PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a treatment option that uses a patient’s own blood to help support the body’s natural healing process. At our orthopedic offices in Roseville and Folsom, PRP therapy is offered for select elbow and shoulder conditions as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to care.
584 N. Sunrise Ave.
Suite 140
Roseville, CA 95661
1625 Creekside Drive
Suite 200
Folsom, CA 95630
Dr. McClintock’s Services
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It involves drawing a small blood sample from you and spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. That concentrated fluid is then injected into the damaged or injured tissue. Because the material comes from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is low. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and its suitability depends on your diagnosis, health status, and treatment goals.
PRP for Elbow Conditions
The elbow can be affected by conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and chronic tendon irritation. In these situations, PRP may be discussed as one of several non-surgical options. The goal is to use your body’s own biological material to support the healing process in the affected tendon. Each case is evaluated individually, taking into account your symptoms, imaging, and activity level. PRP is not appropriate for every diagnosis, but it can be an option when conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and medication have not provided adequate relief.
PRP for Shoulder Conditions
In the shoulder, PRP may be considered for certain types of tendon injury such as partial rotator cuff tears, calcific tendonitis, or early degenerative changes. It is not designed to replace surgery for large or complete tears but may be part of a non-operative treatment plan for mild to moderate tissue injury. Your physician will review your imaging, range of motion, and history of shoulder pain to determine whether PRP may be appropriate.
What to Expect?
During your visit, a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm and placed in a centrifuge to prepare the platelet-rich plasma. The injection site is cleaned and often numbed with local anesthetic. The PRP is then injected into the specific area of the elbow or shoulder using imaging guidance for accuracy. Most patients describe mild to moderate soreness at the injection site afterward, which typically subsides within a few days.
Recovery and Follow-Up
After PRP treatment, you may experience some temporary stiffness or mild swelling. You will receive instructions regarding rest, activity modification, and when to resume physical therapy or strengthening. The recovery process varies depending on your diagnosis and the condition of your tissue, but improvement is typically gradual over several weeks or months.
Determining if PRP is Right for You
Whether PRP is suitable for you depends on several factors including the type and severity of your condition, your overall health, and your previous response to other treatments. Your orthopedic specialist will discuss realistic expectations and outline all available options so you can make an informed choice.
Dr. Kyle McClintock offers PRP therapy as part of a personalized orthopedic treatment plan in both Roseville and Folsom. Appointments are available for evaluation of shoulder and elbow conditions to see if PRP may be appropriate in your care plan.
If you would like to learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy or schedule a consultation, please contact our offices in Roseville or Folsom to begin the evaluation process.
