Depending on your medical need, your physician may recommend a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment. PRP can be used by your doctor as a surgical or non-surgical therapy to signal your body’s natural healing potential.
PRP is a mixture of concentrated platelets and white blood cells derived from your own blood and/or bone marrow.
Prior to your procedure, a small sample of blood and/or bone marrow is drawn from your vein, hip, or lower extremity. The blood and/or bone marrow is placed in a specialized centrifuge that will separate and concentrate your body’s own natural healing agents. This process takes less than 20 minutes.
Whole blood contains a large number of platelets, that according to studies may be beneficial in the healing process when concentrated into PRP8. There are also other molecules in your plasma which help fight inflammation and the progression of tissue damage. Known applications for PRP from whole blood include soft tissue injuries such as muscle tears4 and tendonitis5.
Cells that are found in your bone marrow have the ability to help new bone, cartilage, and soft tissue to form. Bone marrow also contains platelets, which store signaling molecules that these cells need in order to perform their duty. Known applications for PRP from concentrated bone marrow include osteoarthritis6 and degenerative disc disease7.
