Background

Rheumatology Center of San Diego uses platelet-rich plasma alone or in combination with other treatments to help musculoskeletal injuries and conditions heal more quickly and reduce pain and inflammation. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is an innovative non-surgical treatment option for people with chronic pains, strains and injuries, particularly those that affect soft tissue areas. 

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How does PRP work?

First, we take  a small amount of blood from your arm. We process the blood in a centrifuge to separate the PRP.  After being centrifuged, the activated platelets are injected into the abnormal tissue, releasing growth factors that recruit and increase the proliferation of reparative cells. This cutting edge procedure gathers a concentrate of your own platelets and releases them directly into your damaged tissues, thereby reducing inflammation and encouraging regeneration.

What should I expect from a PRP injection?

After your PRP injection, pain and swelling may increase for the first week or two. This is a normal part of your body’s healing response and not a cause for concern. Most people notice improvement several weeks after a PRP injection.

Benefits of PRP Therapy

PRP therapy was used to treat many elite athletes before it became a standard treatment. Years of experimentation have proved it causes very limited side effects with a low risk of negative reaction, since the medicine comes directly from your own body.

There is no recovery time needed after this minimally invasive procedure, which is an optimal way to promote healing without undergoing surgery.

This therapy can help those who are not responsive to, or are allergic to corticosteroid injections.

PRP aims to heal tissues rather than only treat symptoms.