What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma injection. Huma​n blood has several different cells including red blood cells, white blood cells, serum and platelets. Platelets are very important for clot formation. They stick to each other and form a blood clot. Medical research has found that platelets also contain a number of chemicals and proteins that are involved in wound healing. When platelets are activated, they release these components collectively called “growth-factors”. When blood cells are separated from blood, the resulting fluid is called plasma. Processing the plasma can concentrate the platelets and their corresponding growth factors. This concentrated solution is then mixed with a local anesthetic and anticoagulant, then injected into the injured tissue to promote healing. In essence, the doctor concentrates the patient’s own healing factors and injects them back into the injured area. This approach is very different from using anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections which decrease inflammation and the healing response. Pure PRP is similar to PRP but there are no red blood cells or certain types of white blood cells. This tends to make less unnecessary swelling and therefore it is less painful and gets you functioning more quickly.