An Overview on PRP Orthopedic Injections
Success stories of platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy returning high-level athletes to the game without surgery are on the rise. Many active individuals in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California communities are not aware that blood platelet injection therapy was developed and utilized in the 1970s to treat musculoskeletal injuries. In recent years, more orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists, such as Dr. Jervis Yau, have turned to PRP orthopedic injections to treat various conditions without surgery.
What Injuries do PRP Orthopedic Injections Treat?
Dr. Yau and his team commonly use PRP injections to treat:
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Cartilage injuries
- Degenerative joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis
How is Blood Platelet Injection Therapy Performed?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets are the four main components of human blood. It has been clinically proven that platelets release healing proteins, known as growth factors. Growth factors are naturally occurring substances capable of stimulating cellular growth and accelerating the natural healing response following injury.
During blood platelet injection therapy performed by Dr. Yau, a patient’s own blood is taken, spun down in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. This PRP preparation is then injected into the injured tissue.
PRP orthopedic injections typically take less than 15 minutes during an in-office visit. Response time to blood platelet injection therapy varies from patient to patient. Most patients will require 1-3 treatments with each treatment session spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The risk of a negative reaction is low since platelet rich plasma is harvested from the patient’s own blood. As with any injection, there is a small risk of injury to any structures in the area, as well as a very small risk of infection.
If you are interested in learning more about PRP orthopedic injections, or would like to determine if you are a candidate for blood platelet injection therapy, you are encouraged to contact the practice of Dr. Jervis Yau, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist located in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area.
