What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and how does it work?
Have you ever wondered how the body heals after an injury? Our bodies have natural repair mechanisms that sometimes need a little boost to kick into action. That’s where Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) comes in—an innovative regenerative medicine treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and speed up recovery.
Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, which contains plasma and platelets. Plasma is the liquid part of blood that carries nutrients, while platelets are not only essential for clotting—they’re also packed with growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration.
During a PRP treatment, the blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. The result is a plasma with a much higher platelet count than what normally circulates in your body—meaning more growth factors are available to help repair damaged tissues.
How is PRP applied?
Once prepared, the PRP is injected directly into the affected area, whether it’s an inflamed tendon, an arthritic joint, or a damaged muscle. To ensure maximum accuracy, Dr. Gálvez uses ultrasound guidance, so the PRP reaches exactly the spot where it’s needed.
The goal is simple: increase the concentration of healing signals in the targeted area to activate the body’s natural repair processes. The patient doesn’t receive any foreign substances—just their own body’s regenerative power.
Here’s how the process works:
A small sample of blood is drawn from the patient.
The sample is spun to separate the platelets from other blood components, resulting in a concentration of platelets into the billions.
This concentrated plasma, rich in growth factors, is prepared for injection.
Using ultrasound guidance, the PRP is delivered precisely where it’s needed, maximizing the treatment’s effectiveness.
Benefits of PRP for injuries and pain
PRP has a variety of applications:
Sports injuries and chronic tendinopathies: Conditions like tennis elbow, Achilles tendon pain, or knee injuries often respond well to PRP, which helps reduce inflammation and repair damaged fibers.
Osteoarthritis patients: Studies have shown that PRP injections can slow down osteoarthritis progression, improve mobility and reduce pain, sometimes more effectively than alternatives like hyaluronic acid. Many patients can resume walking, exercising, or daily activities sooner and with less discomfort.
Is PRP safe?
Because it comes from your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is minimal. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as minor pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days.
As with any medical treatment, results can vary depending on the type of injury, the technique used, and the patient’s overall health. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist evaluate each case and administer PRP with the appropriate technology.
A non-surgical option with great potential
Platelet-Rich Plasma offers a safe, non-surgical option for those looking to reduce pain and improve quality of life without invasive procedures. While it may not replace every surgery, it can often delay or even prevent the need for one.
Platelets do more than help blood clot—they release key substances for tissue repair:
Growth factors like PDGF and TGF-β are released, stimulating cell migration and division to rebuild damaged tissues.
At the injection site, these signals activate biological processes that support the repair of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin.
If you’re living with a chronic injury, joint pain, or just want to speed up your recovery, PRP could be the natural ally your body needs.
Frequently asked questions about platelet-rich plasma
When will I see results?
It depends on the treatment area. For joint or tendon injections, improvements are often noticeable within a few weeks.
Is the procedure painful or risky?
Discomfort is usually minimal. PRP is considered very safe because it uses your own blood, which greatly reduces the risk of allergic reactions or complications.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of treatments varies by condition. For musculoskeletal injuries may only require 1 to 3 injections.
Do I need to avoid anything after the treatment?
Yes, certain anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) should be avoided for 1 week, prior to injection, as well as several weeks after, as they can interfere with the healing process. Dr. Galavez will provide specific post-treatment instructions.
Can PRP replace surgery?
PRP is not a substitute for all surgical procedures, but in many cases, it can delay or even prevent the need for surgery by enhancing the body’s natural repair processes.
Conclusion
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) isn’t just a medical trend—it’s a safe, natural, and effective way to enhance your body’s own healing mechanisms. By concentrating growth factors from your own blood and directing them to the area that needs repair, PRP helps reduce pain, accelerate recovery, and restore function without invasive procedures or heavy medications.
If you’ve been struggling with joint pain, tendon injuries, or a slow recovery, PRP may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Curious if Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gálvez today and take the first step toward natural healing.
