Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Los Angeles
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is comprised of concentrated platelet cells from blood. Platelet cells contain and secrete various cytoplasmic granules, lysosomal content, microparticles, and secrotomes. The three types of platelet secretomes include: alpha granules, dense granules, and lysosomal granules. These secretomes contain cytokines, chemokine, signaling molecules, and growth factors. Dense granules contain bioactive agents such as serotonin, histamine, dopamine, calcium, and adenosine. The alpha granules are primarily responsible for secreting the growth factors found in PRP:
| Growth factors | Origins | Physiological effects |
|---|---|---|
| PDGF | Neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, vascular cells | Induces stem cell proliferation, neuroprotection, promotes cell migration and proliferation |
| TGF-β | β cells, T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages | Promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, assist with tissue repair and fibrosis, inhibit the activation of immune cells |
| VEGF | Endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, platelets, neutrophils, macrophages | Angiogenesis and vascular repair, tissue repair, neuroprotection |
| IGF-1 | Hepatic stellate cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, macrophages | Promotes growth, cell differentiation, cell proliferation |
| bFGF | Endothelial cells, bone cells | Induction of neovascularization and neurotrophy |
| EGF | Vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages | Promotes wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects |
HOW DOES PRP WORK?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has a high concentration of growth factors that has shown in research studies to promote a signaling mechanism that attracts necessary healing factors and cells to the injured area. These growth factors are also involved in promoting new blood vessel formation to the injured site along with promoting new tissue growth and improving the quality of the tissue formed during the healing process. PRP also has demonstrated its ability to be involved with the regulation and reduction of inflammation and thus, has been associated with pain modulation.
Benefits of PRP
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a natural, non-surgical therapy that can support tissue repair and enhance the quality of tissue fibers formed. It has also been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Who is a Candidate for PRP Injections?
Individuals interested in supporting their body’s natural healing and recovery processes may wish to explore PRP therapy. This therapy may be considered for people when they have already explored other interventions such as rest, activity modification, physical therapy, along with other supportive measures. PRP may be considered by people looking for a non-surgical approach as part of their musculoskeletal or recovery plan. Candidates may be seeking an alternative to surgery or may already be recovering from surgery. A formal consultation with Dr. Yoon is recommended to review the individual’s history, current condition, imaging, and goals to determine if PRP therapy is appropriate.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH PRP?
The consultation with Dr. Yoon will consist of a thorough evaluation and discussion. If PRP therapy is pursued, Dr. Yoon’s office will provide pre- and post- treatment handouts. Because each patient and injury is different, expected outcomes and recovery recommendations will be discussed individually. Necessary prescriptions for orthotics and other braces, biomechanics evaluations, physical therapy prescriptions, and other supportive measures will be provided when appropriate. Continuous patient follow-up will occur at specific timepoints to optimize the overall recovery plan.
WHY CHOOSE DR. STEVE YOON FOR PRP?
Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy in professional sports making him a top choice for PRP therapy for patients in Los Angeles and around the country. He has extensive experience utilizing platelet rich plasma while in his role as Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine at the Cedars Sinai Kerlan Jobe Institute and as a consultant for many professional sports teams and sports agencies throughout the country. Dr. Yoon has successfully helped patients over two decades while specializing in the use of platelet rich plasma and other regenerative therapies to enhance recovery and performance. His personalized and tailored approach with patients and helping them with their quality of life has earned him numerous honors including being recognized annually in Los Angeles as a Super Doctor as well as a Top Doctor nationally by Castle Connolly.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Wang Z, Li Q, Zhang Y, Chen H, Liu S, Yang L. Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Arthur Vithran DT, Xie W, Opoku M, Essien AE, He M, Li Y. The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(3):995. doi:10.3390/jcm12030995
Chen X, Zhang J, Huang J, Liu K, Zhao Y. Comparative efficacy of different doses of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025;20(1):650. doi:10.1186/s13018-025-05650-1
Mende E, Sun M, Zhang A. A comprehensive summary of the meta-analyses and systematic reviews on platelet-rich plasma in osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Mil Med. 2024;189(11-12):e2347-e2359. doi:10.1093/milmed/usae167
Kwong CA, Woodmass JM, Gusnowski EM, Bois AJ, Leblanc J, More KD, Lo IKY. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients With Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears or Tendinopathy Leads to Significantly Improved Short-Term Pain Relief and Function Compared With Corticosteroid Injection: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthroscopy. 2021;37(2):510-517. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.037
Zeng C, Pan X, Li H, Li Y. Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. Front Med. 2023;10:1204144. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1204144