PRP Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma · Long Beach, CA

PRP therapy for joint and soft tissue pain

A non-surgical orthopedic treatment using concentrated components from your own blood — considered for appropriate candidates as part of an individualized care plan.

Board-certified orthopedic care Ultrasound-guided delivery Non-surgical first approach

What is platelet-rich plasma?

PRP is derived from a small sample of your own blood, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets containing growth factors involved in the body’s natural healing response. The plasma is then delivered precisely to the treatment area under ultrasound guidance.
 
At Matthewson Orthopedics, PRP is one component of a broader orthopedic evaluation — appropriateness is determined through diagnosis and consultation, not offered as a blanket solution.

What the process looks like

1
Blood draw
Small sample drawn from arm in-office
2
Processing
Centrifuge concentrates platelets (~15 min)
3
Guided Injection
Delivered via ultrasound imaging
4
Follow-up
Progress monitored; additional sessions if indicated

What patients often seek PRP for

Knee osteoarthritis
Rotator cuff injuries
Tennis / golfer's elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Ligament & tendon sprains
Hip pain & bursitis
Shoulder pain
Chronic joint pain

Who may be appropriate for PRP

Adults with persistent joint or tendon pain not resolved by conservative treatment

Patients exploring non-surgical options before considering more invasive procedures

Those who have not responded to physical therapy or cortisone alone

Active adults seeking to return to function without surgery

Common questions about PRP

Most patients benefit from a series of 2–3 treatments spaced several weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated and its severity. Some individuals notice improvement after a single session, while others may require additional treatments for optimal results. During your consultation, we’ll create a personalized plan based on your goals and response to treatment.

PRP therapy is typically considered an elective or regenerative treatment, which means it is not covered by most insurance plans at this time. However, many patients choose PRP because it can help reduce the need for more invasive procedures. We can review pricing and available payment options during your visit.

Because PRP works by stimulating your body’s natural healing process, results develop gradually. Many patients begin to notice improvements within 2–4 weeks, with continued progress over the following 2–3 months as tissue repair and regeneration take place.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during PRP treatment. A local anesthetic or numbing agent is often used to keep you comfortable, and the procedure itself is quick. You may feel mild soreness or pressure at the injection site afterward, but this typically resolves within a few days.

Recovery is usually quick and straightforward. You may experience mild swelling, soreness, or stiffness in the treated area for a few days. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours, although strenuous activity may be limited briefly to support optimal healing.

PRP therapy uses your body’s own blood components and is widely used in medical practice. While the PRP process itself is FDA-compliant, its use in certain regenerative treatments is considered off-label. This is common in many areas of medicine, and your provider will discuss how PRP is used safely and appropriately for your specific condition.

Find out if PRP is right for you

The first step is a consultation to evaluate your condition, goals, and whether PRP is an appropriate option for your care plan.