Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment. It uses your own blood to support healing in injured or damaged tissue.
PRP contains a high concentration of platelets and growth factors that help support the body’s natural healing process. When injected into a specific area, PRP may help promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain related to certain spine and joint conditions.
We offer PRP therapy as part of our regenerative medicine program for patients seeking nonsurgical treatment options in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and College Park.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma is created using a sample of your own blood.
Blood contains several components, including:
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Plasma
- Platelets
Platelets are best known for helping blood clot after an injury. They also release growth factors that help stimulate tissue repair.
PRP therapy concentrates these platelets so they can be delivered directly to an area that needs healing.
How PRP Therapy Works
The PRP process is relatively simple and typically performed in an outpatient setting.
Step 1: Blood Draw
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm.
Step 2: Blood Processing
The blood is placed into a centrifuge. This device spins the blood to separate the platelets and plasma from the other components.
Step 3: Injection
The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into the targeted area of the body.
Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is very low.
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP therapy may be used to support healing in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
In spine and orthopedic care, PRP is sometimes used for:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint pain
- Ligament injuries
- Tendon injuries
- Arthritis in joints
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Sports injuries
PRP is often considered when conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections have not provided enough relief.
What to Expect After PRP Treatment
PRP works by stimulating the body’s healing process, so improvement may occur gradually.
Many patients notice changes over several weeks as tissue repair begins.
Possible effects include:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved mobility
- Decreased pain
Some patients may require more than one treatment depending on the condition being treated.
Is PRP Safe?
PRP therapy is generally considered safe because it uses your own blood.
But, as with any medical procedure, it may not be appropriate for every patient. A consultation and medical evaluation are necessary to determine whether PRP may be a suitable treatment option.
PRP vs Stem Cell Therapy
Both PRP and stem cell therapy are forms of regenerative medicine that use the body’s own biological materials to support healing.
The main difference is the source of the cells used.
- PRP uses concentrated platelets taken from your blood.
- Stem cell therapy uses specialized cells typically harvested from bone marrow or adipose tissue.
Your provider will help decide which regenerative treatment may be best for your condition.
Schedule a PRP Consultation
If you’re living with chronic spine or joint pain and want to explore nonsurgical treatment options, PRP therapy may be an option.
The spine specialists at Axion Spine & Neurosurgery offer regenerative medicine consultations to help determine if PRP therapy may be right for you.
Consultations are available in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and College Park. Request an appointment or call (470) 579-3962.
Platelet-Rich Plasma FAQs
How long does PRP therapy take?
The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. Most of the time is spent preparing the platelet-rich plasma.
How long does it take for PRP to work?
PRP stimulates the body’s natural healing process, so results may develop gradually over several weeks.
How many PRP treatments will I need?
Some patients benefit from one treatment. Others may require additional injections depending on the condition being treated.
Does PRP therapy hurt?
The injection may cause temporary discomfort, but most patients tolerate the procedure well.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans don’t currently cover PRP therapy. Coverage varies depending on the treatment and your insurance provider.
