What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a patient’s own blood. A blood sample is processed to concentrate platelets within plasma, then the preparation is injected into an intended treatment area. Ultrasound or other image guidance may be used when clinically appropriate.
The goal may be to improve pain or function in a selected diagnosis, but preparations, injection techniques and outcomes vary.
Where PRP may be discussed
PRP has been studied or used in several musculoskeletal settings, including knee osteoarthritis and selected chronic tendon conditions. The strength and quality of evidence vary substantially by diagnosis, and the references below primarily address knee osteoarthritis.
For many shoulder, hip, foot-and-ankle and spine uses, evidence is less settled. Evidence from one diagnosis, preparation or protocol should not be assumed to apply to another.
Why protocol details matter
Platelet concentration, white-cell content, activation, number and timing of injections, image guidance, rehabilitation and comparison treatment can differ across studies and clinics. Those differences make broad “PRP works” or “PRP does not work” claims less useful than diagnosis-specific evidence.
What current research tells us
The evidence base is most developed for knee osteoarthritis, where some randomized studies report improvements in pain or function compared with certain alternatives. Reviews also identify major heterogeneity and methodological limitations.
A 2024 overview from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and recent meta-analyses support careful interpretation rather than a universal recommendation. The right question is whether evidence for the proposed protocol is relevant to the patient’s diagnosis, severity and goals.
Autologous does not mean risk-free
PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood. Allergic reaction to the platelet preparation itself is considered uncommon, but autologous origin does not eliminate risks related to the blood draw, processing, injection, contamination, medication interactions or the treated structure.
Some patients receive little or no meaningful benefit. A treating clinician should explain contraindications, warning signs and alternatives.
Recovery varies
Post-procedure soreness and activity restrictions vary by the tissue treated, procedure and rehabilitation plan. Ask when to resume work, exercise and sport, and what symptoms should prompt a call.
Targeted delivery may help place PRP at an intended joint or soft-tissue structure, but precise placement does not guarantee healing, pain relief or functional improvement.
Preparing for the conversation
- What is my working diagnosis, and how confident are we?
- What evidence applies to this exact condition and protocol?
- What preparation and image-guidance approach is planned, and why?
- What alternatives should I compare first?
- What recovery and rehabilitation plan applies to me?
- What risks or medication considerations should be reviewed by my clinician?
- How and when will we judge whether the treatment helped?
Is PRP right for you?
Candidacy depends on history, examination, imaging when appropriate, prior care, goals and contraindications. The decision should follow evaluation—not a generic online checklist or promise of tissue regeneration.
Sources & further reading
Primary and professional sources used to frame this educational guide.