Platelet-rich plasma – the body's natural regenerative power

Modern medicine is increasingly turning to natural methods to support the body's regenerative processes. One of the most promising therapies in recent years is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This is a platelet concentrate obtained from the patient's own blood.

How exactly does platelet-rich plasma work? Who can benefit from it, and in what cases does it produce the best results? We discuss this with orthopedic specialist Łukasz Zakościelny , who provides consultations and performs procedures at CM Luxmed, at 4d Koncertowa Street in Lublin.

Doctor, let's start from the beginning. What exactly is platelet-rich plasma?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous platelet concentrate in a small volume of plasma, obtained from the patient's own blood. It contains three to five times more platelets than peripheral blood. These platelets are rich in growth factors and stimulate healing processes, tissue regeneration, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). This solution, successfully used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, accelerates tissue healing, reduces pain, and limits inflammation—all without the use of drugs or synthetic substances.

What biological processes occur after PRP is administered to a patient?

After plasma is injected into damaged tissue, growth factors are released, activating local cells such as fibroblasts, stem cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts, stimulating them to produce collagen, extracellular matrix, and structural tissue repair. Importantly, platelet-rich plasma not only accelerates healing but also reduces inflammation and pain.

Where is platelet-rich plasma most often used in orthopedic practice?

Its applications are very broad. They are most commonly used in the treatment of:

• enthesopathy (tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis),
• ligament and tendon damage (e.g. rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder),
• degenerative changes in joints (e.g. knee, hip),
• post-traumatic cartilage regeneration,
• supporting healing after arthroscopic procedures,
• difficult-to-heal wounds and ulcers.

Plasma helps shorten recovery times after injuries, making it a popular solution in sports medicine among professional athletes.

Is this therapy safe?

The risk of complications is minimal. There are no allergic reactions or risk of transmitting infection. However, contraindications include active infections, cancer, active autoimmune diseases, coagulation disorders, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. The procedure itself is not painful, but it may cause temporary pain or swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within 1-2 days.

What does PRP plasma treatment look like?

We typically perform 1–3 plasma injections at 2–4 week intervals. Improvement may occur within a few days, but the full effect takes 6–8 weeks. Sometimes, especially in cases of osteoarthritis, the treatment can be repeated every few months.

Can platelet-rich plasma (PRP) be considered the future of orthopedics?

It's definitely one of the pillars of modern regenerative orthopedics. It's a natural, safe method of supporting healing, which in many cases allows surgery to be avoided or significantly delayed . As physicians, we increasingly strive to support the body's natural healing mechanisms, and plasma is one of the best tools in this regard.

Thank you for the interview

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Sources

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/orthobiologics-faq
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/platelet-rich-plasma-a-regenerative-approach-to-healing-chronic-wounds
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34481615/