PRP is concentrated from normal blood, and injected to injured parts of the body. 3660 Group Inc. / Getty Images

Updated April 04, 2015.

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):

Platelet rich plasma (abbreviated PRP) is a new treatment used for some common orthopedic conditions. PRP is a concentration of platelet cells taken from your blood, and these platelets have growth factors that may help in the healing process of chronic injuries. Growth factors are chemicals that signal the body to initiate a healing response. By injecting PRP into areas of an injury, the hope is to stimulate and optimize your body's ability to heal the chronic conditions.

What PRP Can Be Used For:

PRP has been used in operating rooms for several decades to help with wound healing, and to stimulate bone formation in spinal fusion surgery. Recently, PRP has been used in outpatient settings for treatment of common overuse conditions including:

How PRP Is Obtained:

PRP is obtained from the patient. Blood is withdrawn from a vein in the patient's arm and the blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at a high speed to separate the different types of blood cells. The physician extracts the platelet-rich portion of the blood, and injects this into the area of injury.

How PRP Is Injected:

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