Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

For individuals experiencing joint pain or injury, surgery is not always the preferred option. Many seek non-surgical alternatives that support the body’s natural healing abilities and improve function. One such option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which has been widely studied for its role in orthobiologic applications.

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network use PRP injectates processed with proprietary Regenexx lab methods to deliver a more precise and customized approach. This method is informed by extensive laboratory data and clinical insights, optimizing the concentration and composition of platelets to enhance treatment specificity.

What Are PRP Injections?

PRP refers to a concentrated mixture of platelets derived from a patient’s own blood. To create PRP, a small blood sample is drawn and processed using a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. 

PRP injectates prepared using Regenexx lab processes are customized to optimize platelet composition and concentration, supporting the body’s natural healing abilities.

Platelets play a natural role in the body by helping blood clot and releasing growth factors—proteins that support tissue repair. When an injury occurs, these growth factors trigger the body’s natural healing response. 

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network process PRP injectates using proprietary lab methods to optimize platelet concentration and composition for precise application.

PRP falls into different categories based on its cellular composition. Leukocyte-rich (LR) PRP contains higher amounts of white and red blood cells, giving it a reddish hue. In contrast, leukocyte-poor (LP) PRP has fewer white and red blood cells and appears amber in color.

In the U.S., most PRP comes from automated bedside machines, while more refined lab-processed PRP is more common in other regions. The centrifugation process separates blood into layers, and adjusting the spin intensity determines platelet concentration, allowing clinicians to customize PRP formulations based on patient needs.

Platelets release growth factors that signal local repair cells to respond and attract additional cells to the injured area. These growth factors are stored in alpha granules within the platelets and are released as needed to support the body’s natural healing response.

Is PRP A Stem Cell Therapy?

No, PRP is not a stem cell therapy. Blood contains very few circulating stem cells. Since PRP comes from a patient’s blood, it has only a minimal number of these cells. While PRP may contain some mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), bone marrow holds a significantly higher concentration. 

Most stem cells in the bloodstream originate from the bone marrow. In specific cases, clinicians may use medications to prompt the release of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, where a process called apheresis can concentrate them.

Different Types Of PRP

Physicians commonly use two main types of PRP injectates:

• Leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP): This PRP has a reddish hue and contains higher amounts of white and red blood cells.
• Leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP): This PRP appears amber and has lower levels of white and red blood cells.

The red vial on the left contains leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP), while the amber vial on the right holds leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP). Both preparations have a high concentration of platelets, but LR-PRP contains more red and white blood cells, giving it a reddish hue.

Researchers continue to study potential clinical differences between these PRP types, and physicians actively discuss the topic in medical conferences.

For example, studies suggest that LR-PRP may damage synovial cells in the knee more than LP-PRP. Research also indicates that LP-PRP may better stimulate cartilage cells and provide more favorable effects for patients with knee arthritis. Additionally, removing white blood cells from PRP does not appear to reduce its ability to support the body’s natural healing response.

However, some laboratory studies suggest that LR-PRP may perform better than LP-PRP in cartilage repair. Another study found that both LR-PRP and LP-PRP support the growth of ligament cells from the ACL.

Are There Platelet Concentration Differences in PRP?

The concentration of platelets in PRP plays a crucial role. Low concentrations typically range from 1 to 3 times the natural platelet levels in blood, medium concentrations range from 3 to 7 times, and high concentrations fall between 7 and 20 times. Studies show that PRP’s ability to support cell growth varies significantly based on these concentrations.

For example, platelet concentration has less impact on younger tendon cells but plays a key role in supporting growth in older cells. As a result, physicians often use higher PRP concentrations for middle-aged and older individuals.

What Makes The Regenexx-SCP Injectate Used in PRP Therapy Unique?

The Regenexx-SCP injectate is a specialized form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) designed to optimize growth factor concentration. Regenexx lab processes can produce injectates with up to 20 times the growth factor levels found in typical PRP preparations, exceeding the concentrations achieved through standard bedside processing.

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network may recommend SCP injectates for middle-aged and older individuals or based on the severity of a condition. This approach allows for a more tailored formulation to support the body’s natural healing response.

Regenexx-SCP injectates differ from typical PRP formulations available at many clinics. Regenexx research indicates that higher platelet concentrations may better support the body’s natural healing response, particularly in older individuals. As a result, physicians may recommend SCP injectates for those who could benefit from a more concentrated formulation.

Common Conditions Treated With PRP Therapy

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network use PRP injectates in various orthopedic applications that support the body’s natural healing response. Below are some of the most common conditions where PRP injectates are applied:

• ACL tears: ACL tears result in knee instability, often caused by sports injuries. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and recovery options. Read more about ACL tears.

• Knee osteoarthritis: Knee osteoarthritis causes joint pain from cartilage wear. Explore more about the causes and symptoms of this degenerative condition. Read more about knee osteoarthritis.

• Meniscus tears: Meniscus tears in the knee cause pain and swelling after injury. Discover more about the symptoms and impact of this condition. Read more about meniscus tears.

• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal, leading to nerve pain. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatments for relief. Read more about spinal stenosis.

• Annular tears: Understand annular tears in the spine, their symptoms, and non-surgical treatment options. Read more about annular tears.

• Herniated discs: A herniated disc happens when the soft center of a spinal disc slips through its outer layer, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Learn more about the condition. Read more about herniated discs.

