What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment option for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. At OC Sports and Wellness, we’ve been successfully delivering PRP injections for over a decade, making it our preferred regenerative treatment for many conditions.
PRP utilizes a concentrated form of platelets derived from your own blood. These platelets contain powerful growth factors that accelerate your body’s natural healing process, leading to tissue repair and regeneration. By harnessing these growth factors, PRP therapy can effectively reduce pain and improve function in various musculoskeletal conditions, including joint, tendon, ligament, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
How PRP Works
Joint Pain
PRP therapy is particularly effective in alleviating joint pain, especially when PRP is used to treat osteoarthritis. When injected into a joint, PRP:
- Promotes healing by stimulating the production of new cartilage cells
- Reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and improves mobility
- Enhances lubrication within the joint, reducing friction and improving function
Tendon, Ligament, and Other Musculoskeletal Pain
PRP therapy for tendon-related injuries (such as tendonitis, tendinopathy, or tears), ligament injuries (like sprains or tears), and other musculoskeletal pain works by:
- Enhancing healing through increased collagen production
- Reducing pain by decreasing inflammation in and around the affected area
- Strengthening tissue to improve stability and reduce the risk of re-injury
PRP Preparation Process
- Blood Collection: A small sample of your own blood is drawn, typically from a vein in your arm.
- Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which rapidly spins to separate blood components based on their densities.
- Concentration: This process concentrates the platelets, which are rich in growth factors, in a solution with approximately 8 times the number of platelets compared to whole blood.
- Injection: The concentrated PRP solution is then precisely injected into the treatment site using advanced imaging guidance such as ultrasound-guided injections and fluoroscopy for accuracy.
By using your own blood, we minimize the risk of allergic reactions or infections, making PRP a safe and effective treatment option.
How Effective Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
While PRP therapy has shown promising results for many patients, its effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as:
- The specific condition being treated
- The severity of the condition
- The patient’s overall health
PRP has demonstrated particular success in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip “bursitis,” tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and plantar fasciitis. As it utilizes your body’s own healing mechanisms, PRP is generally considered safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, pain at the injection site, or, in some cases, no significant improvement in symptoms.
Where Can I Get Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
At OC Sports and Wellness, we bring unparalleled expertise to your PRP treatment. Our process begins with an initial consultation to evaluate your condition and discuss treatment options. If PRP is recommended, we’ll guide you through the preparation process and schedule your injection appointment.
Choose OC Sports and Wellness for expert care and a personalized approach to your musculoskeletal health. We’re committed to helping you manage pain, recover from injury, and return to your active lifestyle.
We hope this information is helpful. At OC Sports and Wellness in Orange County, we understand the importance of balancing your health with a busy lifestyle. That’s why we offer convenient options for scheduling visits, texting, or video chatting with Dr. Sunshine. Let’s work together towards your well-being! Feel free to reach out to us at 949-460-9111.
Our sports medicine practice is within driving range of Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, City of Orange, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine Sports Medicine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda. We look forward to seeing you soon!
