PRP Therapy: Could Your Own Platelets Help Treat an Orthopedic Injury?

By: Dr. Daniel Buchan, Orthopedic Surgeon

When shoulder, elbow, or knee pain keeps you from working, exercising, spending quality time with family or simply reaching and lifting comfortably, the first goal is to understand the cause. The next question is often what can be done about it.

For many orthopedic conditions, treatment begins conservatively with options such as activity modification, physical therapy, medications, or injections. Another nonsurgical treatment that may be considered for certain patients is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Your blood contains several components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Most people associate platelets with blood clotting, but they also contain proteins and growth factors involved in the body's response to injury.

During PRP therapy, a small amount of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, which separates its components and produces a preparation with a higher concentration of platelets. That platelet-rich portion is then injected into the area being treated.

The goal with this therapy is not to simply mask pain. PRP is intended to deliver a concentration of platelets and associated growth factors to an injured or degenerative area to support the body's healing processes. Because PRP is intended to support a healing response rather than simply provide immediate pain relief, improvement may take time.

Where Can PRP Fit Into the Continuum of Orthopedic Care?

PRP may be considered for select patients with certain shoulder and elbow conditions, particularly when symptoms haven't responded adequately to initial conservative treatments. Potential applications include tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial rotator cuff tears. Depending on the patient and diagnosis, PRP therapy may also be considered for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis where research has shown the treatment can help calm joint swelling and pain while encouraging tissue repair.

However, PRP therapy should not be viewed as a universal treatment for joint or tendon pain. Instead, the question is whether it makes sense for your specific condition. That's why the decision to use the treatment should begin with an accurate diagnosis rather than simply deciding to "try an injection."

PRP Is One Part of a Treatment Plan

One of the most important things to understand about PRP is that it isn't a replacement for a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation or treatment plan. Shoulder pain, for example, can result from many different conditions. Rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, bursitis, tendon problems, instability, and other conditions can cause symptoms that may feel similar to a patient but require very different treatment approaches.

Depending on your diagnosis, initial treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, strengthening exercises, medications, or other conservative options. For some patients, PRP may then be considered as part of that treatment pathway. PRP also doesn't replace surgery when an injury or condition requires surgical treatment. The goal is to choose the treatment that best matches each patient's diagnosis, problem severity, lifestyle, and individual goals.

Is PRP Therapy Right for You?

PRP therapy has generated considerable interest in orthopedic and sports medicine care, but newer doesn't automatically mean better for every patient. At Bluewater Orthopedics, Dr. Daniel Buchan and our care team provide thoughtful, personalized orthopedic care tailored to each patient's needs. If shoulder, elbow, knee or other orthopedic pain is limiting your daily activities, we invite you to complete our Online Appointment Request Form or call our Niceville, Destin, Crestview, or DeFuniak Springs office to schedule a visit and discuss which treatment options may be appropriate for you.

The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Because every individual's health situation is unique, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns about your symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment options.