Overview
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from a sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate the platelets. Platelets contain growth factors involved in healing.
GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.
PRP is used for some tendon injuries and knee osteoarthritis. Research results are mixed and depend on the condition and preparation. Evidence for this therapy is limited or still evolving. It is usually not covered by insurance. It is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition, and no outcome can be promised.
Please read: Evidence for this therapy is limited or still evolving. It is usually not covered by insurance, and it is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition. No outcome can be promised. We will give you a written cost estimate before treatment.
Watch: how PRP Therapy works
Video: “Platelet-rich Plasma Treatment for Injured Tendons, Muscles and Joints” from Hospital for Special Surgery on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
How it works
A small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer, which is then injected into the target area, often under ultrasound guidance.
Who it may be for
- Selected chronic tendon conditions (for example tennis elbow)
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Patients who understand the evidence and costs
Your exam and imaging decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- Before: you may be asked to stop anti-inflammatory medicines for a period.
- During: blood draw, processing and injection at one visit.
- After: relative rest followed by a guided return to activity.
Recovery
Soreness for several days is common. Activity is increased gradually. Your instructions may differ.
Risks and side effects
Every procedure has risks. Your physician will review them with you, including:
- Pain or swelling at the site
- Bruising
- Infection (rare)
Insurance and cost
This treatment is usually self-pay. We will give you a written estimate before treatment. See accepted insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is PRP FDA-approved?
The devices used to prepare PRP are FDA-cleared, but PRP is not FDA-approved to treat specific conditions.
How many injections are needed?
It varies. Some protocols use one injection and others use a series.
Does insurance pay for PRP?
Usually not. We will give you cost information before treatment.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.