Is PRP Injection Therapy Right for You?

At Golden State Medical Center, we are committed to providing innovative and effective treatments to support your healing and recovery. One of the advanced therapies we offer is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.

PRP injections are a regenerative treatment made from a small sample of your own blood. Our skilled clinical team begins by drawing a small amount of blood, which is then carefully processed in our state-of-the-art centrifuge. This process separates your blood into its individual components, allowing us to extract plasma that is highly concentrated with platelets.

Platelets are blood cells that play a crucial role in your body’s natural healing process. The PRP we prepare is also rich in growth factors and proteins that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Once ready, this platelet-rich solution is precisely injected into the area of injury or pain—such as joints, tendons, ligaments, or muscles.

We use PRP therapy to help stimulate your body’s own healing response. This healing environment may help accelerate your recovery from conditions like tendonitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains, or certain types of arthritis.

Because PRP is created from your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is extremely low.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as an advanced regenerative treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon injuries and osteoarthritis. PRP therapy uses your body’s own healing properties to support tissue repair and reduce pain—helping our patients get back to the activities they love.

Whether PRP injections are appropriate for you depends on several factors, which our experienced medical team will carefully evaluate during your consultation:

• Age and Stage of Condition: Patients who are younger or in the early stages of joint or tendon disease may respond especially well to PRP, as their tissues are often more capable of regeneration. However, age is not the only consideration—many healthy, active older adults with localized injuries that have not improved with other treatments may also benefit from PRP.

• Activity Level: PRP injections can be particularly helpful for athletes and physically active individuals who want to return to their sport or exercise routine without surgery. Patients with mild to moderate injuries often see significant improvement, while those with more advanced degeneration may require other approaches, which we can discuss with you.

• Overall Health: Your overall health is an important factor in determining if PRP is a safe and effective option. Patients with bleeding disorders, active infections, or certain cancers may not be candidates for PRP therapy. Additionally, those taking blood thinners or with compromised immune systems may not be ideal for this treatment. Our team will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure PRP is appropriate for you.

Our goal is to provide individualized care, using therapies like PRP to help you achieve optimal health and mobility.

The number of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy sessions recommended can vary based on your specific condition, its severity, and your individual health profile. For most applications—such as joint pain, patients typically benefit from a series of three to four PRP treatments, each spaced about four to six weeks apart. In some cases, particularly for more advanced conditions or slower response rates, our healthcare providers may suggest additional sessions to help you achieve optimal results.

It’s important to have realistic expectations regarding the timeline for PRP therapy results. While some patients start to notice initial improvements within a few weeks of their first session, the most noticeable and lasting benefits usually develop after completing the full recommended treatment series—generally within three to six months. This period allows the body’s natural healing mechanisms, enhanced by PRP, to take full effect.

Results can vary depending on the area being treated, your unique response to the therapy, and your adherence to post-treatment care instructions provided by our specialized team. 

If you are exploring platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for an injury or medical condition, the expert team at Golden State Medical Center is here. We believe in personalized care, and it’s important to have a detailed conversation with your provider to determine if PRP is the right treatment for your specific needs.

Discuss Your Diagnosis and PRP Efficacy

Your doctor will first review your diagnosis and discuss whether PRP therapy has been shown to be effective for your specific condition. The benefits and evidence for PRP vary depending on what is being treated—such as tendon injuries, arthritis, or muscle strains. We will provide you with up-to-date scientific research and clinical guidelines regarding PRP therapy for your particular case.

Assess Your Suitability for PRP Therapy

Your physician will evaluate your individual suitability for PRP treatment. Factors such as your age, overall health, the severity and duration of your injury, and any underlying medical conditions will be carefully considered to determine the likelihood of a positive response. We will also review what conservative treatments you may have already tried, including physical therapy, medications, or other types of injections, to ensure that PRP is being considered at the appropriate time—often before exploring surgical options.

Understand the Procedure, Risks, and Expectations

Our team will take the time to explain the PRP injection procedure, including how it is performed and what you can expect during your recovery. We will discuss any potential risks, side effects, or complications, as well as realistic expectations for pain relief, improved function, and recovery timeline. You will also learn about how many treatments may be recommended for your condition.

Discuss Costs and Insurance Coverage

Because PRP therapy is sometimes considered experimental for certain conditions, it is important to understand the costs involved. Our staff will clarify the pricing of PRP and assist you in determining if any portion is covered by your insurance plan.

Your Care, Your Choice

At Golden State Medical Center, our comprehensive approach is designed to help you make the best decision for your health. If you are considering PRP therapy, schedule a consultation with our team—we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. For more information, please contact us. We are located at 2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Suite 108. San Ramon, CA 94583. We serve patients from San Ramon CA, Dublin CA, Blackhawk CA, Danville CA, Alamo CA, Diablo CA, Dougherty CA, Tassajara CA, Livermore CA, and Pleasanton CA.