PRP Injections

FARINeurosurgery

Neurosurgeon & Spine Specialist located in Long Beach, CA

562-270-4849

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a treatment method specifically focused on utilizing a patient's own blood cells to accelerate healing in the spine. This therapy harnesses the patient's cells and plasma, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions commonly associated with other injectable treatments. By utilizing plasma, this procedure stimulates and enhances the production of reparative cells in the spine, leveraging platelet activation to facilitate the natural healing process.

Request Apppointment

Your PRP Treatment Specialist

Azadeh Farin, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a fellowship-trained and boardcertified neurosurgeon at FARINeurosurgery, with experience in a wide range of neurosurgical procedures.Dr. Farin completed a fellowship in complex spine surgery and spinal deformity/tumors at UCSF, receiving the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Spine Research Award, granted to only one fellow in the US.

What Is PRP?

Platelet-rich therapy is a regenerative treatment specifically targeted at the spine, leveraging your own cells to accelerate the recovery process. The blood circulating in your body naturally contains various chemical factors, bioactive proteins, and platelets. Platelets, in particular, are vital blood cells that form clots when encountering damaged tissue to halt bleeding

In PRP treatment for the spine, blood is drawn and then centrifuged to separate its components. Platelets and growth factors are subsequently injected directly into the injured site.

This procedure, known as autologous blood therapy,

concentrates platelets and growth factors to a level
5-10 times higher than normal blood. These enriched
components not only stimulate healing in areas where
it hasn't yet commenced but also expedite existing
healing processes.

Request Apppointment

Frequently asked questions:

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy involves extracting a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich solution into the targeted area to stimulate healing.

How does PRP therapy work?

Platelets contain growth factors and other bioactive proteins that promote tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into an injured area, PRP enhances the body's natural healing processes.

Is PRP therapy painful?

Discomfort during PRP therapy is usually minimal. Some patients may experience mild pain or soreness at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days.

How many PRP sessions are needed?

The number of PRP sessions required depends on the specific condition being treated and the individual's response to treatment. Typically, a series of 1-3 injections spaced several weeks apart may be recommended.

What are the potential risks or side effects of PRP therapy?

Since PRP uses the patient's own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or infections is minimal. However, some potential side effects include temporary pain, swelling, bruising, or infection at the injection site.

How long does it take to see results from PRP therapy?

The timeline for experiencing the benefits of PRP therapy varies depending on the treated condition and individual healing responses. While some patients may experience immediate relief, the full benefits of the treatment often develop gradually over time. This process aligns with the therapeutic nature of PRP, where the injected platelet-rich solution initiates a cascade of biological responses that promote tissue repair and regeneration.

Is PRP therapy covered by insurance?

In many cases, PRP therapy is considered an elective procedure and may not be covered by insurance. It's best to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage options.

Can anyone undergo PRP therapy?

While PRP therapy is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions or blood disorders may not be eligible for PRP treatment. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine candidacy.

How long do the effects of PRP therapy last?

The duration of the effects of PRP therapy varies depending on the condition being treated, the individual's response to treatment, and lifestyle factors. In some cases, multiple treatments or periodic maintenance injections may be necessary to sustain results.