Orthobiologics
A non-surgical treatment to help pain and function. Treats Musculoskeletal Problems with Platelet Rich Plasma.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is used in a procedure that treats a musculoskeletal problem. It is comprised of your blood cells, which contain growth factors, proteins, and signaling molecules. The body uses this combination for tissue healing in both acute and chronic diseases, which improves function and decreases pain.
Whether to aid in pain, a quicker recovery or improve function, this non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment gives physicians an additional tool for getting you back to what you love and may even forgo surgery!
Orthobiologics are a type of treatment derived from the patient’s own body used to treat acute and chronic orthopedic problems. PRP is one type of Orthobiologic that we are using at San Diego Sports Medicine. It is an innovative approach to use the body’s own healing pathways as an additional therapy to our already comprehensive, patient focused, treatment plans.
PRP is derived from your own blood cells, which contain growth factors, proteins, and signaling molecules. We use this combination of cells specifically focused to target orthopedic problems at their source. We can see that these injections can provide anti-inflammatory effects, improving both pain and inflammation as well as promoting tissue healing, leading to shorter recovery times, improved function, and better quality of life.
PRP can be a promising alternative for patients wishing to prolong the need for surgery, who are poor candidates for surgery, or those that have not improved with other conservative treatments.
To get you the best outcome at San Diego Sports Medicine we pair these procedures with our outstanding physical therapy and team of physicians, who will ensure you receive care at every step of the treatment. Our physicians use the most advanced PRP treatments available under a team of highly trained specialists with decades of combined experience.
These are offered conveniently at all our locations. We look forward to speaking to you more about this treatment!
Conditions Treated With PRP
Bone & Cartilage Degeneration: Including other degenerative joint problems as well. PRP can offer excellent control of pain and swelling that has been shown to be better than many other standard injections. By improving these symptoms, we have seen patients delay or even avoid surgery altogether!- Degenerative meniscal tears
- Degenerative labral tears
- Some acute cartilage injuries
- Chrondromalacia patella
- Tennis elbow
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tears
- Jumpers knee, or patellar tendonitis
- Golfers elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Chronic tendonitis
FAQs
Alvarado
- Dr. Ryan
- Dr. Dengerink
- Dr. Rohrer
Sorrento Valley
- Dr. Burman
- Dr. Bernadett
- Dr. Koretoff
Pacific Beach
- Dr. Wang
- Dr. Koretoff
Lifewellness Institute
- Dr. Rohrer
Many patients experience pain relief and improved function with a low risk of side effects. As many surgeries are done to aid in pain and function, PRP can help avoid these procedures. Many patients are also able to continue their daily activities after the injection.
We can see injuries heal that have not responded to many other treatments!
When an injury happens, the body sends platelets and growth factors to start a natural healing process. Research is still underway, but the current thought is that PRP contains large volumes of growth factors and signaling molecules that can change pain or inflammation in an area. Driven by recent trials and research, we use a more concentrated serum with state-of-the-art equipment for better outcomes and improved pain.
Once we target the site, we will often pair this procedure with physical therapy to get the best possible outcome and healing.
While PRP is well studied and supported with research, it is still a relatively new procedure. Because of this, insurance generally does not cover PRP injections as it is not FDA approved. For our patients at SDSM, it is usually a cash procedure. Please reach out to your insurance provider for more information or our office to discuss pricing options.
PRP is an excellent option for many musculoskeletal injuries, both acute and chronic, who have had difficulties or a lack of success with other conservative treatments. PRP may also be an option for patients trying to delay or avoid surgery.
PRP is FDA compliant but not approved yet.
Given that PRP comes from your own body, we do not see allergic reactions. Other risks include a chance of bleeding, infection, and increased pain afterwards. Fortunately, these are rare. Some patients will need to have more prolonged rest depending on where the physician performs the procedure.
These injections are intended to place inflammatory cells around the area of concern. This can cause short-term discomfort after the injection. Sometimes, there is a slight flare-up in pain that can resolve in a day or two after the procedure. Our team will ensure every step to help with your pain.
Sports Medicine Services
- Nutritional Counseling
- Orthotics
- Concussion Treatment
- Biomechanical Evaluation
- Bracing
- Imaging Services
- Physical Therapy
- Personal Training
