Platelet Rich Plasma Injections Specialist

What is platelet-rich plasma?

Your blood is composed of many different elements, including red and white blood cells and platelets. Platelets play an important role in clotting, and they also contain an array of proteins and growth factors that are essential to the body's healing process. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood that contains high concentrations of platelets – up to 10 times the level normally found in blood. When injected into a site of injury, PRP can help promote healing and enable faster recovery in some patients.

How are platelet-rich plasma injections used?

PRP injections are widely used in the treatment of many types of joint and soft tissue injury, including:

• sprained and strained ligaments

• osteoarthritis in the knee and other joints

• muscle injuries

• tendinitis and other tendon injuries, including tennis elbow or golfer's elbow

PRP is also used during some surgeries to help promote healing in the period immediately following surgery.

Will you use my own plasma and platelets?

Yes. Prior to your injections with PRP, your own blood will be drawn for your treatment. The blood is processed by special lab equipment, first to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood, and then to increase the number of platelets using a process called centrifugation. The platelet concentration is then reintroduced to the rest of the blood from which it was removed and injected into the joint space. When the platelet-enriched plasma reaches the site of the injury or damage, it “goes to work” promoting and stimulating the body's own healing processes.

Are PRP injections safe?

Yes. Since PRP uses your own blood, there is no risk of rejection that can occur when donor products are used.