At Optimal Health, our team is passionate about lifelong learning. Each month, we hold continuing education sessions to share the latest research, discuss emerging treatments, and deepen our understanding of how to best support our clients. It’s part of our commitment to staying curious and continually improving the care we provide.
Recently, our discussion focused on Protein-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections — a treatment that’s been gaining attention in both medical and wellness communities. While we don’t currently offer or specifically recommend PRP, we found the research fascinating and wanted to share some of what we learned.
What is PRP?
Protein-Rich Plasma injections are a physician-administered treatment (referral required) designed to promote healing of damaged tissue and reduce pain, with the goal of improving function and recovery.
What does PRP treat?
Originally popular in cosmetic and dermatology settings, PRP has increasingly been studied for its potential benefits in muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. More recent research even suggests it may play a role in bone healing and help manage conditions such as fractures, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis—though findings vary.
How is it administered?
A physician will extract a small quantity of your own blood and send it to the lab where its components are separated. The plasma portion—rich in growth factors that support tissue repair—is then re-injected into the site of pain or injury. The results of the injection may not be instantaneous, studies suggest PRP may offer longer-term benefits over time.
What are the risks of PRP injections?
Risks are minimal but can include infection, nerve or tissue damage, and bleeding.
A note of caution
Because PRP research is still evolving, and there’s no standardized method for how these injections should be administered, it’s often considered when other pain management options haven’t provided sufficient relief.