What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
- PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors as well as anti-inflammatory factors.
- Increased levels of growth factors have the potential to improve signaling and recruitment of cellular healing
- The anti-inflammatory factors help to decrease inflammation and pain in injured and arthritic joints
- These healing and anti-inflammatory properties of PRP is the reason that these injections are popular with injured athlete.
How Does the PRP Process Work
- A small amount of blood is collected.
- The blood goes through a rapid spinning process that separates and concentrates the platelets and their growth factors from the blood.
- The separated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected joint using sterile technique.
Am I a Candidate
A thorough history and physical examination, including X-rays, will be performed by Dr. Hopkins to decide if PRP injection will benefit you in your particular case.