What Is PRP Therapy? How It Works and Who May Be a Candidate
Platelet-rich plasma, usually shortened to PRP, has moved from sports headlines into everyday conversations about joint pain, thinning hair, and recovery after injury. If you have heard the term but are not sure what is PRP therapy or whether it applies to you, you are not alone. Many people begin with a quick search for "PRP injections near me" and quickly run into confusing or overly optimistic claims.
This guide explains PRP in plain language: how it is prepared, the conditions people commonly ask about, what a visit involves, and the risks and limits worth knowing. It is educational only and does not replace advice from a licensed physician.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a procedure that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support the body's natural healing response. Blood is made of red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets are best known for helping blood clot, but they also carry growth factors, which are proteins involved in signaling tissue repair.
During PRP therapy, a small blood sample is processed so that platelets are concentrated in a small amount of plasma. That concentrate is then injected, or sometimes applied, to a targeted area such as a joint, tendon, or scalp. The thinking is that delivering a higher concentration of these signals directly where they are needed may help support healing.
Because PRP is made from your own blood, the chance of rejection or allergic reaction is generally lower than with products from outside sources. That does not make it risk-free, and it does not guarantee results. So, in its simplest form, what is PRP therapy? It is a procedure that concentrates your own platelets and returns them to a specific area, with the goal of supporting repair. Research is ongoing, and the evidence is stronger for some uses than others.
How PRP Is Prepared
The preparation is straightforward and typically happens in a single office visit:
1. Blood draw
A small amount of blood is taken, usually from your arm, much like a routine lab test. The amount varies depending on the preparation system and the size of the treatment area. The blood is collected into a tube containing an anticoagulant, which keeps it from clotting before it is processed.
2. Centrifuge
The sample is spun in a centrifuge, which separates its components by density. Heavier red blood cells settle at the bottom, while the platelet-containing plasma stays above. Depending on the system, this may involve one spin or two, and the spinning usually takes several minutes.
3. Collection
The platelet-rich layer of plasma is drawn into a syringe. Some systems also keep more or fewer white blood cells in the final preparation, which is another reason PRP products are not all identical. In some protocols, the PRP is activated before use, while others use it as prepared.
4. Injection
The provider injects the PRP into the treatment area. Some practices use numbing medication, and for joints or tendons, imaging such as ultrasound may help guide placement. The skin is cleaned beforehand, and depending on the area, the PRP may be placed at one point or several. Because the PRP is made from your own blood and used during the same visit, it is not stored for later.
The whole process often takes around an hour, though timing varies. It is also worth knowing that different preparation systems produce different platelet concentrations, and there is no single universal protocol. This is one reason results and recommendations can differ from one clinic to another.
PRP has been studied for a range of uses. Many of these uses are considered off-label and are not specifically FDA approved, so a physician should walk you through realistic expectations before you decide.
Joints and osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most researched areas. Some studies suggest certain patients experience reduced pain and improved function, while others show little difference. PRP has not been shown to reverse arthritis.
Sports injuries and tendons
PRP is often discussed for tendon problems such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, and patellar tendinopathy, as well as some sprains and strains. The evidence is mixed, and PRP is frequently considered alongside physical therapy rather than instead of it.
Hair thinning
Studies have looked at PRP for androgenetic alopecia, the common pattern of hair thinning. Some report improved hair density, usually after a series of sessions, but results vary and are generally more likely when thinning is caught earlier.
Not Sure Whether PRP Is Right for You?
Every case is different. The right approach depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and health history. Talk to the Regenestem team to discuss your options.
Potential PRP Benefits, Realistically
The PRP benefits most often discussed include the use of your own blood, a minimally invasive in-office procedure, little to no downtime for many people, and the option to combine it with other care. For a deeper look, see our overview of PRP benefits and our comparison of PRP and stem cell therapy. Keep in mind that PRP benefits are possibilities, not promises, and individual responses differ.
What a PRP Visit Involves
Your provider reviews your medical history, current medications, and symptoms, and may examine the area or review imaging. This is when you discuss your goals and whether PRP is a reasonable option for your situation.
If you are weighing PRP therapy Plantation FL clinics offer, ask how they select candidates, what they say about expected outcomes, and how follow-up is handled. Clear, honest answers to those questions are a good sign.
Questions worth asking your provider include:
• What is my specific diagnosis, and how does PRP fit into the overall plan?
• How is the PRP prepared, and who performs the procedure?
• What results are realistic for my situation, and how will progress be measured?
• What alternatives exist, and what are the costs and insurance considerations?
Possible Risks and Who May Not Be a Candidate
Who May Be a Candidate
People considered for PRP are generally adults with a clearly identified problem, such as persistent joint pain or tendon irritation that has not improved enough with rest, physical therapy, or medication, or early-stage hair thinning. A good candidate also has realistic expectations, is in reasonable overall health, and is willing to follow aftercare and rehabilitation advice. Candidacy is always an individual medical decision.
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Adults with a clearly identified problem
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Realistic expectations
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Willingness to follow aftercare advice
Possible Risks
PRP is generally considered low risk because it uses your own blood, but side effects can occur:
Who May Not Be a Candidate
PRP may not be appropriate for everyone. Conditions that commonly call for extra caution or a different approach include:
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Blood or platelet disorders
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Low platelet counts
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Significant anemia
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Active infection (treatment area or elsewhere)
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Certain cancers
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Blood-thinning medication
Your physician may also ask you to adjust some medications beforehand. Never stop a prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Understanding what is PRP therapy is only half the picture; knowing whether it suits you matters just as much. That decision belongs in a conversation with a qualified provider who can evaluate your health, your diagnosis, and your goals
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy
Most people describe the experience as brief discomfort similar to a blood draw plus an injection. Numbing medication may be used. Soreness afterward is common and usually short-lived, though experiences vary depending on the treatment area.
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