Whole blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate its components: red blood cells settle at the bottom, plasma rises to the top, and platelets concentrate in an intermediate layer. The platelet-rich fraction is isolated and injected into the target tissue, delivering a preparation containing 3–8 times the normal platelet concentration, loaded with growth factors including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, and IGF-1.

    How Does PRP Trigger Healing?

    Growth factors released by platelets bind to receptors on local cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, tenocytes, triggering cascades that promote tissue repair: increased collagen synthesis, reduced inflammatory cytokines, new blood vessel formation, and stem cell recruitment. PRP modulates the chronic low-level inflammation that characterizes many degenerative conditions, shifting the local environment from a catabolic (breakdown) to an anabolic (rebuilding) state. This is why PRP shows the most consistent benefit in conditions involving chronic degeneration rather than acute injuries with intact healing capacity.
    PRP preparation process: centrifugation and platelet concentration
    PRP preparation process: centrifugation and platelet concentration

    What Does the Clinical Evidence Show?

    The clinical evidence for PRP is strongest for knee osteoarthritis, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and chronic tendinopathies. A 2021 meta-analysis covering 18 randomized controlled trials for knee osteoarthritis found PRP superior to hyaluronic acid and corticosteroid at 6–12 months. For lateral epicondylitis, multiple RCTs confirm PRP's superiority over cortisone at 1–2 year follow-up. Evidence is emerging for shoulder conditions, spinal pain, Achilles tendinopathy, and small joint arthritis. As with any treatment, results vary by condition, patient health, and preparation protocol.

    What to Expect from a PRP Treatment

    The process begins with a blood draw of 15–60 mL, centrifugation taking 10–15 minutes, and an injection, typically performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, into the target structure. Most patients experience mild soreness for 3–7 days after injection as the healing phase is initiated. Functional improvement typically begins at 4–8 weeks, with peak benefit appearing at 3–6 months. Most protocols involve 1–3 injections, depending on condition severity and initial response.

    Is PRP Right for Me?

    PRP is generally appropriate for adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain, degenerative conditions, or tendinopathy who have not responded adequately to conservative care such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, or bracing. It is not appropriate for patients with active infection, clotting disorders, platelet dysfunction, or certain cancers. Explore our condition-specific pages, including knee osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tears, to see what the evidence shows for your specific condition.

    Sources

    Marx RE. Platelet-rich plasma: evidence to support its use. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004;62(4):489-496. PMID 15085519. Evans CH, et al. Current concepts in the science of platelet-rich plasma. Instr Course Lect. 2012;61:553-562. PMID 22301478. Condition-specific citations are available on individual treatment pages throughout this site.
    This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether PRP therapy is appropriate for your condition.
    PRP FormulationPlatelet ConcentrationKey Growth FactorsIdeal ApplicationsProcessing Method
    Leukocyte-Rich PRP (LR-PRP)4–8× baselinePDGF, TGF-β1, IL-1Ra (elevated)Tendon tears, ligament injuriesBuffy coat or double-spin
    Leukocyte-Poor PRP (LP-PRP)3–6× baselineTGF-β1, IGF-1 (anti-inflammatory)Osteoarthritis, joint injectionsPlasma-based single-spin
    Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma2–4× baselineBalanced growth factor profileSoft tissue regenerationSingle centrifuge protocol

    Frequently Asked Questions

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