Regenerative medicine is gaining traction across the globe—and one of the most talked-about therapies is platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. But contrary to popular belief, PRP is not a new trend. Its clinical use spans decades, with a long history of development, refinement, and research. For those considering PRP for orthopaedic injuries or degenerative joint conditions, understanding its evolution can provide confidence in its safety and potential.
This article takes a closer look at the origins of PRP therapy, how it has evolved over the years, and where it fits into modern orthopaedic care.
Where PRP Therapy Began
The concept of using components of a patient’s own blood to assist healing was first explored in surgical settings during the 1970s. PRP was initially developed to support wound healing after cardiac surgery, dental procedures, and plastic surgery. Surgeons observed that platelet-derived growth factors played a key role in tissue repair, leading to the idea of concentrating these elements and reintroducing them where healing was needed most.
By the 1990s, PRP therapy began gaining attention in sports medicine and orthopaedics—particularly for injuries where healing is naturally slow, such as tendons and ligaments.
PRP in Orthopaedics: A Natural Fit
Orthopaedic PRP became popular for treating soft tissue injuries that were difficult to manage with traditional approaches. Athletes and active individuals were early adopters of this treatment, using PRP for ligament injuries, muscle strain, and tendon overuse syndromes. Over time, PRP has also been explored for managing osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain.
Today, PRP therapy is commonly used for:
- PRP for knee pain and knee arthritis PRP
- PRP for shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
- PRP for tendon and ligament tears
- PRP for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendinopathy
- PRP for osteoarthritis in hips, hands, and ankles
Research and Regulation: The Scientific Foundation of PRP
Dozens of PRP research studies over the past 20 years have explored its safety, mechanism of action, and clinical effectiveness. While not all studies reach the same conclusion—largely due to variation in techniques and patient groups—there is consistent evidence that PRP can be beneficial for mild to moderate degenerative conditions and certain overuse injuries.
One major strength of PRP is its safety profile. Since the injection is made from the patient’s own blood, the risk of adverse reaction is minimal. This is a key reason why regenerative medicine in Australia and around the world continues to include PRP as a core treatment option for orthopaedic conditions.
PRP Today: Not a Fad, But a Clinical Option
PRP injections are now offered in many orthopaedic clinics, including PRP clinics across Sydney and other major cities. It is used not only as a stand-alone therapy but also in combination with physiotherapy, guided exercise, or after surgical procedures to enhance recovery.
The growing popularity of PRP should not be confused with hype. Its role in regenerative medicine is backed by decades of research, evolving technology, and real-world patient outcomes—when applied to the right condition, at the right time, by the right provider.
