How PRP Works
PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors isolated from your blood. When this is injected back into an injured area, a new healing cascade is initiated, allowing your body a second chance to heal. As the platelets organize in the clot they release a number of enzymes and growth factors to promote healing and tissue responses including attracting stem cells to repair the damaged area. As a result, new collagen begins to develop. As the collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the damaged area.
To collect PRP, a small volume of blood is obtained, usually between 20-60cc. This sample then goes through a rapid spinning process that concentrates the platelets and other beneficial growth factors into a layer that can then be removed from the blood. Once removed from the blood, the PRP portion is injected back into your injured areas which then stimulates the new healing response. The entire PRP process including injection is usually completed within 60-90 minutes.
Similar to dextrose prolotherapy, PRP has a very safe profile, and side effects are rare.
