Struggling with chronic pain or a lingering sports injury? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers a cutting-edge, non-surgical solution that harnesses your own body’s natural healing abilities to repair damaged tissues, relieve pain, and restore mobility.
At Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, in Austin, Texas, we offer personalized PRP treatment options to help you return to the activities you love. Contact our office today to find out if platelet-rich plasma PRP is right for you.
“Got checked in and into my appointment on time. Dr. Szerlip was prompt and very informative, while allowing any questions I may have had to be addressed while explaining my condition. He explained both a rotator cuff repair and a replacement for me to choose what will be best for me. He wasn’t trying to pressure me to choose without looking at both options. He was very supportive of the procedure I decided on and very supportive.” — Dale C.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (or PRP therapy) is a regenerative medicine technique that uses a concentration of your own platelets to support and accelerate the healing process. These platelets are separated from whole blood through centrifugation, producing PRP with a high concentration of growth factors that promote tissue repair and inflammation control.
When injected into the injured area, PRP releases growth factors that trigger biological healing responses. These factors help tissues heal by encouraging cellular regeneration, improving circulation, and attracting white blood cells to clean up damaged tissue.
Depending on the preparation, PRP may be categorized as leukocyte-rich PRP or leukocyte-poor PRP, indicating the level of white blood cells present. Both types are used in different clinical scenarios depending on the patient’s needs.
Platelet-rich plasma injections are widely used in sports health and orthopedic care to treat both acute and chronic injuries. PRP has proven to be a successful treatment in many conditions where conventional therapies, such as other medications or rest, have not led to significant improvement. Common conditions treated with PRP include:
Many professional athletes have turned to PRP therapy to accelerate their recovery and return to peak performance, thanks to its ability to stimulate healing without the risk of disease transmission.
The PRP treatment process begins with a blood draw, typically from the arm, just like in a routine lab test. This whole blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speeds to separate the blood components. The concentrated platelets, rich in healing growth factors, are extracted to produce PRP. Depending on the injury being treated, your provider may opt for leukocyte-poor PRP or leukocyte-rich PRP.
Using ultrasound guidance or ultrasound imaging, the platelet-rich plasma is carefully injected into the injured tissue. Targeting the injection site precisely ensures the maximum benefit from the PRP. The treatment is performed in-office and typically takes less than an hour.
Dr. Szerlip may recommend additional physical therapy following PRP to help the treated area recover fully and regain improved function.
Many patients notice an improvement within a few weeks, although optimal results may take several months as the healing process continues. PRP works gradually, as the release of growth factors enhances the body’s natural tissue repair mechanisms.
Studies, including multiple randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated that PRP injections work particularly well for joint degeneration and tendon injuries, reducing inflammation and pain while encouraging tissue regeneration.
While not every patient experiences the same degree of benefit, those with mild to moderate injuries often report:
Results are enhanced when patients follow their doctor’s instructions and combine PRP with other rehabilitative strategies.
PRP offers a wide range of advantages over traditional treatments:
These advantages make PRP a popular and viable option for those who want to treat injuries without invasive procedures or prolonged recovery.
While platelet-rich plasma therapy is generally safe, some patients may experience minor side effects. The most common include:
Because PRP is derived from your own body, adverse reactions are rare. Still, PRP may not be suitable for individuals with bleeding disorders, active infections, or low platelet counts. Dr. Szerlip will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for this treatment.
If you’re dealing with pain, limited mobility, or a sports-related injury, platelet-rich plasma therapy may help you get back to living your life faster and with less pain. At our Austin-based clinic, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, offers comprehensive care using the latest regenerative techniques.
Schedule your consultation today to see if PRP treatment is the right fit for your healing journey.
