The platelets in your blood contain growth factors, which in concentrated amounts can significantly boost natural healing. If you have a painful musculoskeletal condition, Babak Samimi, MD, and David Eldringhoff, MD, at Samimi Orthopedic Group can help using PRP injections. Samimi Orthopedic Group offers this safe and effective treatment for common problems like tendonitis and sprained ligaments. Find out how PRP can help you recover from your injury by calling one of the Los Angeles area offices in Brentwood, West Covina, or Sherman Oaks, California, or booking online today.
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, also known as autologous platelet concentrate (APC).
Platelets in your blood cells are essential for healing, so when you suffer an injury, Dr. Samimi injects PRP (which contains concentrated platelets) into the damaged tissues to stimulate the repair process.
The platelets in PRP contain growth factors, which promote connective tissue generation. Injecting PRP into injured areas delivers many more growth factors than your body could provide, magnifying the effect significantly.
There are numerous potential uses for PRP in orthopedics. Conditions for which PRP seems to be particularly effective include:
Most hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle injuries can benefit from PRP injections, and they may help some patients with arthritis. Dr. Samimi offers patients PRP therapy when their initial treatments aren't proving successful.
The first step when attending Samimi Orthopedic Group for PRP therapy is to have a blood draw. Platelets are a natural component of blood, so the easiest and safest way to get enough for your injection is to extract them from your blood.
The blood goes into a centrifuge that spins very fast to separate the platelets from the rest of your blood. The resulting concentration of platelets is then ready for injection.
Dr. Samimi numbs the injury site with a local anesthetic, then injects the PRP. Discomfort should be minimal, thanks to the anesthesia. The process takes around 30-40 minutes to complete.
After your PRP injection, you might experience mild discomfort for a few days. Still, you should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for the following week and use Tylenol to relieve any pain.
Some patients find that one injection of PRP is all they need, while others benefit from a second injection 6-8 weeks after the first. A few patients require a third PRP injection for optimal results.
In addition to having PRP injections, it's important to follow your recommended rehabilitation program. Rehab reduces your risk of re-injuring yourself and helps promote the growth of new connective tissues to heal your injury.
To find out more about PRP and how you can benefit from an injection, call Samimi Orthopedic Group or book an appointment online today.
