PRP Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an orthobiologic therapy derived from a patient’s own blood that concentrates platelets and bioactive growth factors to support tissue healing and modulate inflammation. Platelets contain numerous signaling molecules that play a critical role in tissue repair, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).

PRP is created by drawing a small amount of a patient’s blood and processing it using a centrifugation system that separates and concentrates the platelet fraction from other blood components. Normal circulating blood contains approximately 150,000–350,000 platelets per microliter. For PRP to be considered therapeutically effective, the platelet concentration should generally reach at least five times (5×) the baseline platelet concentration.

This level of platelet enrichment produces a highly biologically active solution containing concentrated growth factors, cytokines, and signaling proteins that can stimulate cellular repair pathways when delivered to injured or degenerative tissues.

When PRP is delivered into an injured tendon, ligament, muscle, or joint, the concentrated platelets release growth factors at the site. These bioactive proteins help regulate inflammation, support tissue remodeling, and promote cellular activity necessary for healing. PRP does not create new tissue on its own; instead, it enhances the body’s ability to recover from microdamage, chronic overuse, and age-related degeneration.

The response is gradual. Most patients begin to notice improvement over several weeks as collagen fibers reorganize and inflammation stabilizes. Because the treatment works with natural biological processes, results continue to develop for several months.

PRP is used to manage a wide range of orthopedic problems, particularly where soft-tissue healing is slow or incomplete. At The Joint Preservation Center, PRP may be recommended for:

Tendon and Soft-Tissue Injuries

Chronic tendon conditions often fail to heal fully through rest alone. PRP is commonly used for:

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Hamstring and hip flexor injuries
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)

Joint Degeneration and Arthritis

PRP may help reduce symptoms of early to moderate osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle. By moderating inflammation and supporting joint health, PRP can improve pain levels, mobility, and function.

Ligament and Muscle Injuries

Mild to moderate sprains, partial tears, and muscle strains may recover more efficiently with PRP support.

Intra-operative use

In select procedures, PRP may enhance healing. Specifically, evidence has been shown to augment meniscal repair during surgery with the addition of PRP.

PRP injections are typically performed as an in-office procedure and usually take 30–45 minutes from start to finish.

Step 1: Blood Draw

A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, similar to a routine laboratory blood test.

Step 2: PRP Preparation

The blood sample is processed using a centrifugation system that separates and concentrates platelets from other blood components. This process typically takes 10–15 minutes and results in a platelet-rich plasma preparation ready for injection.

Step 3: Image-Guided Injection

The PRP is then injected into the targeted tissue using ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. Image guidance is critical to maximize the biological effect of the injection and ensure the orthobiologic treatment is delivered to the correct anatomical structure.

The procedure is generally well tolerated. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or increased inflammation for several days, which is considered part of the normal biologic healing response.

PRP is valued because it is minimally invasive, drug-free, and tailored specifically to the patient’s biology. It avoids the systemic effects associated with long-term medication use and may help postpone or eliminate the need for more invasive interventions. For athletes, PRP is often appealing because it may shorten recovery time and support a safer return to sport.

However, PRP is not a cure-all. Advanced arthritis, complete tendon ruptures, and large structural injuries still require surgical solutions. PRP works best when integrated into a broader, well-managed treatment plan that may include physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, or other biologic options.