PRP

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is increasingly being used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as tendinitis and osteoarthritis. PRP therapy attempts to utilize the natural healing properties of one’s own blood to repair damaged tendons, ligaments, muscles, and/or joints. The blood is drawn (typically from a vein in the patient’s arm) and then spun in a centrifuge to separate out red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. The red and white cells are removed and then the platelet-rich plasma component of the patient’s blood is injected into the area of damage, typically under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy. PRP injections can be given as a single injection, but typically they are administered weekly for a series of three injections per affected site.