Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Science, Benefits, and Why Physical Therapy Matters

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment increasingly used for joint pain, tendon injuries, and osteoarthritis, and it is also one of the most misunderstood options in musculoskeletal care. At our Arvada, Colorado clinic, PRP is commonly used as part of a comprehensive, conservative approach to healing and performance. For some, PRP sounds cutting-edge and exciting. For others, it raises questions, hesitation, or even skepticism.

Let’s break down the science behind PRP, address common concerns that hold people back, and explain why pairing PRP with physical therapy is not just helpful, but essential for optimal outcomes.

What is PRP, Really?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, a concentrated portion of your own blood that contains a higher-than-normal level of platelets. Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also contain growth factors and signaling proteins that play a key role in tissue repair and healing.

To create PRP:

1. A small sample of your blood is drawn
2. The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate its components
3. The platelet-rich layer is isolated and injected into the injured or degenerative tissue

Because PRP uses your own blood, it is considered autologous, meaning the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is extremely low.

The Science Behind PRP Therapy

Platelets release bioactive proteins such as:

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
• Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
• Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)

These growth factors help:

• Stimulate cellular repair
• Increase collagen production
• Improve blood vessel formation
• Modulate inflammation

Research supports PRP use for conditions such as:

• Tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles, patellar tendon)
• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
• Ligament injuries
• Muscle strains

While PRP is not a miracle cure, multiple studies show it can improve pain and function over time, particularly when used for the right condition and combined with appropriate rehabilitation.

Common Concerns About PRP Therapy (and How to Move Past Them)

1. “Does PRP Actually Work?” This is one of the most valid questions. PRP is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and results vary depending on:

• The condition being treated
• Severity and chronicity of injury
• Injection technique and PRP preparation
• What you do after the injection

When PRP is used appropriately and followed by guided rehabilitation, outcomes are consistently better. Unrealistic expectations, or skipping rehab, are often the reason people feel it “didn’t work.”

Moving past it: Have a clear diagnosis, understand the expected timeline (often weeks to months), and commit to post-injection care.

2. “I’ve Heard PRP Is Just a Trend.” PRP may feel trendy, but it has been used in medicine for decades, including in oral surgery, wound care, and orthopedics. What’s new is better research, improved preparation methods, and clearer clinical guidelines.

Moving past it: Focus less on headlines and more on evidence-based application. PRP works best when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone shortcut.

3. “Why Isn’t PRP Covered by Insurance?”

Insurance coverage often lags behind emerging therapies. PRP is typically classified as "investigational," even though evidence continues to grow.

Moving past it: Many patients find PRP cost-effective when it helps avoid surgery, long-term medication use, or repeated steroid injections.

4. “I Don’t Want to Make It Worse.”

It’s normal to worry about pain or flare-ups after PRP. Temporary soreness and inflammation are common—and expected—because PRP intentionally stimulates a healing response.

Moving past it: Proper dosing, image-guided injection when appropriate, and structured rehab greatly reduce risk and improve comfort.

Why Physical Therapy Is Essential Before and After PRP Therapy

PRP creates the biological environment for healing, but physical therapy provides the mechanical stimulus tissues need to remodel correctly. In many cases, physical therapy is recommended before PRP to improve mobility, correct movement patterns, and ensure the tissue is ready to respond to the injection.

Think of it this way:

• PRP tells your body what to heal
• Physical therapy teaches your body how to heal

Key Benefits of Combining PRP with Physical Therapy

• Optimized tissue loading: Progressive exercises help align new collagen fibers properly
• Improved strength and mobility: Healing tissue must be trained to tolerate real-life demands
• Reduced reinjury risk: Addressing movement patterns prevents recurrence
• Better long-term outcomes: Studies show rehab-driven PRP protocols outperform injection-alone approaches

Without physical therapy, PRP may calm pain, but it often fails to restore function. This is why patients in Arvada and the greater Denver metro area are often advised to combine PRP with structured rehabilitation.

Timing Matters: Physical Therapy Before and After PRP

Physical therapy is typically structured both before and after PRP treatment:

• Pre-PRP phase: Improve joint mobility, address biomechanics, and reduce excessive load or inflammation
• Early post-PRP phase: Protect healing tissue and manage inflammation
• Mid phase: Restore range of motion and begin controlled loading
• Late phase: Build strength, power, and sport- or activity-specific capacity

This phased approach respects biology while still promoting progress.

PRP Therapy FAQs

PRP is not magic, but it is powerful when used correctly.

Success depends on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Proper patient selection
• Evidence-based injection technique
• Intentional, progressive physical therapy

If you’ve been on the fence about PRP, the real question may not be whether PRP works, but whether it’s being used as part of a complete, science-driven plan.

FAQ

Is PRP painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness for a few days following the injection. This is a normal inflammatory response and part of the healing process.

How long does PRP take to work?

PRP works gradually. Many patients notice improvement between 4–12 weeks, with continued progress over several months as tissue remodels.

How many PRP injections are needed?

This depends on the condition being treated. Generally we have found a series of 3 treatments effective. Talk to your healthcare provider on which is right for you.

Do I need physical therapy if I feel better after PRP?

Yes. Pain relief does not equal full recovery. Physical therapy helps restore strength, movement quality, and durability, reducing the risk of reinjury.

Who is a good candidate for PRP therapy?

PRP is best suited for mild to moderate tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions. A thorough evaluation helps determine if PRP is appropriate.

The Bottom Line: PRP Works Best With a Plan in Arvada, Colorado

PRP therapy is not a standalone fix. The most successful outcomes occur when PRP is paired with evidence-based physical therapy, often starting before the injection and continuing afterward.

When biology and biomechanics work together, healing doesn’t just happen, it lasts. We would be happy to provide a consult at our Arvada Sport and Spine Group, Arvada CO location.