Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) first gained attention because of its use by top athletes.
Today, what’s commonly known as PRP therapy is a treatment option that’s being increasingly used to benefit pain and injury sufferers from all walks of life. If you’re just as the point where you are exploring your options with PRP therapy in Los Angeles, keep reading to learn how you may benefit from a treatment that could result in less pain and faster healing.
What Exactly Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Best known for their role in clotting, platelets also contain special proteins called growth factors that help with the healing process. Platelet-rich plasma is so-named because it’s a mixture of a liquid in blood called plasma with a very high concentration of platelets.
How Do You Prepare for PRP Therapy in Los Angeles?
Prior to PRP injections, you’ll undergo a thorough physical examination to determine if your type of injury or pain might respond well to PRP therapy. If the reason you are considering PRP therapy in Los Angeles is because of a soft tissue injury, CT or MRI scans may be performed to develop a better understanding of the extent of the injury. Preparation involves drawing your own blood. The PRP mixture is then prepared in a lab by spinning it at high speeds.
What Happens During a Session?
PRP is sometimes administered during surgery. However, the most common method for performing PRP therapy is via injections. A local anesthetic is sometimes mixed with the PRP mixture to improve comfort. An ultrasound or similar imaging technique is often used as well to ensure the injection is administered in the correct location.
What Happens After PRP Therapy?
You may experience increased discomfort when the anesthetic wears off. However, relief often occurs within several days or weeks once the enriched mixture begins to work on tissues in the affected area. The number of injections you may need will depend on the extent of the injury and how well you respond to the initial one. Physical therapy is often recommended after the PRP injection takes effect to further promote healing and recovery.
Why Consider Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Considered most effective on tendon injuries, PRP therapy in Los Angeles has also shown positive results when used to facilitate the healing of sprained knees and pulled muscles. Chronic back or neck pain sufferers may also experience relief with PRP treatment. This type of therapy may also be recommended for patients with:
- Ligaments or tendons that need to heal after surgery
- Rotator cuff tears
- Acute sports-related injuries
- Pelvic instability or pain
- Joint pain related to osteoarthritis (OA)
New York Mets’ Steven Matz, Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, and NBA legend Kobe Bryant are among the notable individuals who’ve reported positive results from PRP injections. If you are looking to achieve similar results with PRP therapy in Los Angeles, a good starting point is to have an initial evaluation to determine if this treatment may be right for you. And because each patient’s own blood is used, PRP therapy is widely considered safe.