Uses a preparation made from the patient’s own blood.
OrthoFairfax · Fairfax, Virginia
PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a preparation made from a patient's own blood. Evidence and potential benefits vary by condition.
Why OrthoFairfax
A thoughtful, individualized approach to prp therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a sample of your own blood. Evidence and potential benefits vary by condition.
Considered selectively after the diagnosis and other options are reviewed.
Potential benefits and the quality of evidence differ by condition.
Preparation, injection approach, recovery, and costs are explained in advance.
No guarantee of improvement; alternatives and a plan for follow-up matter.
Conditions this treatment may address
These are examples for discussion, not a promise that the treatment is suitable. The diagnosis, evidence, risks, and alternatives guide individual decisions.
Learn more
Understanding these conditions
Review why each condition may be discussed and why treatment decisions need to be individualized.
Selected tendinopathies
PRP has been studied for several tendon problems, but evidence and results vary by tendon and protocol. A clinician should explain the strength of evidence for the specific diagnosis.
Chronic tendon pain
For some persistent tendon conditions, PRP may be discussed after appropriate evaluation and other treatment approaches. It is not appropriate for every tendon injury.
Knee osteoarthritis
PRP is sometimes considered for knee osteoarthritis, but expected benefit varies and recommendations differ. Discuss evidence, cost, alternatives, and realistic goals before deciding.
Other musculoskeletal conditions
PRP should only be considered when the condition, available evidence, and individual circumstances support a reasonable discussion of potential benefits and limitations.
PRP is not a guaranteed treatment. Ask about evidence for your diagnosis, out-of-pocket cost, recovery, and alternatives. This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a preparation made from a patient's own blood. Evidence and potential benefits vary by condition. Whether a procedure is appropriate depends on a person's diagnosis, medical history, goals, and the available evidence.
Is this option right for me?
Your evaluation should start with the symptoms, examination findings, health history, and goals that matter to you. A treatment should be considered only when its likely benefits, limitations, and alternatives make sense for your specific diagnosis.
Questions to ask at your visit
- What condition is the treatment intended to address?
- What evidence supports it for my specific situation?
- What benefits are realistic, and how will we measure improvement?
- What are the risks, side effects, alternatives, and costs?
- What preparation and aftercare instructions would apply?
Potential benefits and limitations
No treatment works for everyone. Outcomes can vary, and a procedure may not be appropriate for all diagnoses or patients. Ask how the option compares with other approaches and what the next step would be if it does not help.
Risks, safety, and follow-up
Tell your clinician about medical conditions, allergies, medications, and prior procedures. Ask what side effects are expected, which symptoms need urgent attention, how to manage activity afterward, and when follow-up should occur. Instructions depend on the exact procedure and your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions. Your clinician can help apply this information to your individual situation.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
PRP is prepared from a sample of your own blood. A portion containing a higher concentration of platelets is collected for injection into a selected area.
Which conditions may be considered for PRP?
PRP has been studied for several musculoskeletal conditions, but evidence and potential benefit vary by diagnosis. Suitability should be discussed for the specific problem being treated.
How is PRP prepared and given?
A blood sample is collected and processed, commonly using a centrifuge, to prepare the injection. The clinician then administers it to the selected area, sometimes with imaging guidance.
How soon might I notice a benefit?
Timing and degree of improvement vary, and some people do not improve. Ask what time frame is reasonable for your condition and how progress will be assessed.
What are the risks, costs, and alternatives?
Possible risks include pain or swelling after injection, bleeding, infection, and lack of benefit. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary; discuss alternatives and the evidence before proceeding.
This information is for general education and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
ORTHOFAIRFAX · FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
Have questions about treatment options?
Contact the office to ask about scheduling and discuss your questions with the care team.