Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative, though well-established, approach to healing common injuries. It was first used in the 1970s by doctors specializing in blood disorders to treat patients with low platelet counts. Today, with over 50 years of evidence behind it, doctors are using PRP to help a growing number of patients heal from their various conditions, including acute and chronic soft tissue injuries, such as rotator cuff tears of the shoulder and mild meniscal tears. PRP has been increasingly used to treat osteoarthritic conditions, as well as ligamentous sprain and strains.
Historically speaking, athletes were some of the first “consumers” to recognize value in PRP therapy and seek it out. The long list of top-tier athletes who have received PRP therapy includes NBA legends and current stars like Kobe Bryant, Joel Embiid, and Stephen Curry, NFL Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu, and the Philadelphia Phillies’ two aces, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. As a group frequently suffering from repetitive motion strains and related injuries, athletes have been using PRP for decades to heal quickly from their injuries. Aside from the quick recovery time, PRP therapy is a minimally invasive out-patient procedure, making it a safer option than some forms of surgery, and with more efficacy—and less risk—than steroid injections.