Your Guide to PRP Therapy
Everything you need to know about Platelet-Rich Plasma — what it is, how it works, and whether it's right for your injury or pain.
Your own blood, concentrated to heal.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is exactly what it sounds like — plasma from your blood with a concentrated amount of platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that signal your body to repair damaged tissue.
By concentrating these platelets to 3-5x normal levels and injecting them directly into an injured area, we amplify your body's natural healing response. At Range Medical in Newport Beach, we use PRP for joint pain, tendon injuries, and soft tissue healing.
compared to normal blood
entire procedure
initial improvement
When your body needs help healing.
PRP is commonly used for musculoskeletal injuries that haven't responded to conservative treatment. If any of these sound familiar, PRP might help.
How PRP therapy works.
The entire procedure takes about an hour at our Newport Beach clinic. Here's what to expect.
Blood draw
We draw a small amount of blood from your arm — similar to routine lab work. About 30-60ml depending on the treatment area.
Processing
Your blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun to separate the components. This concentrates the platelets to 3-5x normal levels.
Injection
The concentrated PRP is injected directly into the treatment area. We may use ultrasound guidance for precise placement in joints or tendons.
Healing begins
Growth factors in the PRP signal your body to repair the area. Healing continues over weeks to months as new tissue forms.
The advantages of platelet-rich plasma.
PRP offers several benefits over other treatments for musculoskeletal injuries.
What the research shows.
PRP has been studied extensively in orthopedic and sports medicine. Here's what the science tells us.
PRP Improves Knee Function
Multiple clinical trials show PRP injections significantly improve pain and function scores in patients with knee osteoarthritis, with effects lasting 6-12 months in many cases.
Filardo et al., Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy, 2015
PRP Supports Tendon Repair
Research demonstrates that PRP enhances tendon healing by promoting collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling in damaged tendons.
Andia & Maffulli, Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2013
PRP Effective for Lateral Epicondylitis
Studies show PRP injections provide significant pain relief and functional improvement in chronic tennis elbow that hasn't responded to conservative treatment.
Gosens et al., American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2011
Platelets Release Healing Factors
Platelets contain and release multiple growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) that promote tissue repair, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation at the injury site.
Foster et al., Sports Medicine, 2009
PRP May Support Rotator Cuff Healing
Clinical evidence suggests PRP injections can improve outcomes in partial rotator cuff tears and may support healing when used alongside physical therapy.
Carr et al., Arthroscopy, 2015
Excellent Safety Profile
Because PRP uses the patient's own blood, the risk of adverse reactions is minimal. Large reviews confirm PRP's safety profile with very low complication rates.
Chahla et al., Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017
These studies reflect research findings. Individual results may vary. PRP therapy at Range Medical is provided under medical supervision with proper patient selection.
Common Questions
There's some discomfort during the injection, but we use local anesthesia to minimize it. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than sharp pain. The blood draw is similar to any routine lab work.
Many patients see improvement with a single treatment. Some conditions — especially chronic issues — benefit from 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your specific situation.
PRP works by stimulating your body's natural healing process, which takes time. Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks, with continued improvement over 3-6 months as tissue regeneration progresses.
PRP is typically not covered by insurance as it's considered an elective regenerative treatment. We can provide documentation for HSA/FSA reimbursement, which many patients use successfully.
Most patients can return to normal activities the same day, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours. Some soreness at the injection site is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
Yes. Because PRP uses your own blood, there's no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. The procedure has been used safely for decades in orthopedic and sports medicine settings.
Ready to explore PRP therapy?
Start with a $199 Range Assessment. Your provider will evaluate your injury and determine if PRP is right for your situation. Our Newport Beach team is here to help.