Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that aims to promote healing in the body.
Platelet-rich plasma
Platelet-rich plasma contains a high concentration of platelets, which are important for blood clotting and tissue repair. This therapy is an autologous therapy, where the blood used is your own blood, increasing the concentration of growth and healing components to help repair damage and alleviate symptoms of chronic pain.
PRP therapy is an alternative treatment since it can reduce inflammation and aid in the repair of soft tissue injuries. It targets the damaged tissue to restore its strength and mobility. The therapy aims to promote regeneration, helping alleviate the pain and restore the function of the affected body part.
PRP Therapy growth and healing factor can enhance skin texture and is also effective for treating hair loss.
“Own healing from within.”
PRP therapy is recognized as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option in regenerative medicine. PRP is directly injected into the affected area. The high concentration of PRP will stimulate the healing process of the body as it enhances tissue regeneration and repair of damaged tissue and cells. A therapy that is beneficial for individuals who are seeking an alternative treatment other than prolonged use of pain medication, surgery and steroid injections.
Frequently asked questions
How does PRP therapy work?
The PRP procedure takes place on the same day as your appointment. The blood is drawn from your arm through an intravenous injection. The blood obtained will be separated using centrifugation, ensuring that platelets and plasma are isolated and concentrated.
Once the PRP is ready to use, it will be injected into the injured or affected site using sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection. The administration of PRP is done with ultrasound guidance. The therapy process takes an hour.
What conditions can be treated with PRP therapy?
PRP therapy has been beneficial in treating musculoskeletal injuries or degenerative conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and plantar fasciitis.
PRP therapy has also seen an effect for the skin texture improvement in aesthetic purposes
What are the contraindications for PRP therapy?
PRP therapy is contraindicated for individuals with the following conditions: Cancer PRP contains growth factors, which may increase the risk of promoting the growth of benign or malignant tumors or cancer cells. Blood disorders PRP therapy can increase the risk of blood clotting, which can lead to blockage in the blood flow.
What are the side effects or adverse effects of PRP therapy?
One of the common side effects is mild pain, redness, or swelling, and discomfort in the treated area, as PRP therapy’s way of administration is injecting directly into the affected site.
Educational Guidance for PRP therapy
Pre-treatment
- Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 2 weeks prior to the treatment. NSAIDs medication contains components that can reduce the efficacy of the PRP therapy.
- Avoid corticosteroid treatment, including medication or injection. Corticosteroids reduce the healing properties of the PRP therapy.
- Avoid taking supplements such as Vitamin E and Fish oil. These medications can reduce the concentration of the PRP. It can also suppress the healing factor of PRP.
Post treatment
- Monitor and be aware of common side effects such as pain, swelling of the injection site, soreness, or stiffness.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities in the first 24 to 48 hours to promote healing, and do gentle movements and avoid weight-bearing activities for 7 days.
- After the treatment, refrain from exposure to smoke and avoid consuming alcohol, as these can cause impairment to healing and decrease your body’s regenerative response.
- Perform a light range of motion or strengthening exercises for 2 to 3 weeks to promote blood circulation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking 8 glasses of fluids each day to maintain the blood volume.
- Eat nutritious food, include protein-rich foods, and supportive anti-inflammatory alternative foods like dark green leafy vegetables and berries or citrus fruits to promote healing.
- Monitor progress and attend follow-up appointments. This will allow your provider to assess your current condition and make necessary adjustments to your progress and treatment plan.
Reference
Cole, Brian J et al. “Platelet-rich plasma: where are we now and where are we going?.” Sports health vol. 2,3 (2010): 203-10. doi:10.1177/1941738110366385
Dhurat, Rachita, and Ms Sukesh. “Principles and Methods of Preparation of Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Review and Author’s Perspective.” Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery vol. 7,4 (2014): 189-97. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.150734
Eymard, Florent et al. “Indications and contraindications to platelet-rich plasma injections in musculoskeletal diseases in case of infectious, oncological and haematological comorbidities: A 2025 formal consensus from the GRIIP (International Research Group on Platelet Injections).” Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA vol. 33,6 (2025): 2293-2306. doi:10.1002/ksa.12682
Foi, Christina et al. “Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and platelet-rich plasma in the case of knee osteoarthritis.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 37,7 (2025): 326-329. doi:10.1589/jpts.37.326
Liebig, Bethany E et al. “The platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cell milieu: A review of therapeutic effects on bone healing.” Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society vol. 38,12 (2020): 2539-2550. doi:10.1002/jor.24786
Peng, Yundong et al. “Comparison of the effects of platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injection in rotator cuff disease treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery vol. 32,6 (2023): 1303-1313. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2023.01.037
Townsend, Christine et al. “Post-Procedure Protocols Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review.” PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation vol. 12,9 (2020): 904-915. doi:10.1002/pmrj.12347
Thu, Aung Chan. “The use of platelet-rich plasma in management of musculoskeletal pain: a narrative review.” Journal of Yeungnam medical science vol. 39,3 (2022): 206-215. doi:10.12701/jyms.2022.00290
