Good Quality PRP vs Poor Quality PRP: Why It Matters for Healing

Regenerative medicine offers exciting options for people with chronic joint, tendon, or ligament injuries. Among these, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has become a key treatment. But not all PRP is created equal. The concentration of platelets and growth factors in the final product can mean the difference between real healing and minimal results.

What Is PRP?

PRP is a component of your own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets. These platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote new blood vessel formation.

Good Quality vs. Poor Quality PRP

• Good Quality PRP: Contains platelet counts several times higher than normal blood — typically 6–8x baseline or greater. This high concentration provides a rich supply of growth factors that can truly jumpstart the body’s healing response.
• Poor Quality PRP: Has platelet levels close to baseline (1–2x). With few extra growth factors, it may offer little more benefit than a standard blood draw.

Different PRP preparation systems can vary widely in the platelet concentration they deliver. This is why it’s essential to ask your provider about the kit or method used. At Open Wellness, we use the EmCyte Pure PRP system, which consistently yields a 6–8x platelet concentration — a range supported by clinical research for musculoskeletal repair.

Why High-Quality PRP Matters for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Research shows that higher platelet concentrations are linked to better outcomes in a variety of musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Knee Osteoarthritis: Studies demonstrate that PRP with ≥5x baseline platelet levels can reduce pain and improve function more effectively than lower concentrations.
• Tendinopathies: Conditions like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinosis respond better to high-concentration PRP, which delivers more growth factors to the damaged tendon.
• Partial Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL): High-quality PRP may enhance ligament healing and reduce recovery times when combined with rehabilitation.

For example, peer-reviewed trials have found that PRP prepared with systems capable of achieving >5x platelet concentration leads to superior pain relief and structural improvement compared to less concentrated PRP. EmCyte’s published data highlight platelet recovery rates above 90% and concentration factors of 6–8x, aligning with these optimal ranges.

The Takeaway

If you’re considering PRP therapy for osteoarthritis, chronic tendon pain, or partial ligament injuries, remember: the quality of your PRP matters. Ask your provider about their preparation system and the platelet concentration they achieve. Choosing a clinic that prioritizes high-quality PRP, like the EmCyte system used at Open Wellness, can maximize your chances of meaningful, long-lasting relief.

References:

• EmCyte Corporation clinical data on platelet concentration and musculoskeletal outcomes (see EmCyte published research summaries at emcyte.com).
• Peer-reviewed studies linking higher platelet concentrations to improved outcomes in knee osteoarthritis and tendinopathy (for example, Filardo et al., Am J Sports Med 2015; and Fitzpatrick et al., Br J Sports Med 2017).