Does PRP Work?
Does PRP Work? Exploring Platelet-Rich Plasma and Growth Factors in Regenerative Medicine
By Dr. Rikin Patel, Dr. Rowan Paul, Dr. Steven Sampson, and Lonnie Rae Kurlander
Introduction
Dr. Rikin Patel
Did you know that nearly 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every year? For many of these people, the idea of managing pain without surgery seems like a far-off dream. I see this first hand in my practice every day, and I understand the hesitation that many patients feel about committing to surgery. That’s why I’m passionate about offering alternatives, like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which can often relieve pain and accelerate healing without the need for invasive procedures.
As someone who has spent nearly two decades working in orthobiologics, I’m constantly inspired by the body’s innate ability to heal. I believe that the best treatment taps into the natural healing processes within each of us. PRP is an excellent example of this, as it uses the body’s own platelets and growth factors to jumpstart recovery. But here’s the thing: the success of PRP isn’t just about the procedure itself. It’s about the technique, the practitioner, and the understanding of the complex systems within the body that make a real difference.
At The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI) Networks, we focus on education, ongoing learning, and sharing knowledge within the field. By continually tracking outcomes, we’ve come to understand that there’s a range of products and techniques out there, and they don’t all work the same. This means that choosing the right expert is crucial. Just as you’d choose a surgeon with care, the same goes for your PRP provider. It’s important to consider their training, experience, and the methods they use to ensure the highest quality care.
In the following sections, you’ll hear from my colleagues, who each bring their unique experiences and perspectives on PRP. We hope to provide clarity on what PRP can do, and what it means for your recovery. Our goal is to give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health, and to help you discover the power of regenerative medicine.
What is PRP?
Dr. Steve Sampson
PRP therapy starts with a simple blood draw, which is processed to concentrate the platelets. These platelets are injected into the injured area, where they release growth factors that stimulate healing. Although the procedure may sound straightforward, the outcomes depend significantly on how the PRP is prepared and injected.
Dr. Steven Sampson, an internationally recognized expert in non-surgical orthopedics and pioneer in PRP therapy, has treated top athletes and understands that PRP is not a one-size-fits-all solution. He has made a name for himself as one of the world's premier experts in orthopedic cell therapies. He’s lectured all over the globe on cutting-edge treatments, including at the United Nations Office of Geneva in Switzerland and founded the first global conference aimed at training physicians in these skills and expanding access to non-invasive regenerative therapies worldwise.
Dr Sampson has long said that the art lies in the injector’s skill in targeting specific tissues—often along muscle fibers or scar tissue—the specific tools and preparation of the injected orthobiologics, and the practitioner’s understanding of the body’s intricate mechanical systems.
You have so many different options, locally and abroad now, but how do you tell what is safe and what has the best results?
Does PRP Work?
Lonnie Rae Kurlander
For many patients, the path to healing is a winding road full of challenges and difficult decisions. This was my experience as I navigated life with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS), a condition that had me walking with assistance, weak, and in pain. After working with Dr. Rowan Paul and a host of experts worldwide, I found a way forward through orthobiologics and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
Under Dr. Paul’s care, I explored the possibilities of PRP as a non-surgical treatment for my injuries. My proposed surgeries were extensive and invasive, including a suboccipital craniectomy, spinal fusions, and other intensive procedures. With Dr. Paul’s guidance and the expertise of others, I was able to avoid many of these surgeries, regain my strength, and reclaim my life through orthobiologics.
With my education, training, and extensive patient experience, I've had the opportunity to compare various providers, options, and methodologies. I’ve observed firsthand how significantly the same tool—such as the kits for preparing PRP, microfat (MFAT), fibrin, and other products—can vary. Some treatments made only a slight improvement, while others delivered remarkable results and recovery.
How Does PRP Work?
Dr. Rowan Paul
PRP relies, in part, on growth factors and cytokines to accelerate repair and boost collagen production, which is particularly valuable for areas with limited blood supply, such as tendons and ligaments. However, Dr. Rowan Paul, who specializes in precise ultrasound-guided procedures, emphasizes that optimal results depend on more than just simply injecting PRP. The equipment and precise preparation can maximize platelet yield, dose and concentration. The practitioner’s expertise in both injection, selecting multiple functional unit targets and biomechanical modeling, preparing the microenvironment prior to injecting cells, as well as post- procedure rehabilitation all play pivotal roles.
