You may have read about professional athletes using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to speed recovery, or seen it offered by local clinics for arthritis, tennis elbow, or rotator cuff problems.

But here’s what most marketing brochures don’t tell you: not all PRP treatments are created equal. In fact, one of the most important factors determining whether PRP will work for you is something you’ll rarely see advertised — the platelet dose.

Recent research has shown that platelet dose isn’t just a small detail — it’s a key driver of whether PRP helps you heal or leaves you disappointed. If you’re considering PRP, understanding this concept (and finding a provider who does) can make all the difference.

What Is PRP, and Why Dose Matters

PRP is made from your own blood. After a simple blood draw, it’s spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets — tiny cell fragments that release growth factors to stimulate healing. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the injured tendon or arthritic joint under ultrasound or other guidance.

Think of platelets as your body’s “construction crew” for repair. The more qualified workers you send to the job site, the more effective the repair. That’s where platelet dose comes in.

Platelet dose refers to the total number of platelets delivered in your PRP injection, not just the concentration. And according to recent studies, dose — not just concentration — is what predicts results.

The “10 Billion Platelet Dose” – A Proven Target

A 2025 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine by Corsini et al. looked at dozens of PRP studies and found a clear trend:

• Minimum effective dose: at least 4 billion platelets per injection.

• Optimal dose for best results: around 10 billion platelets total across a series of treatments.

Patients receiving injections below this threshold had little or no improvement. In conditions like knee osteoarthritis, doses above this threshold were linked to better pain relief, improved mobility, and longer-lasting results. The same pattern appeared in studies of rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and other chronic tendon problems.

Why Many Clinics Don’t Hit the Target

If dose matters so much, why isn’t every provider aiming for 10 billion platelets? The answer is variability [Corsini et al. 2025].

• Different PRP kits produce different platelet yields — from less than 2 billion platelets to over 5 billion in a single injection.

• Blood draw volume matters — small draws often can’t produce a therapeutic dose.

• Technique and device choice impact both platelet recovery and contamination with red blood cells (which can be harmful to joints).

Unfortunately, many clinics don’t measure or report the platelet dose at all. Some rely on manufacturer claims without independently verifying the numbers. That’s why asking the right questions is so important.

What to Ask Your PRP Provider

Before scheduling your PRP treatment, ask your provider these key questions:

1. What is the total platelet dose per injection?
   Look for at least 4 billion platelets per injection — ideally more.

2. Will you measure my PRP before injecting it?
   The only way to verify platelet counts and to ensure dosing accuracy is to test the PRP before the procedure.

3. What PRP system do you use, and why?
   High-quality systems have a good platelet recovery to ensure that the PRP product meets the minimum dosing threshold.

4. How many treatments will I need to reach the target dose?
   Your plan should be designed to deliver the optimal cumulative dose of platelets.

The Role of Activation and Release

Another factor is whether the PRP is activated before injection. PRP can release growth factors rapidly if activated with calcium or thrombin, or more slowly if activated naturally by your own tissues. For many musculoskeletal conditions, a slow, sustained release may provide longer-term benefits [Finnoff et al, 2021].

Laboratory studies confirm that collagen activation yields a prolonged release of anabolic cytokines compared to thrombin, which produces a rapid, short-lived peak [Harrison et al, 2011].

Matching PRP to the Condition

Different injuries may require different PRP formulations and doses:

• Osteoarthritis: LP-PRP, high platelet dose (≥4 billion/injection), often in a series to reach 10+ billion total [De Matthaeis et al, 2024; Bansal et al, 2021; Bensa et al, 2025; Berrigan et al, 2025].

• Tendinopathy (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, patellar tendon): Higher doses often work better, but formulation may vary depending on tissue type [Fitzpatrick et al, 2017; Oeding et al, 2025; Finnoff et al, 2021].

• Muscle injuries: Evidence is mixed — some research suggests platelet-poor plasma might even be beneficial in certain cases [Kruse et al, 2024; Miroshnychenko et al, 2017; Hamilton & Best, 2011].

A knowledgeable provider will tailor your PRP treatment to your diagnosis, severity, and overall health.

Red Flags When Choosing a PRP Provider

Be cautious if you encounter:

• No clear explanation of platelet dose.

• Reliance solely on “concentration” or “enrichment factor” without total platelet numbers.

• Vague or generic claims like “high-quality PRP” without data.

• No use of ultrasound or image guidance for injections.

• No tracking of the clinic or providers outcome data to ensure positive outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Patients

• Dose matters: Aim for ≥4 billion platelets per injection, ~10 billion total over your series.

