WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy was one of the first Orthobiologic therapies used for the treatment of orthopedic conditions. Orthobiologic therapies use your own cells and cell products to heal injured tissues.

PRP uses cells in your blood to stimulate healing in injured tendons, joints, ligament and discs. PRP can reduce inflammation and reverse the degenerative effects of osteoarthritis. PRP works with other cells in your body to stimulate tissue regeneration.

HOW DOES PRP THERAPY WORK?

Blood contains remarkable healing power. It consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma which are necessary to maintain the health of your entire body. Platelets are known for their ability to stop bleeding, but they also release growth factors and proteins that promote tissue repair. Plasma is mostly composed of water, but also contains several proteins that reduce pain and inflammation. Plasma carries the hormones, electrolytes and nutrients required to nourish cells during the healing process.

Joints, tendons, muscles and nerves each require their own specific PRP formulation. By selectively concentrating platelets, plasma or other substances in the blood we can create a customized treatment for your specific orthopedic condition.

Most people experience results within 4 to 8 weeks following treatment. Some people feel relief almost immediately. You can resume normal activities including exercise within 4 to 7 days. As long as you don’t overdo it, physical activity actually accelerates the healing in most circumstances.

PRP therapy is a revolutionary breakthrough in the treatment of difficult orthopedic conditions. We think you will be pleasantly surprised to experience this therapy and the amazing results it offers.

If you are in pain, there is no need to wait any longer.

Come visit us and see if you are a candidate for PRP therapy.

WE ARE LEADERS IN THE FIELD OF PRP THERAPY

Dr. Christopher Rogers performed one of the first PRP treatments in San Diego in 2009. Since that time, he has had great success treating hundreds of patients with PRP therapy. Years of experience and scientific review have taught him that PRP therapy is a combination of art and science. It is also an evolving field of medicine, with many textbooks now dedicated to the subject. The physicians at San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group are actively involved in developing new techniques and use advanced PRP technology not yet available anywhere else in San Diego.

Some medical clinics will claim you need a series of three PRP treatments, however we achieve complete relief of pain in more than 90% of our patients with just one treatment. There are several reasons for this. PRP therapy is very technique dependent and our clinic has thoroughly evaluated every step of the process.

TECHNIQUE MATTERS

Our extensive experience has helped us to learn when this treatment works best and when it won’t work at all. Many patients come to our clinic after having failed multiple PRP treatments at another facility. In some instances, treatment with PRP was never indicated as the injury was too severe. In other situations, the patient’s diagnosis was incorrect or the PRP was injected without ultrasound guidance. Many clinics will use just one type of PRP processing system and do not customize the treatment to the specific diagnosis. We use several different systems depending upon the needs of our patient.

Dr. Rogers and Dr. Ambach have performed thousands of ultrasound guided treatments allowing him to perform comfortable injection therapy with high precision. In most circumstances patients gain relief within two to six weeks following PRP therapy and will not require any additional care.

CONDITIONS TREATED WITH PRP THERAPY

Our physicians have used PRP therapy to treat a vast array of orthopedic conditions, many of which had not responded to any other form of treatment.

At San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group we have successfully treated:

• Pain due to joint arthritis such as the shoulder, hip, thumb or knee
• Tendon injuries such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendon or rotator cuff tears
• Ligament sprains such as the wrist, ankle or sacroiliac joints
• Acute sports related muscle tears
• Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Spine pain due to a disc or facet joint injuries
• Sciatica due to a herniated disc or mild spinal stenosis
• Non-displaced meniscus or labrum tears

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR PRP TREATMENT

Prior to receiving your PRP treatment, every patient will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation in order to establish an accurate and complete diagnosis. This may be the most important part of your entire treatment. We will review your medical history, previous records, imaging studies such as MRI, X-ray or CT scan. We will evaluate your medications, nutritional status and exercise activities. You will have the opportunity to learn your treatment options and have all your questions answered.

PRP does not come in a bottle, it is produced by your own body. The quality of the PRP is influenced by the foods you eat, the medications you take and your genetic profile. Before your treatment you may need to stop aspirin or other medications that interfere with platelet function. You may need to eat certain foods or take supplements to optimize the PRP solution for your condition.

Our phlebotomist will draw a small amount of blood and spin it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets for your treatment. While our technician prepares the PRP in our lab, your physician will perform an ultrasound guided exam of the injured area. The area will be cleansed with antiseptic soap and numbed with a local anesthetic. PRP will be placed directly using ultrasound imaging. X-ray imaging will be used if we are treating the spine. These time proven injection techniques are performed safely, comfortably and with high precision. After your treatment you may apply ice as needed for up to two days. We will give you specific instructions for the first week to minimize discomfort and maximize a positive outcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER PRP THERAPY