This article has been medically reviewed and approved by Hanh Larson, D.O. C.A.Q.S.M
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a natural therapy that is derived from your own blood and used to promote the healing of an injured or chronically painful area of your body.
You are a good candidate if you have not had success with conventional treatments such as cortisone injections, physical therapy, or rest.
PRP is made up of plasma and a high concentration of platelets. Platelets contain growth factors and cytokines that are involved in the healing process. When it is injected into an injured area, it can stimulate tissue growth and accelerate healing, thereby decreasing pain.
To make PRP, your blood is drawn, and then it gets put into a special centrifuge. The centrifuge then separates red blood cells from the plasma and platelets.
PRP contains three to five times the number of platelets found in the blood that circulates in the body.
Every patient is different, but PRP may promote a longer-lasting recovery from an injury than some other treatments. Some patients report that their pain improved in four to six weeks or even sooner. There is a growing body of research showing promising outcomes with PRP.
PRP injections are minimally invasive and rarely cause side effects. There is no concern about disease transmission or rejection because it is derived from your own body.
The most common side effects are discomfort, pain, and/or stiffness at the injection site.
If you are interested in this treatment option, please schedule a consultation with me in our Chino Hills Crossroads office or Jeff Ijadi, M.D. CAQSM also performs this procedure at our Claremont location.