Is PRP Right for You? Learn How You Could Benefit

Millions of Americans are living with some form of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the leading cause of workplace disability and the lost productivity and income that results when workers are sidelined for weeks or even months. In fact, the associated medical costs alone are up to $140 billion every year. 

On a personal level, joint pain can be debilitating and affect your ability to be physically active and enjoy life to the fullest. At Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center, Iraj Sabahi, MD, and our rheumatology team offer treatment for arthritis and rheumatic disorders at our clinics in Pleasanton and Turlock, California.

In many cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can provide significant relief and healing.

How PRP works

PRP is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses the components of your own blood to enhance your body’s ability to heal the joint damage caused by injuries and conditions like arthritis, which cause joint deterioration and pain over time. 

Doctors and researchers have been studying regenerative treatments like PRP for decades. But regenerative therapies have become more well-known in recent years as professional athletes have turned to PRP to help treat pain and potentially career-ending joint injuries. 

Human blood is made up of four components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. One of the main functions of platelets is to help the blood clot after a wound or injury so you don’t hemorrhage. Along with blood coagulation, platelets also help with tissue healing and regeneration. 

PRP injections are derived from your own blood to create a higher concentration of platelets,  which is then applied to an injured joint or tendon to boost your normal healing response. The platelets are added to your plasma at a higher concentration to target a specific area of the body, such as your knees, elbows, or shoulders.

Since the solution is made from your own blood sample, there is very little risk of side effects or negative reactions. The entire procedure consists of drawing your blood, separating out the platelets, combining the concentrated platelets with plasma, and then injecting it into the injured joint.

There is little to no recovery time, and most of our patients can continue their normal activities after treatment.

The results of PRP treatment vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury or joint damage and the person’s overall health. In fact, we may recommend multiple PRP injections. You can expect to see results within a few weeks of treatment, but it may take shorter or longer depending on your situation.

Find out if PRP injections are right for you

Don’t wait to get help for your arthritis or joint pain. For more information about PRP, call us at Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center today to schedule an appointment at our office in Pleasanton or Turlock, California. You can also request an appointment online.