There are numerous variables to consider, and patients often ask, “Who can I trust, and what actually works?” Wherever you go, ensure that cultured products aren’t expanded beyond four to five passages and that providers use image guidance and a sterile environment for procedures. Choosing the right product, for both provider and patient,—whether PRP, growth factors, MFAT, nanofat, exosomes, PRF, Stem Cells, or another cell based product—is about the appropriate tool at the right time, applied skillfully as well as a thorough understanding and adherence to the regulations of the FDA. Outcomes vary, just as with surgery, so it’s important to find the right provider, product, location, and price, whether close to home or abroad.
So how do you know who to trust?
Why Practitioner Skill Matters
Dr. Rowan Paul
Choosing the right practitioner for PRP is as crucial as choosing the right surgeon. At The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI), we’re committed to ongoing education and tracking outcomes to stay at the forefront of the field. Our experts are well-versed in the variety of Orthobiologics products available and understand that each has unique properties. We’ve learned that even factors like how comprehensively Orthobiologics injected can affect results, underscoring the importance of technical expertise.
What Does the Science Say?
Dr. Rikin Patel
PRP research is accelerating rapidly along with adoption in orthopedics. Many studies show promising results, particularly for tendon injuries and osteoarthritis in the knee. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] At TOBI, we track product performance and outcomes to ensure we offer the most effective options available, backed by the latest research.
Is PRP Right for You?
Dr. Steven Sampson
The choice to pursue PRP treatment should be made with care. PRP has been shown now through numerous studies to be effective and safe. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Outcomes can vary widely based on the practitioner’s skill and approach. As Dr. Sampson often says, “It’s not just about what you inject; it’s about how you do it.” PRP is the entry point into cell therapies and offers a very safe and effective solution for persistent orthopedic pain and inflammation. We are now also seeing that PRP can be combined with cell therapies derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue as well as energy based modalities to hasten recovery. Furthermore, if PRP does not work we have options with culture expanded stem cells through international clinical trials (www.physical-longevity.com) If you’re considering PRP, seek a knowledgeable specialist who understands the complexities of regenerative medicine and has a proven track record.
About the Authors
Lonnie Rae Kurlander is a healthcare technology entrepreneur with personal experience in PRP. As Chief of Staff at TOBI, she advocates for non-surgical treatments and educates others on the benefits of regenerative medicine.
Dr. Rowan Paul is a leading sports medicine physician with expertise in PRP, having worked with elite athletes. His precision in ultrasound-guided procedures ensures targeted, effective treatments.
Dr. Rik Patel has over 17 years in orthobiologics, specializing in PRP and other regenerative therapies. As a TOBI leader, he focuses on advancing health optimization and tracking outcomes to improve patient care.
Dr. Steven Sampson is a founder of TOBI (The Orthobiologic Institute) and a pioneer in PRP therapy. He’s renowned for his work with professional athletes and commitment to raising standards in regenerative medicine.
References:
1. Emily Mende, Ryan J Love, Jody-Lynn Young, A Comprehensive Summary of the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews on Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis, Military Medicine, 2024;, usae022, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae022
2. Oeding JF, Varady NH, Fearington FW, Pareek A, Strickland SM, Nwachukwu BU, Camp CL, Krych AJ. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Alternative Injections for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Statistical Fragility Index-Based Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2024 Oct;52(12):3147-3160. doi: 10.1177/03635465231224463. Epub 2024 Feb 29. PMID: 38420745.
3. Nie LY, Zhao K, Ruan J, Xue J. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Mar 2;9(3):2325967120973284. doi: 10.1177/2325967120973284. PMID: 33718505; PMCID: PMC7930657.
4. Xiong, Y., Gong, C., Peng, X., Liu, X., Su, X., Tao, X., Li, Y., Wen, Y., & Li, W. (2023). Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Medicine. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1204144/full
5. Sax, O. C., Chen, Z., Mont, M. A., & Delanois, R. E. (2022). The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms and structural changes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2022.08.016