• Slipping rib syndrome: Slipping rib syndrome causes rib pain from hypermobility. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for recovery. Read more about slipping rib syndrome.

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes lower back and pelvic pain. Discover more about the causes, symptoms, and available treatments. Read more about sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

• Spondylolysis: Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the spine, causing pain and instability. Explore more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Read more about spondylolysis.

• TMJ syndrome: TMJ syndrome affects the jaw joint, leading to pain and difficulty chewing. Learn what triggers this condition and how it impacts the jaw. Read more about TMJ syndrome.

• Rotator cuff tear: A rotator cuff tear causes shoulder weakness and pain, limiting movement. Explore what leads to this injury and how to restore shoulder strength. Read more about rotator cuff tears.

• Shoulder osteoarthritis: Shoulder osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness from cartilage wear. Learn what triggers joint degeneration and how it limits shoulder movement. Read more about shoulder osteoarthritis.
  
• Hip labrum tear: A hip labrum tear causes pain and restricts movement in the hip. Learn more about the symptoms and the factors behind this injury. Read more about hip labrum tears.

• Hip osteoarthritis: Hip osteoarthritis leads to pain and reduced flexibility due to cartilage wear. Discover the causes and symptoms of this condition. Read more about hip osteoarthritis.

• Osteitis pubis: Osteitis pubis causes pelvic pain from joint inflammation. Treatments include rest, therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Read more about osteitis pubis.

• Spondylolysis: Spondylolysis is due to a stress fracture in the spine or a congenital malformation. This causes pain and instability. Explore more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Read more about spondylolysis.

• Ankle osteoarthritis: Ankle osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness from joint degeneration. Explore more about the condition and its effects on mobility. Read more about ankle osteoarthritis.
• Plantar fascia tear: A plantar fascia tear causes heel pain and difficulty walking. Treatments include rest, therapy, and supportive footwear. Read more about plantar fascia tears.

• Thumb osteoarthritis: Thumb osteoarthritis causes pain and loss of joint movement, affecting grip strength. Discover the reasons behind this condition. Read more about thumb osteoarthritis.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome compresses the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain. Discover how this condition develops and affects hand function. Read more about carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Knee hyperextension: Hyperextension of the knee, where the joint extends beyond its normal range, can result in instability and discomfort during movement. Read more about knee hyperextension.
  
• Lateralepicondylitis: Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a painful condition caused by tendon inflammation on the outer elbow, often from repetitive arm movements or overuse. Read more about lateral epicondylitis.

Support Recovery With The Regenexx Approach 

The Regenexx approach offers a non-surgical option designed to support the body’s natural healing response and promote function. Regenexx-SCP injectates—a highly concentrated form of PRP—are processed using proprietary lab methods to optimize platelet concentration based on individual needs. 

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network may recommend this approach for joint discomfort, tendon injuries, or arthritis to help maintain long-term joint and tissue health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When considering the Regenexx approach, individuals often have questions about how it supports the body’s natural healing response and how it differs from traditional options. Understanding these details can help people make informed decisions about their orthopedic care. Below are answers to common questions to provide clarity and guidance.

How Long Does It Take For A PRP Therapy  To Work? How Long Does it Take to Recover From Platelet-Rich Plasma?

The timeframe for improvement after a PRP injectate varies depending on the condition being addressed. For example, in mild knee arthritis, individuals may experience an initial inflammatory response lasting a few days to a week, followed by gradual improvement over several weeks to a few months.

Joint-related applications may show quicker results, while tendon and ligament issues often take longer. In these cases, most individuals report improvement within two to four months. For instance,  a study on tennis elbow found that more individuals noticed improvement at six months compared to three months.

For more details on why tendon and ligament applications may take longer to show improvement, watch this video.

How Much does Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Cost? Is PRP Covered by Insurance?

Most health insurance plans do not cover PRP injectates, except for employers or groups that offer Regenexx Benefits. Some workers’ compensation or auto accident insurance policies may provide coverage in specific cases.

For individuals paying out of pocket, the cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for a single joint application. Treating multiple areas may increase the total cost.

Is PRP Treatment Permanent?

For degenerative conditions like arthritis, which naturally progress over time, PRP injectates are unlikely to provide permanent effects. In cases of mild arthritis, individuals may experience improvement for one to two years, while more advanced arthritis may see relief lasting six months to a year.

For partial tendon or ligament injuries, PRP injectates may support the body’s natural healing response, potentially leading to longer-term improvements. However, outcomes vary based on the severity of the condition and individual factors.

Is PRP Better Than Stem Cells?

PRP injectates and bone marrow concentrate (BMC) serve distinct roles in supporting the body’s natural healing response. PRP injectates, processed using proprietary Regenexx lab methods, provide growth factors that help local repair cells function.

BMC, processed through patented Regenexx protocols, contains stem cells that help coordinate the body’s repair mechanisms and support overall tissue health.

Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network often use PRP injectates for mild arthritis and partial ligament or tendon injuries. They may consider BMC injectates for more advanced arthritis or larger tendon injuries, where additional cellular support may be beneficial.

Because PRP and BMC injectates may be used for a variety of conditions, consulting a licensed Regenexx network physician is essential to determine the most appropriate approach for individual needs.

Consult with a physician in the licensed Regenexx network and to find out if the Regenexx approach is right for you.