• Purity counts: Avoid PRP contaminated with red blood cells.

• Formulation fits the condition: LP-PRP for joints, possible variations for tendons and muscles.

• Provider expertise is critical: Choose someone who understands PRP science, not just someone who owns a centrifuge.

Call to Action

If you’re considering PRP therapy, don’t leave your results to chance. Ask about the dose, the preparation method, and the evidence behind your provider’s protocol.

At Boston Sports & Biologics we follow evidence-based dosing strategies, verify platelet counts for every treatment, and customize your PRP to your specific condition — so you can get the best possible outcome from your investment in healing.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see if high-dose, precision-formulated PRP is right for you.

(781) 591-7855

info@BSBortho.com

20 Walnut St

Suite 14

Wellesley MA 02481

References:

Bansal H, Leon J, Pont JL, Wilson DA, Bansal A, Agarwal D, Preoteasa I. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in osteoarthritis (OA) knee: Correct dose critical for long term clinical efficacy. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 17;11(1):3971. doi: 10.1038s41598-021-83025-2. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 14;11(1):18612. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98365-2. PMID: 33597586; PMCID: PMC7889864.

Bensa A, Previtali D, Sangiorgio A, Boffa A, Salerno M, Filardo G. PRP Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: The Improvement Is Clinically Significant and Influenced by Platelet Concentration: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2025 Mar;53(3):745-754. doi: 10.1177/03635465241246524. Epub 2025 Jan 3. PMID: 39751394; PMCID: PMC11874499.

Berrigan WA, Bailowitz Z, Park A, Reddy A, Liu R, Lansdown D. A Greater Platelet Dose May Yield Better Clinical Outcomes for Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2025 Mar;41(3):809-817.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.03.018. Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID: 38513880.

Corsini A, Perticarini L, Palermi S, Bettinsoli P, Marchini A. Re-Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma Dosing Strategies in Sports Medicine: The Role of the "10 Billion Platelet Dose" in Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes-A Narrative Review. J Clin Med. 2025 Apr 15;14(8):2714. doi: 10.3390/jcm14082714. PMID: 40283544; PMCID: PMC12027823.

De Matthaeis A, Bianchi M, Putzulu R, Maccauro G. High Dose Neutrophil-Depleted Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study. J Clin Med. 2024 Aug 15;13(16):4816. doi: 10.3390/jcm13164816. PMID: 39200958; PMCID: PMC11355213.

Finnoff JT, Awan TM, Borg-Stein J, Harmon KG, Herman DC, Malanga GA, Master Z, Mautner KR, Shapiro SA. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement: Principles for the Responsible Use of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Medicine. Clin J Sport Med. 2021 Nov 1;31(6):530-541. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000973. PMID: 34704973.

Fitzpatrick J, Bulsara M, Zheng MH. The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Tendinopathy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2017 Jan;45(1):226-233. doi: 10.1177/0363546516643716. Epub 2016 Jul 21. PMID: 27268111.

Hamilton BH, Best TM. Platelet-enriched plasma and muscle strain injuries: challenges imposed by the burden of proof. Clin J Sport Med. 2011 Jan;21(1):31-6. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0b013e318205a658. PMID: 21200168.

Harrison S, Vavken P, Kevy S, Jacobson M, Zurakowski D, Murray MM. Platelet activation by collagen provides sustained release of anabolic cytokines. Am J Sports Med. 2011 Apr;39(4):729-34. doi: 10.1177/0363546511401576. Epub 2011 Mar 11. PMID: 21398575; PMCID: PMC3176726.

Kruse RC, Volfson E. Platelet-Poor Plasma for the Treatment of Acute Hamstring Muscle Injuries in Collegiate Football Athletes: A Cohort Study. Clin J Sport Med. 2024 Nov 22;35(4):529-533. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000001305. PMID: 39576137.

Miroshnychenko O, Chang WT, Dragoo JL. The Use of Platelet-Rich and Platelet-Poor Plasma to Enhance Differentiationof Skeletal Myoblasts: Implications for the Use of Autologous Blood Products for Muscle Regeneration. Am J Sports Med. 2017 Mar;45(4):945-953. doi: 10.1177/0363546516677547. Epub 2016 Dec 27.
PMID: 28027451.

Oeding JF, Varady NH, Messer CJ, Dines JS, Williams RJ, Rodeo SA. Platelet Concentration Explains Variability in Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis: A High Dose Is Critical for a Positive Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Meta-regression. Am J Sports Med. 2025 Aug;53(10):2489-2496. doi: 10.1177/03635465241303716. Epub 2025 Jan 27. PMID: 39868742.