PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a natural treatment that uses your blood to promote healing. It’s part of an emerging new field called regenerative medicine, which includes stem cell therapy, immunomodulation, and tissue engineering.
At Coastal Ortho, our goal is to help you heal from injury as quickly and thoroughly as possible, and PRP supports that goal. Here’s how it works and why it’s become so popular.
To create PRP, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm, process it to concentrate the platelets, and then inject your highly concentrated platelet “serum” back into an injured area. The platelets release growth factors that speed up tissue repair wherever you have damage.
In simpler terms, PRP takes advantage of your body’s natural healing processes. When you get hurt, your body sends platelets to the injury site to start the healing. We can jump-start the healing process by concentrating these platelets and injecting them where they’re needed.
It’s not surprising that PRP has gained traction in various medical fields, including orthopedics, dermatology, and sports medicine.
If it seems you’re seeing PRP pop up in the news and your social media feed more and more, you’re not just imagining it. PRP has been getting a lot of press lately, for good reasons. Here are a few:
When elite sports figures share their positive experiences with a treatment, it naturally piques public interest and drives acceptance.
Notable athletes such as Tom Brady, the renowned quarterback, the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and professional golfer Tiger Woods have openly discussed using PRP in their recovery routines.
No one wants surgery, and while PRP can’t guarantee you won’t need it, it does offer a noninvasive alternative that might help you delay or forego surgery. Instead of going under the knife, you can opt for a PRP injection that takes only a few minutes.
Non-surgical treatments also mean fewer potential complications. There’s no need for general anesthesia or a prolonged hospital stay. You can usually go home right after the procedure.
The concentrated platelets in PRP accelerate tissue repair, making recovery quicker and more efficient than traditional treatments, which may take weeks or months to show results.
Unlike surgical procedures, which can require weeks or months of rehabilitation, PRP treatments typically have a much shorter recovery period. You can return to your regular activities within a day or two.
If you’re an athlete, this means getting back in the game sport faster. For others, it means less time away from work and daily activities.
Whether you’re dealing with joint pain, tendon injuries, or muscle damage, we can tailor PRP just for you. This adaptability is one reason PRP has gained widespread acceptance.
At Coastal Ortho, we use PRP to help with:
However, orthopedics isn’t the only medical field that relies on the power of PRP. Dermatologists and estheticians use PRP for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. PRP’s ability to address different medical issues makes it a go-to option for many health care providers.
PRP is a great solution if, like most people, you prefer natural treatments. It aligns with the growing trend toward holistic and organic health care solutions. Because PRP is an autologous treatment (using your cells), there’s virtually no risk of adverse reaction.
While the initial cost of PRP treatments may seem high, they can be more cost effective in the long run. Surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medication can add up, both financially and in terms of time. PRP often requires fewer sessions and leads to quicker recoveries, making it a more economical choice in the long run.
Insurance coverage for PRP treatments is also improving. Some providers now cover PRP for specific conditions, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Real life testimonials say a lot, and PRP has consistently received high satisfaction rates across various fields because patients appreciate the non-surgical option, minimal downtime, and natural approach. One study found that over 80% of patients were fully satisfied with their PRP treatments.
If you want to find out about PRP firsthand, call Coastal Ortho in Torrance or El Segundo, California, to schedule a professional assessment today.