At Sacramento Orthopedic Sports & Shoulder, we recognize how pain in joints, ligaments, and tendons can interfere with daily activities and limit physical performance. For patients experiencing chronic knee pain, shoulder injuries, elbow discomfort, or issues with the hip, ankle, hand, and other musculoskeletal conditions, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections offer a proven, non-surgical treatment alternative. This innovative therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking effective pain relief and enhanced mobility without the need for surgery.
What Are PRP Injections?
PRP injections are a form of regenerative medicine within the orthobiologic field, utilizing the body’s natural healing properties. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is derived by drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate platelets and growth factors, and injecting the enriched plasma directly into the affected area. These platelets, loaded with growth factors, promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, making PRP an innovative and effective non-surgical option for joint and tendon pain.
Why Haven’t I Heard About PRP?
Many people are unfamiliar with PRP injections, despite their use in medical settings for over two decades. Originally popular among elite athletes and professional sports circles for its effectiveness in treating injuries, PRP is now gaining recognition as a versatile treatment for a wide range of patients. With ongoing research supporting its benefits, PRP has become an accessible choice for those looking to manage pain without more invasive options.
As a minimally invasive therapy, PRP is particularly attractive to patients at Sacramento Orthopedic Sports & Shoulder who want an effective solution for knee, shoulder, or elbow pain without the lengthy recovery time often associated with surgery.
How Does PRP Work?
PRP injections are a simple, outpatient procedure with three primary steps:
- Blood Draw: A small sample of your blood is drawn, usually from your arm.
- Platelet Concentration: Your blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets.
- Injection: The concentrated PRP is then injected directly into the injured or painful area.
The entire process takes about an hour, and patients usually experience minimal downtime. Although mild soreness may occur after the injection, PRP treatments typically involve fewer side effects and shorter recovery times compared to surgery. It may take several weeks for PRP to begin showing results, with most patients experiencing symptom relief between 2 and 6 months.
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP injections are commonly used for a variety of joint and tendon issues, including:
- Knee Pain: From osteoarthritis to meniscus tears, PRP is increasingly used to alleviate knee pain and promote healing.
- Shoulder Pain: Chronic shoulder conditions like rotator cuff tears and tendonitis can be difficult to manage, but PRP offers a way to address pain and enhance recovery.
- Elbow Pain: Tennis elbow, ligament injuries (such as UCL, commonly known as Tommy John injuries), and other repetitive strain injuries of the elbow also respond well to PRP, which helps reduce inflammation and support healing.
- Hand Pain: Chronic hand problems including arthritis, carpal tunnel and other ligament injuries may benefit from PRP.
- Foot & Ankle Pain: Arthritis, tendon and ligament problems around the foot and ankle can be helped through the healing process offered by PRP.
At Sacramento Orthopedic Sports & Shoulder, we are seeing growing interest from patients with chronic knee pain, shoulder injuries, elbow discomfort, or issues with the hip, ankle, hand, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Many of these patients are seeking an effective, minimally invasive solution without the risks and extended recovery time associated with surgery.
Types of PRP Treatments
There are different types of PRP, each tailored to specific needs based on concentration and composition:
- Pure PRP (P-PRP): This type has a high concentration of platelets with fewer white blood cells, used for conditions that benefit from platelet-rich healing with minimal inflammation.
- Leukocyte-Rich PRP (LR-PRP): This type includes white blood cells, which may create more inflammation initially but is beneficial for certain injuries. We work with you to determine which type will most effectively support your recovery.
Why Choose PRP Over Surgery?
PRP offers a non-surgical, natural alternative for patients who want to avoid the potential risks and longer recovery times associated with surgery. It is particularly suited for patients with ongoing pain or injury in the knee, shoulder, or elbow who want to remain active. Many choose PRP because it leverages the body’s own resources, offering a safer, more holistic path to recovery.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP injections may be an excellent option if you’re dealing with persistent joint, ligament, or tendon pain. However, not every patient is a candidate—particularly those with severe structural damage. When appropriate, PRP can be highly effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. At Sacramento Orthopedic Sports & Shoulder, Dr. Takenishi will guide you in determining whether PRP or another orthobiologic treatment is the right choice for you.
If you’re ready to explore a non-surgical approach to knee, shoulder, or elbow pain, consider PRP injections as a viable option for supporting healing and relieving pain. Contact Sacramento Orthopedic Sports & Shoulder to schedule a consultation and learn more about how PRP can help you return to the activities you love, pain-free.