Platelet rich plasma (PRP) does not have as much literature to support its use as dextrose does, however, that is growing all the time. In a 2018 talk at the American Association of Orthopedic Medicine in April of 2018, I presented the table you see here. For a comparison, click on the main research summary page for prolotherapy. I also explain what the table means in more detail there. In summary, on the left are the primary areas that have been researched using platelet rich plasma. On the top are the names of authors who wrote summary articles called meta-analyses which review the overall evidence. Level A is strong evidence for benefit, level B is moderate level of evidence, and level C suggests it may be helpful but is uncertain.
There are several things to consider when deciding whether to use PRP. One is COST. PRP is more expensive to use for two reasons.
1. It takes more time to make than dextrose, so it takes more personnel time.
2. Some doctors use kits to make it and specialized centrifuges, which can be costly.
A second consideration is HOW BIG AN AREA? There is a limit to the size of area you can treat with PRP because there is a limit to how much PRP can be made with one blood draw.
When we see patients we think about the following question, "Since PRP is stronger but also costs more to use, where will it be more cost effective to use it?" So, if it's stronger, even though it is more expensive, it may be more cost effective to use. It may also achieve results with less treatment for someone with more limited time. This is where careful individual consideration of the unique needs of each patient is important.
One other consideration is whether there are areas of nerve compression or neuropathy. See PIT Resarch for more details.
There are several things to consider when deciding whether to use PRP. One is COST. PRP is more expensive to use for two reasons.
1. It takes more time to make than dextrose, so it takes more personnel time.
2. Some doctors use kits to make it and specialized centrifuges, which can be costly.
A second consideration is HOW BIG AN AREA? There is a limit to the size of area you can treat with PRP because there is a limit to how much PRP can be made with one blood draw.
When we see patients we think about the following question, "Since PRP is stronger but also costs more to use, where will it be more cost effective to use it?" So, if it's stronger, even though it is more expensive, it may be more cost effective to use. It may also achieve results with less treatment for someone with more limited time. This is where careful individual consideration of the unique needs of each patient is important.
One other consideration is whether there are areas of nerve compression or neuropathy. See PIT Resarch for more details.