Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Definition

Platelet-rich plasma therapy, sometimes called PRP therapy or autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) therapy, attempts to take advantage of the blood's natural healing properties to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or even bone.

Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a sample of the patient's own blood. The therapeutic injections contain plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than is found in normal blood. Platelets secrete substances called growth factors and other proteins that regulate cell division, stimulate tissue regeneration, and promote healing.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy showing the combination of platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma, and red blood cells.

advertisement
advertisement