What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) relies on platelets (cell fragments found in blood) to improve tissue function. Other names for some of these products include platelet-rich growth factors (GFs), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet concentrates (PCs).



What does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) do?

Different types of PRP products are usually given as injections (shots) to heal and repair injuries. The job of platelets in the body is to help blood clot when there is an injury. The cytokines and growth factors in platelets can help repair injuries and encourage healing.

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Tendonitis
  • Hair loss
  • Wounds
  • Cartilage repair
  • Pulled muscles
  • Joint sprains
  • Cartilage tear
  • Ligament tear
  • Degenerated disk

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. In this way, PRP injections use each individual patient's own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems. 

Studies have indicated that PRP is or may be useful to treat:

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Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood. It is composed largely of water and proteins, and it provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are blood cells that cause blood clots and other necessary growth healing functions. Platelet activation plays a key role in the body's natural healing process.

What is plasma and what are platelets?

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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. In this way, PRP injections use each individual patient's own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems.

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

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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. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces.

what are PRP injections?

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They can reduce the need for anti-inflammatories or stronger medications like opioids. In addition, the side effects of PRP injections are very limited because, since the injections are created from your own blood, your body will not reject or react negatively to them. 

what are some of the key advantages of PRP injections?

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PRP injections are used to treat torn tendons, tendinitis, muscle injuries, arthritis-related pain, and joint injuries. They’re becoming more common for cosmetic procedures, too. For example, dermatologists and hair replacement experts use PRP injections to treat a type of hair loss called androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, which affects men and women. And some dermatologists provide PRP treatments for the face. 

What Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Treat?

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Before getting PRP injections, you’ll likely need to stop taking certain medications that thin your blood, like aspirin and ibuprofen. You may also need to take a break from specific vitamins or supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids. 


before you get prp injections

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Frequently Asked Questions

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After a neck injury, I was told I would need surgery but wanted to try another way. The team at Paragon Physical Medicine encouraged me to not give up. They creating a care plan that kept me from surgery and journeyed with me, every step of the way. I'm forever grateful! 

alice H.

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Doing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has greatly impacted my daily activities. For the first time in three months, my knees, ankles and feet do not ache. I was able to stand up in a two hour meeting the whole time without pain. This has changed my life!

brandon M.

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Between my weight loss and regenerative medicine journeys, I have felt younger and definitely more active. I can participate in any activity now that my friends and I talk about with confidence and pain free.

lisa H.

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