Is PRP Just a Trend? What the Research Shows

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become one of the most talked-about regenerative treatments in orthopedics and sports medicine. Some view it as a cutting-edge therapy; others wonder if it’s just another medical trend. The truth lies in the growing body of research that shows PRP may play a valuable role in managing pain and supporting healing for certain conditions.

At Dr. Christopher E. Swanson’s orthopedic clinics in Jacksonville, Fleming Island, St. Johns, and Northside, patients benefit from advanced regenerative care delivered by a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon near me. With expertise in both traditional surgical options and non-surgical biologic therapies, such as PRP, Dr. Swanson and his team help patients find the right path to recovery. If you’ve been searching for orthobiologics near me or want expert guidance from orthopedic doctors near me, we’re here to help.

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Now, let’s explore what PRP is, how it works, what it’s used for, and what the medical literature really says about its effectiveness.

What Is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is created from your own blood, which contains plasma, red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets are best known for helping blood clot, but they also carry growth factors, proteins that stimulate tissue repair and healing.

By concentrating these platelets, PRP provides a stronger dose of healing signals directly to the injured or painful area. Because PRP comes from your own body, it is considered safe, natural, and minimally invasive.

The Step-by-Step Process

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. At Dr. Christopher E. Swanson’s orthopedic clinics, every step is designed to be safe, efficient, and tailored to your needs:

1. Blood Collection

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, just like during a routine lab test.

2. PRP Preparation

The sample is placed in a centrifuge, a specialized machine that spins at high speed to separate the platelets and plasma from the other blood components.

3. Concentration of Growth Factors

The platelet-rich portion is carefully extracted, creating a solution with a much higher concentration of natural healing proteins and growth factors than what normally circulates in your bloodstream.

4. Targeted Injection

The PRP is then injected directly into the injured joint, tendon, or ligament. To ensure accuracy and maximize results, Dr. Swanson often uses advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to guide the injection.

The entire process typically takes less than an hour. Patients return home the same day and can usually resume normal activities quickly, with only mild soreness expected at the injection site.

Common Orthopedic Conditions PRP May Treat

PRP has gained popularity across multiple fields of medicine, but in orthopedics, it is often used for:

• Osteoarthritis: Early to moderate arthritis in the knee, shoulder, or hip.
• Tendon injuries: Chronic conditions such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, or rotator cuff problems.
• Ligament sprains: Partial tears that haven’t healed with rest or therapy.
• Sports injuries: Overuse injuries in athletes who want to return to activity quickly.
• Post-surgical recovery: Supporting healing after tendon or ligament repair surgery.

Some studies also suggest potential uses in wound healing and hair restoration, though orthopedic applications remain the most established.

What the Research Says About Effectiveness

The question many patients ask is: Does PRP really work?

• Arthritis: Several studies show that PRP may reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis, sometimes performing better than hyaluronic acid injections. Results are most effective in the earlier stages of arthritis.
• Tendon injuries: Research supports PRP as a helpful option for chronic tendon conditions that haven’t responded to rest, therapy, or steroid injections.
• Surgery recovery: Early evidence suggests PRP can speed healing in soft tissues after surgery, though results vary.
• Limitations: Not every study shows dramatic benefits. Outcomes depend on the condition treated, the severity of damage, and how the PRP is prepared. Large-scale, long-term studies are still in progress.

Overall, medical literature suggests PRP is not just a trend, but a promising therapy best used in carefully selected patients.

Why Expertise Matters

While PRP is increasingly available, results depend heavily on the expertise of the provider. Proper patient selection, accurate injection technique, and integration with a broader treatment plan make a significant difference in outcomes.

At Dr. Swanson’s clinics, PRP is not offered as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is part of a comprehensive approach to orthopedic care that includes conservative measures, orthobiologics like BMAC, minimally invasive surgery, and personalized rehabilitation. With a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon overseeing your care, you can trust that treatments are tailored to your specific needs and based on the latest research.

Backed by Research, Guided by Expertise

PRP therapy is more than a passing trend; it’s a scientifically grounded option that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support natural healing in the right patients. The research yields encouraging results, particularly for arthritis and tendon injuries, with the best outcomes typically achieved under the care of an experienced orthopedic specialist. Dr. Swanson’s experience as a fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist and team physician reflects our goal of giving every patient the same high-quality care athletes rely on. We focus on creating personalized treatment plans and providing attentive follow-up to support lasting recovery.

Ready to find out if PRP can help you move with less pain? Reach out today at (904) 634-0640 or schedule your appointment online.

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