How Does PRP Work?

Although it is not exactly clear how PRP works, laboratory studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can stimulate the healing process. Our blood is made up of 93% red blood cells, 6% white blood cells, 1% platelets and plasma.  Of course, platelets are best known for their function of blood-clotting to stop bleeding.  Platelets, however, are much more significant than this.  Human platelets are also a critical component in injury healing.

Platelets are naturally extremely rich in the connective tissue growth and healing factors.  The body’s first response to tissue injury is to deliver platelets to the area. Platelets initiate repair and attract stem cells to the injury. Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints stimulates the natural repair process.  In order to maximize the healing process, the platelets must be concentrated and separated from the red blood cells.  The goal of PRP preparation is to maximize the number of platelets while minimizing the number of red blood cells in a solution that is then injected into the injured or painful areas.  Quite simply, PRP creates, stimulates, and accelerates the body’s natural healing process.