PRP injections… how do they work?

Welcome back!

In my last (first!) blog post, I gave you an overview of Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, and briefly discussed how it creates a “super-charged healing serum” from your own blood.  Today, I want to dive deeper into how PRP injections actually work.

I like to think of PRP as a way of reminding our damaged joints & tendons to heal themselves.

Growth factors go to work: Once the PRP injection is performed, the concentrated platelets release growth factors, which are tiny messengers that stimulate your joint to repair its tissue and build new cells.  PRP injections flood the damaged area with more growth factors and signaling proteins than the joint can typically produce.  This makes the joint “wake up” the immune system, creating short-term inflammation as repair cells rush in. Over time, those same signals shift the chemistry toward healing… stimulating tissue repair, calming inflammatory pathways, and leaving the joint less irritated than before.

Jump-starting stalled healing: In chronic conditions like arthritis or tendon injuries, the body’s natural repair signals can weaken. As I mentioned in my last blog post, PRP gives the “foreman” in your construction site (ie. your damaged joint) a “loudspeaker”, which amplifies the natural repair signals, making the healing crew get back to work.

Supporting tissue repair: When the treated area begins to repair itself, everyday movements like walking, bending, etc. can slowly feel less painful. Over time, this can make you more flexible and allow you to return to the activities you enjoy.  But it’s important to understand that PRP isn’t a “quick fix.” Healing takes time, and while I’ve seen excellent outcomes, results do vary from person to person. However, the science behind PRP is simple: it uses your body’s own biology to encourage repair where it’s needed the most.

Next time, I’ll share who I think are the ideal candidates for PRP.  I’ll also walk you through how I do the procedure, and what to expect along the way. Stay tuned!

-Dr. D.