Regenerative Medicine
What Is PRP Therapy and How Does It Work?
PRP therapy concentrates platelets from your own blood and places them under physician guidance to support healing. Here is how it works and who may be a candidate.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Francisco Ward, DO · July 8, 2026 · 6 min read
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated sample of your own platelets to support healing in a target joint or soft tissue area. At Zest 4 Wellness in Columbia, Maryland, PRP is offered only after a medical evaluation with Dr. Francisco Ward, DO, determines it may be appropriate for you.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Platelets are small cells in your blood best known for their role in clotting, but they also carry proteins and growth factors that support your body's healing response. Platelet-rich plasma is a preparation in which those platelets are concentrated from a sample of your own blood, so what is injected is your own material, just in higher concentration.
How a PRP injection works
- A small sample of your blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
- The sample is processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets.
- Dr. Ward injects the prepared PRP into the target joint or soft tissue area under guidance.
- Follow-up guidance covers activity, recovery, and whether additional sessions are appropriate.
What PRP is commonly considered for
- Knee pain, including some presentations of osteoarthritis
- Tendon and ligament concerns
- Shoulder, elbow, and other soft tissue issues
- Chronic musculoskeletal discomfort that has not responded to conservative care
What PRP is not
PRP is not a guaranteed repair of damaged tissue, and it is not appropriate for every joint or every patient. Results depend on the condition, the tissue, and the individual, and multiple sessions are often required. Bloodwork screening and a physician evaluation come first.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Where does PRP come from? | Your own blood, drawn and processed at the visit. |
| How long does a session take? | About an hour including preparation and the injection. |
| Does it hurt? | Injection-site soreness is common; local measures can help. |
| How many sessions are needed? | Varies by condition; Dr. Ward will outline a plan. |
Next step
If you are curious whether PRP could fit your situation, a consultation at the Columbia clinic is the first step. Dr. Ward evaluates the specific joint or tendon, reviews your imaging and history, and explains what PRP can and cannot do for you.
Talk with a physician about this topic
Dr. Francisco Ward can answer your questions in person at the Columbia, Maryland clinic. If PRP Therapy may be appropriate for you, the first step is a consultation.