Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a treatment that uses a concentrated portion of a patient’s own blood to support healing and tissue repair. To create PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn and processed so that platelets, which play an important role in the body’s natural repair response, are concentrated and delivered to a specific area. Platelets contain growth factors and signaling proteins that help guide how tissues respond to injury, strain, or degeneration. Because PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, it does not involve synthetic drugs or donor material. It is widely used across orthopedic, sports medicine, pain management, aesthetic, and regenerative medicine settings.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet rich plasma is made from whole blood that is drawn from the patient immediately before treatment. Whole blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. During PRP preparation, platelets are isolated and concentrated within the plasma fraction. Platelets are small cell fragments that play a key role in clotting and healing. They store alpha granules that release growth factors and cytokines when activated. The final PRP product contains plasma rich in platelets with minimal red blood cells. Because PRP is derived entirely from the patient, it does not involve donor blood or synthetic substances.

PRP preparation begins with a standard venous blood draw, usually between 15 and 60 milliliters depending on the treatment area. The blood is placed into a sterile centrifuge system that spins at controlled speeds to separate components by density. Most U.S. clinics use FDA cleared centrifuge devices designed for point of care use. After centrifugation, the platelet rich plasma layer is carefully extracted. Some protocols activate PRP using calcium chloride or mechanical methods before injection. The entire preparation process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and is performed during the same visit as treatment.

Platelet rich plasma differs from whole blood primarily in its concentration of platelets and signaling molecules. Whole blood has a balanced distribution of cells, while PRP selectively increases platelet density while reducing red blood cells. This concentration amplifies the delivery of growth factors to targeted tissues. PRP also contains plasma proteins such as fibrinogen that support scaffold formation during healing. By focusing biologic activity into a smaller volume, PRP allows clinicians to deliver a higher therapeutic signal directly to injured or degenerative tissue compared to injecting whole blood alone.

Platelet rich plasma is classified as a biologic treatment because it uses living cellular components and naturally occurring proteins from the body to influence healing processes. Rather than masking symptoms, PRP interacts with cellular pathways involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. In U.S. medical practice, PRP is regulated as an autologous blood product and not as a pharmaceutical drug. This biologic approach distinguishes PRP from corticosteroids or anesthetics, which primarily suppress inflammation or pain without supporting tissue repair mechanisms.

Explore whether platelet rich plasma therapy may be appropriate for your needs

This information is educational and not a substitute for professional advice. Platelet rich plasma is not FDA approved for all uses. Patients should consult a licensed U.S. clinician before pursuing treatment.