Platelet-Rich Plasma
(PRP) Injections
PRP Therapy in San Diego
Many professional athletes have turned to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in recent years to promote the healing of injured tendons, muscle sprains, and other soft tissues. Certain formulations have shown significant promise in treating pain associated with osteoarthritis. It’s a unique therapy that may also benefit others dealing with similar injuries, especially those that are slow to heal. PRP involves the use of a patient’s own blood to promote healing and supplement typical remedies involving medication and physical therapy.
What is PRP Therapy?
Although blood is mainly a liquid (plasma), it also contains small solid components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood, but platelets also contain hundreds of growth factors which are important for injury healing.
PRP, as it’s name states, is platelet enriched plasma. There are many more platelets in a given volume of PRP than are typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets-and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors-can be 5 to 10 times greater than what is naturally found.
To prepare a PRP injection, blood is drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. The preparation is then injected into the painful area/joint to speed the healing process.
Conditions Treated by PRP Therapy
PRP therapy has attracted attention for its use for ligament and muscle injuries in athletes. It may also be used to facilitate the healing of:
- Arthritis
- Hamstring Pulls/Tendonitis
- Knee Sprains
- Rotator Cuff Tears/Tendonitis
- Fractures
- Tennis Elbow
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Sprains
- Back Injuries
Increasing Patient Safety
Possible inflammatory side effects associated with PRP therapy are reduced when pure mixtures are used. Since a patient’s own blood is used to generate the PRP, there is no risk of allergic reactions or transmissible disease as long as stringent protocols are utilized. It’s a procedure that can be done in a single office visit.
Studies are being conducted to determine the overall effectiveness of PRP. Ideal candidates for the treatment are those that are generally in good health with musculoskeletal pain. PRP tends to be more effective for chronic tendon injuries. As an added benefit, the risks associated with PRP are minimal.
The Process of PRP Therapy
Collect blood
30-60ml is drawn
from the patient’s arm
Extract
Platelet-Rich
Plasma
Extract 3-6ml of
platelet-rich plasma
Separate the Platelets
The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood components.
Inject Injured Area
With PRP
Using the concentrated platelets, we increase the tissue growth foctors up to eight times, which promotes temporary relief and stops inflammation.
1. Collect blood
30-60ml is drawn
from the patient’s arm
2. Separate the Platelets
The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood components.
3. Extract Platelet-Rich Plasma
Extract 3-6ml of
platelet-rich plasma
4. Inject Injured Area With PRP
Using the concentrated platelets, we increase the tissue growth foctors up to eight times, which promotes temporary relief and stops inflammation.
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CONSULTATION?
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