PRP Injections at Rolling Hills Medical

The human body's ability to heal itself is a source of both amazement and relief, especially when you're experiencing musculoskeletal pain and/or loss of function. But the body's healing resources aren't unlimited, and not all parts of the body have equal access to the growth factors necessary for tissues repairs. Here at Rolling Hills Medical in Torrance CA, we know how to help your body use its own healing processes more efficiently -- in the form of treatments known as PRP injections. 

What Are PRP injections?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma -- and PRP injections a method for delivering that platelet-rich plasma to the areas of your body that need it most urgently. Human blood plasma is a more complex substance than you might assume. This fluid contains, not just red and white blood cells, but also tiny, solid, disc-shaped cells called platelets. Platelets form a physical barrier across gaps in damaged tissues, such as a skin wound or a torn blood vessel. As they clump together at the site of the damage, they create a plug called a clot that prevents further bleeding. At the same, time, the platelets feed the damaged tissues with growth factors that allow repairs to proceed. This form of self-treatment works very well when the injured or ailing part of the body has a good blood supply -- but some areas may have a tougher time obtaining the growth factors they need. In some cases, a specific tissue can benefit from a concentrated boost in growth factors. PRP injections provide that boost. By isolating platelets from a blood sample, we can create an accumulation of platelet-rich plasma. Our PRP doctor, Dr. Ghodadra, can then inject the platelet-rich-plasma directly into the part of your body that needs some extra healing help.

Safe, Effective Treatment for Many Musculoskeletal Issues

In many cases, PRP treatment can help patients avoid surgery to repair an injury or relieve chronic pain. Even if surgery is absolutely necessary, PRP treatment can greatly enhance post-operative recovery by accelerating the healing process. PRP injections can address a surprisingly wide range of afflictions, including:

• Sports Injuries and Tendon injuries such as Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and knee or kneecap tendinitis
• Acute ligament sprains and muscle strains
• Chronic connective tissue inflammation (such as plantar fasciitis in the arches of the feet)
• Osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
• Androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness (by injecting PRP into the scalp tissue)

What to Expect From Your PRP Treatment

The first step toward finding relief through PRP treatment is a detailed evaluation at Rolling Hills Medical. Our PRP doctor will examine the source of your pain and other symptoms to determine whether PRP injections can actually benefit your condition. If you're a good candidate for PRP treatment, we will draw a blood sample and place that blood sample in a centrifuge, which separates the plasma from other blood elements. This concentrated source of growth factors is then injected into the treatment site with the aid of ultrasound imaging for pinpoint accuracy. We may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before we administer the injection. Don't be alarmed if your level of pain temporarily increases after a PRP treatment. We generally advise patients to avoid strenuous activity and allow the growth factors to do their job. As your healing powers increase, you may benefit from rehabilitative exercises or other forms of therapy that put those powers to the best possible use.

Talk to Our PRP Doctor

Rolling Hills Medical wants to help you heal as effectively and completely as possible. Call (424) 360-0155 to schedule an appointment with our PRP doctor in Torrance CA.