Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own healing cells to treat tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and joint pain. It may help reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and improve function without surgery.
At SCOS, our orthopedic specialists provide PRP therapy for patients throughout Orange County, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Yorba Linda, and Placentia.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a treatment that concentrates healing platelets from your blood and injects them into damaged tissue. Platelets release growth factors that support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low.
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP therapy is commonly used for:
- Tendonitis (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendonitis)
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic joint pain
Your specialist will determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific condition.
Who Is a Candidate for PRP?
PRP may be recommended if you:
- Have chronic tendon or joint pain
- Want to avoid surgery
- Have not improved with therapy or medications
- Prefer regenerative treatment options
- Have mild to moderate arthritis
It is often used before considering surgical intervention.
How Is PRP Performed?
The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes and is performed in the office.
Step 1: Blood Draw
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm.
Step 2: Processing
The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate concentrated platelets.
Step 3: Injection
The PRP is injected into the injured area, often using ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
What to Expect After PRP
Patients may experience mild soreness for several days as the healing response begins.
Typical recovery timeline:
- Initial soreness: 2–5 days
- Gradual improvement: 2–6 weeks
- Continued healing: up to 3 months
Physical therapy may be recommended to optimize results.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP offers several advantages:
- Uses your body’s natural healing cells
- Minimally invasive procedure
- No surgical incisions
- Little downtime
- May delay or prevent surgery
- Low risk of adverse reaction
Many patients experience progressive improvement rather than temporary symptom masking.
Potential Risks and Complications of PRP
PRP is considered very safe, but possible side effects include:
- Temporary soreness
- Swelling
- Bruising at injection site
- Rare infection
Serious complications are uncommon because the injection uses your own blood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PRP injections are needed?
Some patients improve after one injection, while others benefit from a series depending on the condition.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Many plans consider PRP elective or investigational.
How soon will I feel better?
Improvement typically begins within weeks as tissue healing progresses.
Is PRP better than cortisone?
Cortisone reduces inflammation temporarily. PRP aims to promote long-term tissue healing.
Why Choose SCOS for PRP in Orange County?
Our orthopedic specialists use advanced diagnostic evaluation and image-guided injections to deliver PRP precisely where healing is needed. We develop individualized treatment plans focused on restoring function and reducing pain.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have persistent joint or tendon pain and want to explore non-surgical treatment options, PRP therapy may be appropriate.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation with an experienced orthopedic specialist in Orange County.
