What is a PRP injection (platelet-rich plasma injection)?

If a provider has mentioned PRP, the letters can sound like jargon. Here is what the term means in plain words.

PRP in plain words

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Cleveland Clinic describes the injection as a therapeutic treatment derived from your blood. In other words, the material in the injection starts with your own blood.

Reading up before your appointment

Knowing the basics helps you ask good questions. Cleveland Clinic's PRP injection page is a free place to begin, and OrthoInfo's platelet-rich plasma page gives a second plain explanation. If you are comparing similar injection options, the Cleveland Clinic page on prolotherapy and its explainer on stem cells are worth a look.

What to watch for

Compare any claim you hear about an injection with these published pages. Ask your provider to explain, in everyday language, why a PRP injection is being suggested for your joint. If the answer is unclear, ask again. A good explanation should make sense to a beginner.

When to book a visit

If you live in Woodland Park or nearby towns and an injection is on your mind, book a visit to talk it through. Bring your questions and a list of what you have already tried at home. A provider can tell you whether PRP fits your situation.

Before you close this page

Understanding the term is the cheapest step you can take. Read two trusted pages, write down your questions, and let the visit do the rest.