PRP

When you still struggle with pain despite medication, physical therapy, and other first-line treatments, you may get the relief you need with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. When PRP is carefully prepared and precisely injected by Darren L. Bergey, MD, at Executive Medical and Surgical Associates, it reduces inflammation and accelerates healing. If you’re ready to break free of pain and return to your favorite activities, call the office in Colton or Costa Mesa, California, or click online booking to request an appointment.

What is PRP?

PRP is an injectable treatment that contains concentrated platelets (cells in your blood) and plasma (the liquid part of your blood). Dr. Bergey creates PRP from a sample of your own blood. He places your blood sample into a centrifuge that separates the platelets and plasma. Then he draws the PRP into a needle and injects it.

How does PRP work?

Platelets are one of your body’s primary healing cells. When you’re injured or develop a disease, platelets automatically go to the area and release a barrage of proteins called growth factors.

Growth factors start the healing response, triggering cellular activities that: 

• Reduce inflammation
• Accelerate healing
• Stimulate new blood vessel growth
• Support new tissue growth

Your PRP injection also attracts other healing cells, which produce the new tissues needed to repair the injury, whether you have torn muscles and ligaments or broken bones. 

When might I need PRP?

Dr. Bergey may recommend PRP for many possible orthopedic injuries and conditions. However, PRP injections are especially beneficial if you have a severe wound that overwhelms your body or an injury that’s taking too long to heal.

PRP also improves healing if you’re injured in an area that doesn’t have a good blood supply. For example, some parts of the meniscus (cartilage in your knee) receive very little blood. A PRP injection gives the meniscus the boost it needs to heal and help you avoid surgery.

PRP therapy has the potential to promote healing in most orthopedic conditions, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ligament injuries
• Tendon injuries
• Meniscus tears
• Tendonitis
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease

Acute and chronic pain, whether in your knee, back, hips, shoulder, or other areas, may improve with PRP therapy.

What happens during PRP therapy?

Dr. Bergey applies a topical anesthetic at the injection site. Using ultrasound or another type of real-time imaging, he views the injured area and carefully guides the needle to the tissues needing healing support. Then he injects your PRP.

You may need to limit strenuous activities for a short time. The healing process always requires a little time, so you should start feeling the results in a few weeks.

Book a visit online or call Executive Medical and Surgical Associates today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the benefits of PRP.

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