PRP Injections San Diego is a minimally invasive procedure that uses your blood to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries and chronic tendinosis.
During treatment, we draw some of your blood and then spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood cells. We then inject it into the injured tissue, guided by ultrasound or X-ray.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a treatment that uses your own blood to promote healing and reduce pain from injuries. It can treat musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. It is a minimally invasive procedure that requires a small sample of your blood. Then, the sample is spun in a centrifuge to increase the concentration of platelets. These are the cells that initiate and accelerate tissue repair.
PRP also contains a number of other growth factors that are thought to help the healing process and decrease inflammation. These include IL-1ra and a2M, which are both natural anti-inflammatory compounds found in your body. Depending on the area of the body that is injected, your doctor may use imaging guidance to help pinpoint the exact spot where the PRP will be injected.
In general, PRP injections are very safe. Because the PRP comes from your own body, there is no risk of allergy or rejection from the immune system. However, your doctor might choose to use a local numbing agent before the injection to minimize any pain or discomfort.
The injection itself is usually done in a doctor’s office and takes less than 30 minutes. Before the procedure begins, your doctor will draw a small amount of your blood, usually less than two ounces. Then, the blood is put into a centrifuge, which spins quickly and separates its components. The platelet-rich plasma is then extracted from the blood and injected into the injured area using a needle. Your doctor might use imaging guidance to help locate the exact location of the injury or problem and to increase the accuracy of the injections.
Most doctors use PRP to treat musculoskeletal injuries of the shoulders, including rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, and tears; in the wrist and hand, for DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis and other ligament and tendon issues; and in the knee, for patellar tendinitis and partially torn major knee ligaments. It can also be used to treat hip problems such as iliotibial band syndrome and greater trochanteric bursitis. In addition, it is being used to treat chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis, as well as recurrent Achilles tendinitis and other foot and ankle problems.
How does it work?
Platelet-rich plasma contains a concentrated number of platelets, blood components critical to clotting. It is taken from the patient’s own body and injected into damaged or diseased tissues to promote healing. This process optimizes the initial inflammatory response involved with healing, thus decreasing pain and inflammation and increasing the rate of tissue repair. PRP injections can be used to treat tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, including chronic conditions such as tennis elbow, jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis) and rotator cuff injury in the shoulder.
Before the procedure, the doctor draws a small amount of blood from the patient’s body. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge, which spins the cells to separate the plasma from the red and white blood cells. The platelets are isolated and their concentration increased to between 2 and 8 times normal. The platelets are mixed with a blood plasma liquid base and injected into the injured area, often using ultrasound imaging guidance.
The doctor may apply a topical numbing solution before injecting the PRP into the hip or skin. They will then clean the area and use an ultrasound machine to help guide the needle. The patient may feel some discomfort as the needle enters the hip.
After the injection, the doctor will usually instruct the patient to rest and take it easy for a few days. They may recommend ice packs and physical therapy to help ease the pain. They will also likely tell the patient to stop taking any medications that thin the blood, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
PRP can be injected into the scalp to encourage hair growth or in other parts of the body where it is thinning. Studies have shown that it can be effective in treating androgenic alopecia, a condition affecting 45 percent of men and 35 percent of women over the age of 60. It can also be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. The results of PRP treatment can be seen in a few weeks and may last for up to six months. Many patients require multiple treatments.
What are the risks?
The main risks of PRP injection are that it may not work, and that there could be a bad reaction to the blood being drawn. If you have any bleeding disorders or take blood thinners, it is important to inform your physician. There is also a small risk of infection at the injection site. PRP injections are typically not covered by insurance companies, and patients must pay for the procedure out of pocket.
The treatment has been shown to improve function and reduce pain in people with injuries to their rotator cuff or Achilles tendon, as well as chronic knee or shoulder pain. It is often used in conjunction with physical therapy or other medications, and patients can see results in as little as four weeks. Some patients report that their condition improved for up to a year after the treatment.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution of platelets from your own blood, containing anywhere from 2 to 8 times more platelets than normal. The platelets are a type of cell that help to clot blood and promote healing in the injured area.
When blood vessels are damaged, your body sends a signal that activates your own platelets to stop the bleeding and initiate repair. The platelets also contain specialized chemicals called growth factors, which are responsible for stimulating your own body’s natural ability to heal.
Your doctor will draw a tube of blood and run it in a centrifuge to separate the blood into its various components: red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The platelets are then concentrated and injected into the injured area with ultrasound guidance, or in some cases directly into the joint.
During the procedure, you may feel some discomfort or pressure at the injection site. Numbing medication may be applied before the injection to offset this. You will need to take it easy for the rest of the day and may experience bruising or soreness in the area. However, the recovery period is minimal, and most of our patients are able to return to their regular activities within a few days after receiving the injection.
How long will it take to heal?
PRP is an effective treatment for several musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, tendon injuries, hair loss and more. It works by combining platelets, which are critical for blood clotting, with your own plasma to speed up the healing process and help damaged tissue regenerate. It also contains growth factors, which are important for stimulating and accelerating the healing of tissues.
PRP can be injected directly into the site of injury to promote healing and regeneration of tissue. It can also be used in conjunction with surgery to enhance the results of a procedure. For example, if you have arthritis of the carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ), PRP can be injected into the space in between the metacarpal bones to relieve pain and stiffness. Alternatively, it can be injected into the heel cord of patients with Achilles tendinitis, to reduce pain and improve foot function.
The PRP injection procedure is minimally invasive and can be done in our office. First, your doctor will draw a small sample of your blood and put it in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from the other cells. This process takes about 15 minutes. Your doctor will then numb the area that is to be treated. Often, they will use ultrasound imaging to guide the injections to ensure accuracy and decrease potential pain. It’s important to avoid taking ibuprofen or other medications that thin the blood prior to the treatment to minimize risks.
After the numbing is complete, your doctor will inject the PRP into the target area with a needle. You may experience some soreness and achyness after the procedure, which is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort.
The results of PRP therapy are typically seen in a few weeks or months, but it can take longer. You should discuss your expectations with your doctor before receiving PRP injections. It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions after the treatment, such as resting the targeted area or avoiding certain activities.