Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a component of blood that contains a high concentration of platelets. These platelets, which play a crucial role in healing, are rich in growth factors and cytokines that promote the repair of bones and soft tissues. PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood and processed to concentrate these beneficial elements.
Platelets are specialized blood cells involved in the body's natural healing process. They contain essential growth factors that aid in cell regeneration and wound repair. While the normal platelet count in human blood is about 200,000 per microliter, PRP is typically enhanced to contain over 1,000,000 platelets per microliter—approximately five times the normal concentration. The PRP preparation process involves drawing the patient’s blood, then using a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets while removing unnecessary components. This procedure is completed in under 10 minutes.
Key Growth Factors and Cytokines in PRP
PRP is packed with biological molecules that contribute to tissue repair, including:
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – Enhances skin and tissue healing
- Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1, IGF-2) – Supports cell growth and repair
- Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) – Regulates cell differentiation
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) – Helps in immune response and inflammation control
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – Aids in blood vessel formation
- Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) – Promotes tissue regeneration
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) – Supports cell growth and healing
Indications of PRP Therapy
PRP is widely used in orthopedic medicine and is being actively researched for its effectiveness. Studies have shown that PRP injections can be more effective than steroid or hyaluronic acid treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, PRP has been explored for its potential benefits in treating a wide range of joint, tendon, and ligament injuries, as well as chronic pain conditions.
Common Conditions Treated with PRP
Tendon and Ligament Injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Biceps tendinitis
- Golfers and tennis elbow
- Hamstring, gluteus medius, and piriformis syndrome
- Patellar and quadriceps tendinitis
- Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis
- Ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the elbow
- Medial collateral ligament injuries of the knee
Joint Degeneration and Osteoarthritis
- Hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist osteoarthritis
- Cartilage damage causing joint pain
Bone Healing and Fracture Repair
- Delayed bone healing or nonunion fractures
What to Expect After a PRP Injection
After receiving a PRP injection, patients may experience mild soreness, which typically subsides quickly. To ensure the treatment’s effectiveness, patients should avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs, as these may interfere with PRP's healing properties. Instead, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other non-NSAID pain relievers can be used if necessary. Patients should also limit strenuous physical activity for about a week following the procedure. Follow-up appointments help monitor progress and recovery.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for PRP Therapy
Currently, most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover PRP therapy in the United States. As a result, patients are responsible for the full cost of the procedure. The pricing varies based on the number of injections and treatment areas, with follow-up care typically included in the total cost.