4 Habits That Support Strong Healthy Shoulder Joints
Daily habits influence shoulder health. Certain habits may harm shoulder health, while others can enhance it. Find out which habits to adopt to keep your shoulders strong and healthy.
Is PRP Right for Me?
It’s crucial to know all of your options if you’re dealing with an injury or chronic orthopedic pain. In addition to conventional therapies, innovative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can help you recover.
Orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon Dr. Matthew Pifer offers conventional and innovative therapies to patients in and near Santa Barbara, California. He has successfully used PRP therapy to help patients dealing with various orthopedic issues.
PRP therapy uses your body's own platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation, making it a safe and natural option for many patients. But is PRP therapy right for you? In this post, we’ve put together some helpful information exploring the benefits of PRP therapy.
What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?
PRP therapy harnesses your body’s own healing abilities to address injuries and issues that cause pain. The therapy involves extracting a small amount of your blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components.
Then, we inject the concentrated platelets into the injured area, promoting the body's natural healing process. The platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.
Benefits of platelet-rich plasma therapy
For some patients, including athletes and active individuals, PRP therapy has several benefits:
Non-invasive treatment
PRP therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a simple blood draw and injection, making it relatively low-risk.
Natural healing
PRP therapy uses the patient's own blood platelets to stimulate healing and repair, making it a natural and safe option for many individuals.
Tissue regeneration
The growth factors released by the platelets promote tissue regeneration and can help repair damaged tissues and cartilage.
Reduced inflammation
PRP therapy can help reduce inflammation in the injured area, which can lead to improved pain relief and faster healing.
Shorter recovery time
PRP therapy can reduce the recovery time for athletes with sports injuries, allowing them to return to their sport faster.
Is platelet-rich plasma therapy right for me?
If you are considering PRP therapy, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine if it is the right treatment for you. Here are some factors Dr. Pifer considers when recommending PRP therapy:
Type of injury
PRP therapy may be more effective for certain types of injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, tendonitis, and arthritis.
Severity of injury
PRP therapy may be more effective for mild to moderate injuries. Surgery may be the best option for severe injuries or advanced degeneration.
Overall health
PRP therapy is a safe option for most individuals, but it may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer or blood disorders.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a promising treatment option for patients with various conditions, including sports injuries. If you are considering PRP therapy and want to know if it’s right for you, schedule a visit with Dr. Pifer to discuss your options by calling or requesting an appointment through our website today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
PRP for Shoulder Pain: Here's What You Should Know
Dealing with persistent shoulder pain can impact your daily activities. PRP therapy taps into your body’s regenerative power, relieving pain without surgery or long-term medications.
Do These Stretches Every Day to Reduce Your Risk for Shoulder Injury
Maintaining healthy shoulders is essential for staying active and pain-free. Incorporating targeted stretches can protect your shoulders from strain, keeping them flexible and resilient against potential injuries.
A Closer Look at Your Shoulder's Anatomy (And What Can Go Wrong)
The shoulder is incredibly flexible, but it isn’t indestructible. In fact, increased flexibility makes it vulnerable to some common problems. Learn what can go wrong and what you can do about it.
Myths and Facts About Stem Cells
Stem cell therapy offers an innovative option for treating orthopedic conditions, especially shoulder and knee issues. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or dealing with arthritis pain, stem cell therapy can enhance your healing.
Do You Throw A Lot? Here's How You Can Avoid Damaging Your Shoulder
As a thrower, your shoulder is your most valuable asset. However, because the shoulder is susceptible to a wide range of injuries, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent them. Keep reading to learn more!