At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we often receive questions about regenerative medicine. One of the most effective and innovative options we offer is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment uses your body’s own healing power to help injuries and chronic pain recover faster. If traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, PRP therapy may help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?
PRP therapy has been used since the 1990s in dental, oral, and plastic surgery to speed up tissue repair. Orthopaedic specialists now use it to treat sports injuries, arthritis, and joint pain. The therapy works by concentrating platelets from your blood and injecting them into the injured tissue. These platelets release growth factors that help the body heal.
How PRP Therapy Works
Your blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets are special because they carry growth factors that repair tissue. In PRP therapy, your doctor takes a small blood sample and uses a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood.
The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the injury site using ultrasound guidance and local anesthetic. The entire process takes about 45 minutes. You may feel soreness for 2–5 days, but most patients notice improvement within 2–6 weeks. Some injuries require more than one treatment for best results.
Conditions PRP Can Help Treat
PRP therapy can be used for many orthopaedic injuries, including:
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Tendon and ligament injuries
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Rotator cuff injuries
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Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
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Osteoarthritis
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Runner’s knee
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Plantar fasciitis
(See our related guide on Stem Cell Therapy and Viscosupplementation for Knee Arthritis for other regenerative options.)
Who is a Candidate for PRP?
PRP therapy is often recommended after other treatments have failed. It is not suitable for everyone, especially patients with certain medical conditions. Our doctors will review your medical history and injury details to decide if PRP is right for you.
Why Choose Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center?
We design every PRP treatment plan around the patient’s needs and recovery goals. Our aim is to help you heal quickly and return to the activities you love.
Sources Cited:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prp-therapy/about/pac-20384786
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16367-platelet-rich-plasma-prp-injections
Dr. David Nielsen, D.O. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hand, upper extremity, and shoulder surgery. He trained at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of South Florida. He brings over two decades of surgical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care as the founder of Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Learn MoreWhat Our Patients Say
“I went to Dr. Nielsen for a second opinion on a dislocated hand. My first surgeon recommended surgery without much consideration. A friend suggested Dr. Nielsen, who spent time reviewing my case and concluded that I only needed rehabilitation. He was right! He's an excellent doctor.”
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
The best ortho in the state. Got my son in right away and is a very caring crew. Professional and clean atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Highly recommend Charlottesville Orthopedic Center for PT. They are the best! Very knowledgeable, detailed, patient, caring and they listen. I had shoulder and knee issues. Matt was my physical therapist and I would definitely go back if I ever need more therapy. Thank you so much for all your help.
Very responsive, same day service. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough when communicating complex medical information.
Great place. The best group of people you could ask for. Knowledgeable and polite. #1
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
