Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Everything You Need to Know

In this video, I cover everything you need to know about platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections.

Platelet rich plasma injections also known as PRP have garnered significant attention for their remarkable results. It’s derived from your own body and uses its natural healing mechanisms to alleviate joint pain, treat tendon injuries, and accelerate your recovery.

► TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction
1:15 What is PRP?
4:18 How are PRP injections performed?
6:29 Are PRP injections painful?
8:00 What can I expect after a PRP injection?
10:58 What is the recovery time after a PRP injection?
15:35 How soon can I expect results after a PRP injection?
20:08 How many PRP injections are required?
26:44 What are the risks and side effects of PRP?
27:46 Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
32:11 How can I optimize my PRP for best results and how do I prepare for a PRP injection?
37:45 Who shouldn’t get PRP injections?
40:21 Is PRP covered by insurance? What is the cost?
50:39 How does PRP compare to other treatments (cortisone)?
56:37 What’s the difference between PRP and stem cells?
1:01:34 How do I choose a doctor that performs PRP?
1:05:01 What conditions has PRP been shown to benefit?

► Things my patients have found helpful:
Please note that I get a lot of requests and questions about what equipment is ‘best’ for treating a variety of conditions. The following is not meant to be an exhaustive or definitive list. Please use it as a starting point. If you have questions, please discuss with your healthcare provider. With that said, I have tried a number of the products below, but not all. I have included some based on positive feedback from many of my patients. As an Amazon Associate, Dr Peng earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any product using the below affiliate links, you are helping Dr Peng maintain this channel.

*Supplements*
The following are Thorne supplements which are NSF certified. NSF independently assesses products without being affiliated with the companies that produce them. Not only do they certify that what’s on the label is in the bottle, they also do toxicology review to certify product formulation and contaminant review to ensure the product contains no undeclared ingredients or unacceptable levels of contaminants.

*Soft Tissue & Rehab*

*Braces & Supports*

*Recommended Textbooks & Resources*

► ABOUT ME

Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He created a YouTube channel and blog to translate cutting edge medical knowledge and clinical research to benefit all those looking to live an active and healthy lifestyle. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.

► Disclaimer

My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[JeffreyPengMD]

What other questions do you have about PRP that wasn't covered in the video?

[heretolearnCA]

Prp saved my life!! Not exaggerating. Osteoarthritis, Tietze’s Syndrome, shoulder bursitis, muscle tears, shoulder impingement, herniated disc— three injections, feel like I have a new lease on life

[djoj]

I had prp injection 6 months ago for tennis elbow and can say it made my pain has gone away and now have better use of my arm. Now its not 100% better but i say I'm 80 percent better know.

[miachichi]

This doctor is extremely impressive. I wish he was my dr.!!

[Hapkin]

Fantastic video Jeff. SO happy you are educating the public. Clearly stated, evidence based Dose, guidance, patient selection all matter. I have been doing I/O now since 2015 with excellent success for severe cases of O/A. (Sanchez, Hernigou, Zhang, DiMatteo, Kon, Kattapatiya, Varshney, etc). Say no to repetitive cortisone injections!

[ashley]

I’m on week 2 post injection and it cured my bakers cyst behind my knee and has helped with mobility of my cartilage defect

[MeMe-bstc]

This information is invaluable and very well covered, thank you for putting this video together Dr. Peng!

[xande]

Would like to thank you for your job. A Young doctor, you have now inspired me. I'm 22, from Brazil, made an exam for medicine last Sunday. I'm finishing my PT graduation and fell in love with medicine. I intend to use regenerative medicine knowledgment for getting even better results in my PT sessions.

[lucho]

The most complete review of PRP use I have seen and heard. You have answered questions on use and indications that and contraindications to its use that i had.From your presentation it shows the deep investigation and research on this topic, you have done .It takes a lot of time to do all this research and analyse.Good Job.

[-xyz-]

PRP works. And not just for joint issues. I suffered for 19 years with lichen sclerosis & drs couldn’t find healing. Until one suggested PRP. I can’t speak highly enough of this treatment & the relief and healing to my body. I can live my life without all the issues I previously had pain free. It’s definitely worth giving it a try. The injection site pain at the treatment time is worth it. I never had any pain after the treatment nor any inflammation.

[andrewhamm]

This is an extremely-informative video, delivered clearly and in a well-thought-out and well-organized format. I do not get any sense that Dr. Peng is trying to "seel" anything, but rather to fully-inform people who may be exploring this form of therapy. Thank you!

[maraleng-rhsy]

Thank you for taking the time to provide this information. Very helpful & very thorough for us average mortals to understand. Great delivery also.

[nazneen]

very detailed, effective and educated yet simple enough for everyone to understand

[les]

Came across your video by accident. Wish I had known about this some years ago when I had 2 cortisone shots at 2 different times. Your video was not only informative but understandable. It's a shame that health insurance don't cover it. I guess it's better to completely fall apart so you'll eventually have to get more invasive procedures. The health industry is so contradictory. They need more doctors like you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[nokaoimaui]

Finally more diverse treatment modalities are being studied and used with success. Thank you for so thoroughly covering this topic.

[johnleca]

Wow. Just watched your video and I do believe you are credible because you cover a lot of information that seems in line with the brief information I have looked up on the misinformation web. My issue is my hip and it seems there is even less information on that area. Lots of knees and I think the regenerative therapies seem to have centered around that. My chronic problem has been for 20 years and was holding out that advancements would allow me to avoid becoming a cyborg with hip replacement. I have spoken with University of Penn in Philadelphia about evaluation for PRP being a potential therapy for myself. Really appreciate your video. Being retired LEO and not a doctor, as you clearly state many many factors can effect outcome however it is disappointing that insurance companies would not at least give a provisional approval or some assistance with the costs. Godspeed doctor!

[lorraineklump]

Thank you so much for this extensive information on PRP! I have only just found about it from my new Dr after suffering for years in pain. I'm ready for the procedure!

[Truthmatters]

THANK YOU! I will find out the analysis of an MRI on my knee this week - watching many of your videos has made me feel well prepared to make a decision and put my mind at ease.

[Cabernet]

This guy is 1000% right. PRP is a no brainer now.

[comjag]

This is fantastic information. Thanks very much doctor for your professional approach to these issues. It is much needed.