What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.

It is a newly emerging procedure that was previously only available to elite athletes such as golf’s Tiger Woods, tennis’s Rafael Nadal and basketball’s Kobe Bryant. Fortunately, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is now becoming available in the United States for people who suffer from chronic joint pain caused by arthritis.

Newer treatment strategies, such as PRP, are focused on repairing and regenerating the damaged cartilage of the affected joint.

The process is pretty simple:

First, 20 mls (about 4 teaspoons) of your own blood is drawn.

Secondly, the blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets.

Lastly, the separated healing factors are injected using image guidance, directly into the joint.

Over time this process decreases both inflammation and pain. Recent studies suggest that Platelet Rich Plasma treatments may actually stimulate regeneration of new and healthy tissue leading to better functioning in the long term, and less painful joints.