Key Takeaways
- The PRP injection process involves drawing blood, spinning it, and injecting platelets into the injection site.
- The PRP injection procedure triggers the body’s natural healing process and supports tissue repair.
- The platelet-rich plasma process concentrates growth factors that help with tissue regeneration.
- Patients should know what to expect from PRP, including soreness, gradual healing, and long-term results.
- Newport Beach specialists use PRP as a safe, non-surgical, and regenerative option for many injuries.
PRP injections have become one of the most requested non-surgical and regenerative options for joint, tendon, and ligament problems. Patients with tendon injuries, joint pain, or even hair loss often explore PRP because it uses their own blood to trigger healing.
At the Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, specialists use PRP for patients who want alternatives to surgery or long-term medications. To make an informed choice, patients ask: What happens during a PRP injection? Understanding the step-by-step PRP injection process helps reduce worry and prepares them for success.
What Happens During a PRP Injection?
The PRP injection procedure follows several clear steps. It begins with preparation, moves to the platelet-rich plasma process, and ends with guided injection at the injection site.
Unlike surgery, PRP is an outpatient procedure. Patients arrive, receive care, and go home the same day. The treatment is done in a clinical setting with a healthcare provider who is trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or orthopedics.
Step 1: Drawing a Sample of Blood
The first step in the PRP injection process is collecting a sample of blood from the patient. The amount is usually between 15 and 60 milliliters, depending on the treatment plan.
Since PRP is made from the patient’s own blood cells, there is little risk of allergic reaction. This makes it safer than many other athlete pain treatments or injections.
Step 2: The Platelet Rich Plasma Process
The collected blood is placed in a high-speed centrifuge. This device spins the blood rapidly, separating the platelets from other blood cells.
The end result is platelet-rich plasma, a concentrated fluid packed with growth factors and signaling proteins. These help trigger the body’s natural healing process. The fluid is drawn into a syringe for injection.
This part of the platelet-rich plasma process is critical. The more concentrated the platelets, the stronger the effect on tissue repair, tissue regeneration, and collagen production.
Step 3: Preparing the Injection Site
Before the injection, the injection site is cleaned. A local anesthetic may be used to reduce discomfort. For accuracy, many clinics use precise ultrasound guidance or other imaging guidance.
At the Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, doctors ensure the PRP reaches the right area. Whether treating joint injuries, Golfer’s elbow, Tennis elbow, or other musculoskeletal injuries, precision improves outcomes.
Step 4: The PRP Injection Procedure
The doctor then injects the PRP directly into the damaged area. The injection delivers a high concentration of platelets, which release growth factors. These start the inflammatory phase of healing.
This is a natural process. Inflammation signals the body to bring repair cells, increase blood circulation, and start rebuilding damaged tissue. Unlike cortisone shots, which only calm pain, PRP works on long-term healing.
Step 5: After the Injection
Patients may feel soreness at the injection site for a few days. This is a normal part of the recovery process. Doctors often suggest a short rest period, followed by a gradual return to activity.
Light resistance band exercises or gentle motion movements may be added under the guidance of a healthcare provider. For some, physical therapy is part of the treatment plan, helping restore range of motion and improve function.
A three-month follow-up appointment is common to assess progress. By then, many patients notice reduced musculoskeletal pain, better joint function, and, in some cases, return to sports or hobbies.
What PRP Can Treat
The PRP injection process has wide uses. Patients seek PRP for:
- Tendon injuries like Golfer’s elbow and Tennis elbow.
- Joint pain from arthritis or overuse.
- Musculoskeletal conditions like rotator cuff tears or knee sprains.
- Hair loss, as PRP stimulates follicles.
- Wound healing, especially in slow-healing injuries.
By targeting musculoskeletal injuries, PRP helps patients avoid surgical intervention and addictive medications.
What to Expect with PRP
Many patients ask, What to expect PRP after the procedure? It is important to know that PRP is not instant. Pain relief builds as the healing process unfolds. Some notice improvement within weeks, while others take months.
Typical expectations include:
- Soreness for 2–3 days.
- Gradual reduction of chronic pain.
- Steady improvement in tissue repair and mobility.
- Better function within 3–6 months.
The results vary depending on the injury, age, and health of the patient.
Comparing PRP to Other Treatments
The PRP injection process is different from cortisone shots. Cortisone provides fast relief but does not help healing. PRP focuses on long-term recovery and tissue regeneration.
Compared to surgery, PRP is less invasive and carries fewer risks. It is also quicker and avoids hospital stays. For many with joint pain or musculoskeletal conditions, PRP is a safer choice that aligns with modern regenerative therapy.
Patient Stories in Newport Beach
At the Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, patients have seen real results.
- A 40-year-old tennis player with Tennis elbow returned to the court after PRP.
- A 55-year-old with knee arthritis reduced pain and avoided shoulder replacement after combining PRP with physical therapy.
- A young athlete with joint injuries from soccer used PRP to heal faster and avoid long downtime.
These stories show how the PRP injection procedure can restore activity and quality of life.
Research on PRP
Studies support PRP as an effective non-surgical and regenerative option.
- Johns Hopkins Musculoskeletal Center reports success for arthritis and tendon injuries.
- A review in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found PRP improved tissue repair and lowered chronic pain.
- Clinical research continues to explore PRP in musculoskeletal pain, hair loss, and even skin repair.
This evidence builds trust in the PRP treatment pathway and shows how science supports its use.
PRP in Newport Beach: Moving Forward
If you ask, what happens during a PRP injection? The answer is simple but powerful. The PRP injection process uses your own blood to activate healing and reduce pain. It is safe, natural, and effective for many conditions.
At the Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, we guide patients through every step of the PRP injection procedure. From the platelet-rich plasma process to aftercare, our team ensures comfort and results.
If you want a proven path to joint pain relief, improved function, and natural tissue repair, schedule a consultation today. Learn what to expect from PRP and how regenerative care can restore your mobility and quality of life.
