Joint health affects athletes and busy professionals, especially when the physical demands of daily activities take a toll on the body. Over time, the wear and tear on joints can lead to discomfort and decreased mobility and it can be difficult to maintain an active lifestyle.
Joint injections offer a solution by regenerating tissues within your joints, promoting recovery, and improving function. At Sports MedSpa in San Diego, CA, we specialize in treatments that support both athletic performance and overall joint health. Our physician-owned practice is dedicated to helping you get back to the activities you love with effective, targeted care.
Joint injections using PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, are treatments that make use of your body’s natural healing abilities. PRP is made from your blood and is rich in growth factors that can help repair and regenerate tissues in your joints. When injected into the affected area, PRP can help accelerate the healing process, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. This treatment is particularly useful for athletes and active individuals who need to recover quickly and get back to their routines.
PRP is suitable for the treatment of:
Platelet-rich plasma injections can be used to manage osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, and shoulders. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your joints wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. By injecting PRP directly into the affected joint, we aim to help the body repair damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.
Tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons, often results from repetitive movements or overuse, which can cause pain and limit your ability to perform daily activities. PRP injections target the inflamed area, delivering concentrated growth factors to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Ligament injuries, such as sprains or tears, are common among athletes and active individuals. These injuries can be particularly challenging because ligaments have a limited blood supply which slows down the healing process. Joint injections with PRP offer a solution by providing a concentrated dose of platelets directly to the injured ligament, helping to boost blood flow, stimulate tissue repair, and accelerate recovery.
Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your joints become inflamed, leading to pain and swelling. This condition often affects the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, making movement uncomfortable. PRP injections can be used to reduce inflammation in the bursae and promote healing.
The number of appointments we recommend varies on the severity of your condition and your response to the initial injections. We may begin with a series of two to three injections spaced a few weeks apart. We’ll assess your progress after each session to determine if additional treatments are recommended or to set up a maintenance plan.
You may start noticing some relief within a few weeks after PRP injections, but the full effects can take several months as your body gradually heals and regenerates the tissues in your joints. This treatment focuses on long-term healing, so while it may not provide immediate pain relief, the benefits can become more apparent as your joint health improves over time. Consistency with follow-up care and any recommended physical therapy can also enhance your results.
PRP joint injections can be different for everyone depending on pain tolerance and the area being injected. We use a fine needle to minimize any pain. The injection site may feel sore or stiff for a short period afterward. Any discomfort is usually manageable and subsides quickly.
The downtime after PRP injections is minimal, with most patients able to resume most daily activities within a day or two. We recommend that you rest for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities or putting too much stress on the treated joint. We’ll provide you with specific post-treatment care instructions to help maximize your healing.
PRP injections are suitable for individuals looking for a natural and non-invasive treatment option for joint pain and injuries. Ideal candidates include those with mild to moderate joint issues and those who want to reduce reliance on long-term medications. We’ll evaluate your medical history and the condition of your joints to determine if PRP is the right choice for you.