What Are Platelet Rich Plasma Injections? | Doctor’s Guide

What Are Platelet Rich Plasma Injections? A Clinical Look at PRP Procedures

Physicians across orthopedics, pain management, and sports medicine continue to seek regenerative options that fit clinical workflows without overpromising outcomes. Among the most discussed is PRP. But let’s move beyond generalizations. What are platelet rich plasma injections really—biologically, procedurally, and practically?

This post provides a peer-level overview of PRP injections, the science behind them, the prp process, and how modern systems like Tropocells are changing the way we use biologics in everyday practice.

What Are Platelet Rich Plasma Injections—Clinically Defined?

From a procedural perspective, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections involve:

• Drawing a sample of the patient’s blood
  

• Using a centrifuge system to isolate and concentrate platelets
  

• Reinjecting the plasma—now rich in growth factors—into a damaged or degenerative tissue area
  
  

The biologic goal is to deliver signaling molecules that stimulate tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and promote structural recovery over time. Unlike corticosteroids, which suppress inflammation temporarily, PRP aims to support intrinsic healing.

So when we ask what are platelet rich plasma injections, the answer isn’t just “injections with platelets.” It’s about biologically active plasma that can interact with the tissue environment to produce clinically meaningful outcomes.

Understanding the PRP Process: From Draw to Delivery

The prp process includes four major steps:

1. Blood Collection: Typically 15–60 mL, depending on kit design and target site.
   

2. Centrifugation: Spinning the sample to separate platelets from red blood cells and leukocytes.
   

3. Plasma Isolation: Harvesting the platelet-rich layer with minimal contamination.
   

Key variables in the prp process include:

• Platelet concentration factor (often 3–5x baseline)
  

• Presence or absence of neutrophils
  

• Reduction in red blood cells
  

• Use of activators (e.g., calcium chloride or thrombin)
  
  

These variables directly affect the biologic response and patient outcomes, which is why not all PRP systems are created equal.

Why Composition Matters More Than Marketing

Many physicians are rightfully skeptical after seeing inconsistent PRP results—often due to poor-quality preparation or biologic noise in the sample.

A common error is assuming all PRP is the same. In fact, differences in cellular composition make a huge clinical difference.

• RBC contamination can cause irritation and post-injection pain
  

• Neutrophils may elevate inflammatory signaling when injected into joints
  

• Monocyte-rich formulations support anti-inflammatory and reparative pathways
  
  

This is why modern systems like Tropocells PRP are gaining clinical traction. Tropocells produces a high-yield, monocyte-rich PRP with 99.9% RBC and 95% neutrophil reduction—improving both patient tolerance and biologic precision.

Clinical Applications of PRP Injections

So, in real practice, what are platelet rich plasma injections used for? The evidence supports a growing list of musculoskeletal indications:

• Knee osteoarthritis: Slows symptom progression, especially in KL grade I–III
  

• Tendinopathies: Achilles, patellar, and lateral epicondyle (tennis elbow)
  

• Post-operative healing: PRP can be used adjunctively in rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstructions
  

• Soft tissue recovery: Sprains, strains, and overuse injuries in athletic populations
  

• Plantar fasciitis: In some cases, PRP has outperformed corticosteroids in long-term outcomes
  

Each use case requires appropriate formulation, injection protocol, and post-injection care—but overall, PRP offers a biologically sound bridge between conservative care and surgical intervention.

Who Benefits Most From PRP?

PRP isn’t a magic bullet, and it's not right for every patient. But when applied strategically, it can offer meaningful results in the right populations.

Ideal candidates:

• Mild to moderate degenerative joint changes
  

• Chronic tendinopathies with failed conservative treatment
  

• Younger patients with high recovery potential
  

• Patients seeking surgery alternatives
  

• Those motivated to follow rehab and post-procedure care
  
  

Less ideal candidates:

• Severe mechanical instability
  

• Advanced osteoarthritis with joint collapse
  

• Poor compliance or unrealistic expectations
  

• Active infections or contraindications to autologous therapy
  

These distinctions help maintain clinical credibility and ensure patients are positioned for success.

Workflow Integration: Is PRP Operationally Viable?

Incorporating PRP can be simpler than most clinicians expect—if the system supports clinical flow.

The prp process with kits like Tropocells takes about 15–20 minutes from blood draw to injection. It requires minimal training, no open handling, and fits easily into a typical injection appointment.

Key workflow advantages:

• Closed-loop, sterile processing
  

• Single-spin protocol reduces prep time
  

• Small centrifuge footprint fits any outpatient setting
  

• Minimal cleanup or support staff needed
  

When done right, PRP becomes a 1-room, 1-provider solution—not a procedural bottleneck.

Communicating PRP to Patients

Patient education is just as important as the procedure itself. Misunderstandings about what PRP can and can’t do may lead to dissatisfaction—even with good biologic response.

Help patients understand:

• PRP supports healing—it doesn’t “cure” the condition
  

• Results are gradual; improvement may take 3–6 weeks
  

• Repeat treatments may be needed for sustained benefit
  

• It is a cash-based treatment, not covered by most insurances
  

Clear, science-backed discussions go a long way in building trust and maintaining alignment between you and the patient throughout the recovery process.

PRP vs. Steroids and Surgery: When to Position It

As physicians, we know how frequently patients are funneled toward corticosteroids or referred out for surgery. But platelet rich plasma injections give us another option—especially for patients who:

• Don’t tolerate corticosteroids well
  

• Are reluctant to pursue surgery
  

• Want to stay active and mobile during rehab
  

• Prefer regenerative or biologically guided approaches
  

It’s not about “selling” PRP—it’s about knowing when it makes more clinical sense than repeating short-term solutions.

Final Thoughts: What Are Platelet Rich Plasma Injections Offering You?

If you’re still asking what are platelet rich plasma injections, consider what they offer from a clinician’s lens:

• A biologic tool with clinical evidence behind it
  

• A time-efficient procedure with no OR or anesthesia needed
  

• A patient-preferred option for those avoiding steroids or surgery
  

• A cash-pay service that aligns with regenerative care trends
  

The key is delivering it with precision—and partnering with systems designed for outcomes, not just output.

Ready to Integrate PRP Into Your Clinical Workflow?

Accretion Portal offers PRP injection kits, centrifuges, and accessories designed to support consistent, procedure-ready biologic preparation.
Browse available supplies or contact us to match product specs with your clinical workflow.