Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Soft Tissue and Joints
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma and is produced from a person’s own blood. A sample of blood is collected and the blood is spun down to concentrate one particular type of cell, known as platelets. Platelets and the liquid plasma collected contain many growth factors that are essential for cell regeneration and healing.
How does it work to treat soft tissue and joint conditions?
By administering these growth factors directly into the treatment area, it encourages stem cells to generate healthy growth of tissues in addition to improving blood flow in the area.
PRP can stimulate collagen and elastin remodeling in cartilage. It can also reduce inflammation and promote healing by increasing blood flow to the treatment area.
What musculoskeletal areas can PRP treat and how does it work?
- Arthritic Joints
- Muscle injuries or tears
- Tendonitis conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Ligament strains
- Rotator Cuff Tears
What are the benefits of PRP?
- May improve healing
- May significantly reduce pain
- May improve physical function
- Alternative to anti-inflammatory medicines and steroid injections
- May be better for knee arthritis than hyaluronic acid injections
Who are the Best Candidates for the PRP?
Any person interested in a more natural treatment option to treat soft tissue or joint conditions.
Are PRP shots painful?
Most people do not experience any pain when receiving PRP injections. Numbing is applied to the area in advance of the procedure. When you receive your injection, you most likely will only feel a sensation of warmth or a slight pinch.
What Should I Expect After My Procedure?
Since your procedure is non-surgical, you do not have to worry about any downtime. You can resume all of your regular activities as long as no exertion is planned for at least 1 week. Your procedure is usually completed in approximately 30 minutes including the process of numbing.
Is More than One Injection Necessary?
You can have just one injection or decide to come back for another. A second shot will increase your results and duration of effect. You should allow three weeks before having another shot to make certain you experienced benefits from your previous injection.
When Does the PRP Injection Take Effect?
PRP does not offer quick pain relief. Pain gradually subsides as the cellular regeneration changes begins to take place, often noted 3 weeks after the injection with peak results occuring after approximately three months.
If relief is not sufficient at 3 months, a second injection may be performed.
How Long do the Results Last?
The results typically last 6 to 9 months after last injection but individual results may vary based on one’s underlying medical conditions, age and physical activities.
Most people choose to have another PRP injection every 6 to 9 months to maintain their results.
What Are the Possible Risks of PRP?
PRP is considered a low risk treatment since it uses a patient’s own blood for treatment. No serious complications have been reported related to PRP.
PRP injections are no more risky than any other injection to the soft tissues or joints which include the risk of infection or injury to a nerve or blood vessel.
Who should not get a PRP injection?
- Anyone with a cancer (such as prostate cancer or breast cancer), not in remission for at least 5 years
- Anyone with a current infection or active cancer
- Anyone on Coumadin or other blood thinners
- Anyone who has received a cortisone injection in the desired treatment area 3 weeks earlier
- Patients with multiple medical issues may not be good candidates
How Much Does the PRP Injection Cost?
Prices vary depending on the treatment area and the number of treatment areas desired. You may schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Ellyn Levine at Trilogy Health in San Diego to discuss pricing but first she will take a detailed medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment.
Dr. Ellyn Levine of Trilogy Health in San Diego, is committed to helping people improve their general health using regenerative medicine.
Why should you do it?
If you’re interested in a natural way to regenerate your soft tissue or joint health, simply contact Trilogy Health in San Diego and set up your free consultation with Dr. Ellyn Levine