As we continue our orthobiologic blog series—following our review of the latest research on widely discussed peptides such as BPC-157, TB-500, and stem cells—we now turn our attention to platelet-rich plasma (PRP). While peptides and stem cells continue to generate interest due to their potential, the clinical data remains limited. In contrast, PRP is supported by a more established and growing body of evidence across a range of orthopaedic conditions.. For those melbourne city athletes and office workers with tendon pain, muscle and tendon tears, cervical and lumbar disc injuries as well as osteoarthritis, PRP provides a viable treatment option.
👉BPC-157 is it really the wolverine compound?
What is PRP?
Platelet function has been studied for decades, with particular interest in their role in cell proliferation, migration, and tissue regeneration—but what exactly is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)? If you have ever cut yourself, you will have noticed red blood alongside a yellowish fluid—this is plasma. Within this plasma are platelets, which play a critical role in the early phases of tissue healing. PRP is created by concentrating these platelets from a sample of your own blood, allowing for a higher-than-normal dose of the biological components responsible for repair.
PRP contains a rich mixture of growth factors that support tissue repair and regeneration, along with cytokines and other cellular components that help regulate key processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue architecture remodelling. These bioactive molecules act as signalling proteins, orchestrating the healing response by attracting reparative cells to the site of injury and promoting the synthesis of new, healthy tissue.
👉Read a melbourne city chiropractors view on the current state of stem cell therapy.
How Does PRP Work?
Tendon and Muscle Injuries
PRP is created by concentrating your own platelets, which are rich in growth factors that help “switch on” repair processes. In tendon and muscle injuries, PRP is thought to stimulate collagen production, improve tissue organisation, and accelerate healing in areas that typically have poor blood supply. This is particularly relevant in structures such as tendons, where limited vascularity often contributes to delayed or incomplete recovery. By delivering a concentrated dose of platelets directly to the site of injury, PRP may help initiate a more robust and coordinated healing response, supporting both the quality and speed of tissue repair.
Osteoarthritic Joints
In joint conditions like osteoarthritis, PRP appears to reduce inflammation, improve joint lubrication, and support cartilage health. This includes promoting cartilage repair while also inhibiting pathways associated with cartilage degradation, which are key drivers of disease progression. In addition to these structural effects, PRP has been shown to influence the joint environment more broadly. Helping to modulate inflammatory mediators that contribute to pain and stiffness. Clinically, this often translates to improvements in pain and function, as well as the potential to slow joint degeneration over time.
How is PRP Made?
A small amount of autologous blood, that being your own blood is drawn, in the same way as it would be if you were having a blood test. That blood is then spun in a centrifuge for ~7-15 minutes which helps to separate the different components of blood; the red blood cells, white blood cells (leukocyctes) and plasma. Additionally, this process helps to boost the number of platelets in the plamsa above the normal concentration level. A small amount of plasma is then removed (~2-5mm), which may or may not include leukocytes which is then injected into the problem area.
One of the criticism of PRP in journal papers that pool different PRP studies together is they often involve large hetreogenity which in short means there is large variability between the papers, making it hard to establish a definitive conclusion. One of the main reasons for this, is the preparation of the PRP to be injected can vary widely. This includes, how much blood is drawn, how long the blood is spun for, how much PRP solution is injected, whether it is leucocyte rich or poor, which equipment was used. This is why we believe it is important to consider the overall directionality of multiple papers when trying to interprete the data.
Does PRP Work?
To help find signal through the noise we wil break the data down by region, as there some areas where PRP is very good, others where it is likely to provide benefit but it is not entirely conclusive yet and other areas where it does not appear to be effective.
The Research Criticisms of PRP
As mentioned earlier in the blog, one of the key drawbacks when interpreting the PRP literature—particularly when attempting to pool data—is the absence of a standardised collection and administration protocol. Variability in factors such as platelet concentration, leukocyte content, centrifugation techniques, injection volume, and the use (or absence) of image guidance can all influence clinical outcomes. This heterogeneity makes it challenging for meta-analyses to combine studies in a meaningful way, ultimately limiting the ability to detect clear trends or establish the true magnitude of benefit. Although it is clear that ultrasound-guided injections have superior outcomes to non-ultrasound guided injections for both PRP and broader injection interventions.
In addition, there is considerable variability in study design across the PRP literature. Differences in patient selection, injury chronicity, outcome measures, and comparator groups (e.g. placebo, corticosteroid, or exercise-based rehabilitation) can all confound interpretation. Many studies also have relatively small sample sizes or are underpowered, increasing the risk of type II error, while inconsistent blinding and placebo controls may introduce bias. Follow-up duration is another important limitation, with some studies failing to capture longer-term outcomes that are particularly relevant for degenerative conditions.
There are also anatomical regions and clinical indications where PRP has been explored, but the current evidence base remains too limited to draw meaningful conclusions. These areas have been excluded from this discussion, as the available literature is not yet sufficient to establish clear directionality. As research continues to evolve, and with greater emphasis on standardisation and higher-quality trial design, a clearer understanding of where PRP is most effective is likely to emerge.
👉Everyone is talking about peptides, read a sports chiropractors view on TB-500.
A Melbourne City Chiropractor’s Approach to PRP
As a Melbourne city chiropractor and sports chiropractor, PRP is the primary orthobiologic treatment utilised at the Shannon Clinic Melbourne. However, PRP is not a silver bullet. For this reason, it is always integrated within a comprehensive rehabilitation and load management program aimed at addressing the underlying mechanical drivers of pain and dysfunction, rather than being used in isolation.
For patients seeking a chiropractor—particularly those looking for a chiropractor Melbourne CBD—this combined approach is central to achieving meaningful and sustained outcomes. As an example, in Melbourne CBD patients presenting with knee osteoarthritis, the cornerstone of treatment remains progressive strengthening of the gluteal muscles, quadriceps, and overall lower limb, alongside addressing relevant comorbidities such as reduced mobility or metabolic health factors. PRP is typically introduced as an adjunct when first-line measures, including over-the-counter pain relief, are insufficient to adequately control symptoms and allow patients to initiate or progress their rehabilitation program.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
PRP continues to emerge as a valuable, evidence-informed option within modern musculoskeletal care, particularly when combined with targeted rehabilitation and sound clinical reasoning. While it is not a standalone solution, it can play a meaningful role in reducing pain, supporting tissue healing, and helping patients return to activity sooner. If you are dealing with persistent tendon pain, joint degeneration, or soft tissue injury, consulting a sports chiropractor can help determine whether PRP is appropriate for your condition. For those searching for a chiropractor Melbourne CBD or a Melbourne city chiropractor, our team at Shannon Clinic Melbourne offers tailored, integrated treatment plans designed to optimise your recovery and long-term outcomes.
