Introduction to PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to deliver platelets and naturally occurring growth factors to an injured or painful area.

PRP is not a standardized treatment. The amount of blood processed, platelet recovery, total platelet dose, final treatment volume, and injection technique can vary considerably between PRP preparations.

At Vitruvian Health, we use an advanced PRP preparation system and image-guided injection techniques to provide treatment tailored to both the patient and the area being treated. This reflects the differentiation in your original PRP material.

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Procedure Details

Preparation:

• A blood sample is collected from the patient before treatment.

• The blood is processed to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich portion.

• Your physician determines the appropriate PRP preparation and treatment volume based on the structure being treated.

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Procedure Description:

• PRP Preparation: Vitruvian Health uses a high-recovery PRP system designed to concentrate a high proportion of the available platelets into a relatively small treatment volume.

• Target Identification: Your physician identifies the specific joint, tendon, ligament, or other musculoskeletal structure being treated.

• Image Guidance: Ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance is used when appropriate to visualize the anatomy and accurately guide needle placement.

• Injection: The prepared PRP is delivered directly to the intended treatment area.

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Why PRP Preparation Matters

Not all PRP is the same.

PRP preparations can differ substantially in platelet recovery, total platelet dose, final volume, cellular composition, and preparation technique. Your attached material specifically identifies these as meaningful variables.

At Vitruvian Health, our goal is not simply to perform a “PRP injection.” We focus on the quality of the PRP preparation, appropriate patient selection, and precise placement of the treatment.

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Treatment Tailored to the Target

Different structures may require different treatment strategies.

A knee joint, tendon, ligament, or other musculoskeletal structure does not necessarily require the same volume or injection technique. Our concentrated PRP can be maintained at a smaller volume when appropriate or adjusted using the patient's own platelet-poor plasma when additional volume is clinically desirable.

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Duration

The PRP procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The total visit includes blood collection, preparation of the PRP, and the image-guided procedure.

Patients are able to return home following treatment.

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Expected Results

PRP is intended to support the body's natural healing and repair processes, but individual responses vary.

• Improvement, when it occurs, may develop gradually rather than immediately.

• Response depends on the condition being treated, severity of the underlying problem, and individual patient factors.

• Some patients may require additional treatment or other therapies.

• PRP cannot guarantee pain relief, tissue healing, or avoidance of future surgery.

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Risks and Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, or increased discomfort around the treatment area.

• Less Common Risks: Bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding structures, or lack of meaningful improvement.

• Because PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood, allergic reactions to the PRP itself are uncommon.

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Post-Treatment Care

• Recovery: Temporary soreness following treatment is expected. Activity recommendations depend on the structure treated.

• Medications: Your physician may provide specific instructions regarding medications before and after PRP treatment.

• Activity: A gradual return to activity or rehabilitation may be recommended depending on the condition being treated.

• Follow-Up: Follow-up allows your physician to assess your response and determine whether additional treatment is appropriate.

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Conditions That May Be Treated With PRP

PRP may be considered for selected patients with:​

• Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint pain, including the knee, hip, shoulder, and other joints

• Tendon injuries and chronic tendinopathy, including rotator cuff, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, patellar, Achilles, and other tendon conditions

• Partial tendon tears

• Ligament injuries and sprains

• Bursitis and other chronic soft-tissue conditions when clinically appropriate

• Muscle and other musculoskeletal injuries

• Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction

• Selected spinal conditions, including certain disc, facet, ligament, and other pain generators when clinically appropriate

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PRP is not appropriate for every painful joint, tendon, or musculoskeletal condition. Your symptoms, examination, imaging, medical history, and previous treatments are considered before PRP is recommended.

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The Vitruvian Health Difference

​At Vitruvian Health, PRP is more than simply drawing blood and performing an injection.

Our approach combines advanced PRP preparation, physician-directed treatment planning, and image-guided precision.

Most importantly, we first determine whether PRP is actually appropriate for the condition causing your pain. Sometimes another treatment may offer a better option.

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Find Out If PRP Is Right for You

The first question isn't simply whether PRP can be injected. It's whether PRP is the right treatment for your particular problem.

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Schedule an evaluation with Vitruvian Health to determine whether PRP may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan.