Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Granada Hills, CA
Your body has a remarkable natural ability to heal — and PRP therapy harnesses that ability to treat pain, promote tissue repair, and restore function. At Modern Pain Solutions, Dr. Jungjae Lim offers platelet-rich plasma therapy to patients throughout Granada Hills and the San Fernando Valley who are seeking a safe, minimally invasive, and drug-free approach to managing pain and supporting recovery.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses concentrated components of your own blood to accelerate healing in damaged or degenerated tissues. Blood is composed primarily of plasma — the liquid base — along with red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also contain a rich supply of growth factors: proteins that signal the body to initiate and sustain the healing process.
In a PRP treatment, a small sample of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge — a device that spins the blood at high speed to separate its components. This process produces a concentrated solution of platelets suspended in plasma, containing growth factor levels many times higher than what occurs naturally. This platelet-rich concentrate is then injected directly into the site of injury or degeneration, delivering a powerful stimulus for repair and regeneration to exactly where it is needed most.
Because PRP is derived entirely from your own blood, it carries virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection, making it an exceptionally safe and well-tolerated treatment option.
Conditions Treated with PRP at Modern Pain Solutions
At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, CA , Dr. Lim uses PRP therapy across a broad range of musculoskeletal and other conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis: PRP can reduce joint inflammation and stimulate cartilage repair in arthritic joints, particularly in the knee and hip. Learn more about how we address Hip & Knee Pain.
- Rotator Cuff Tendinosis and Partial Tears: PRP promotes tendon healing and reduces chronic inflammation in shoulder conditions. Visit our Shoulder Pain page for more information.
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain: PRP injections can support disc and soft tissue healing in the spine. See our Back & Neck Pain services.
- Tendinitis and Tendinopathy: Including Achilles tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and golfer’s elbow.
- Ligament Injuries: PRP can accelerate healing in sprained or partially torn ligaments throughout the body.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia can be effectively treated with targeted PRP injections.
- Sexual Wellness and Bladder Function: PRP therapy has documented applications for improving sexual dysfunction, sensitivity, and bladder control in women, offering meaningful improvement in quality of life.
- Aesthetic Applications: PRP is used to support skin rejuvenation and hair restoration, stimulating collagen production and natural cell renewal.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
A PRP treatment session at Modern Pain Solutions typically takes less than an hour from start to finish. The process involves:
- Blood Draw: A small amount of your blood — usually 30–60 milliliters — is collected, similar to a routine blood draw.
- Centrifugation: The blood sample is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma fraction.
- Preparation of the Treatment Site: The target area is cleaned, and a topical numbing agent or local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
- Injection: Using imaging guidance when appropriate, Dr. Lim precisely delivers the PRP concentrate to the affected tissue or joint.
- Recovery: Most patients can return to light activities within a day or two. Dr. Lim will provide specific post-treatment instructions tailored to your procedure.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from PRP?
Unlike corticosteroid injections that can reduce inflammation rapidly, PRP works by stimulating a biological healing response — which takes time. Most patients begin to notice gradual improvement within four to eight weeks following treatment. Significant results may continue to develop over three to six months as tissue repair progresses. Some conditions benefit from a series of PRP injections spaced several weeks apart for optimal outcomes.
Dr. Lim will monitor your progress and discuss whether additional sessions or complementary treatments — such as injection therapies or neuromodulation — are appropriate for your care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy
Is PRP therapy painful?
The level of discomfort during PRP therapy is generally minimal. A topical numbing cream or local anesthetic is typically applied before the injection to reduce sensation at the treatment site. Most patients describe the injection as a mild pressure or brief sting. Any soreness following the procedure usually resolves within a few days and can be managed with ice and rest. Dr. Lim and our team take every step to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
How is PRP different from a steroid injection?
Corticosteroid injections work by suppressing inflammation quickly — often providing rapid but temporary relief. PRP therapy, by contrast, harnesses your body’s own healing factors to repair damaged tissue from the inside out. While PRP takes longer to show results, the benefits tend to be more durable, and because it does not suppress immune function or damage surrounding tissue, it can be administered more frequently. PRP and steroid injections may sometimes be used together as part of a comprehensive plan — see our injection therapy services.
How many PRP treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on the condition being addressed, its severity, and your individual healing response. Some patients achieve their goals with a single injection, while others benefit from a series of two to three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Dr. Lim will outline a specific treatment plan during your consultation and reassess your progress at follow-up appointments.
Who is a good candidate for PRP therapy?
Most healthy adults seeking a non-surgical, drug-free option for musculoskeletal pain, joint degeneration, or soft tissue injury are candidates for PRP therapy. It is particularly well-suited for patients who want to delay joint replacement, avoid surgery, or reduce reliance on long-term pain medication. Patients with certain blood disorders, active infections, or cancer affecting the treatment area may not be candidates. A consultation with Dr. Lim will determine your eligibility.
Can PRP therapy be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. PRP is frequently used as part of a broader, multimodal treatment strategy. It pairs well with physical therapy, targeted joint injections, minimally invasive spine procedures, and neuromodulation to maximize outcomes. Dr. Lim will design a cohesive, individualized care plan that integrates all appropriate therapies for your condition.
How should I prepare for a PRP appointment?
Prior to your PRP session, Dr. Lim will provide specific preparation instructions based on the area being treated. In general, you should stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment and avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin for approximately five to seven days before treatment, as these can reduce platelet activity. You should also inform our team of any medications or supplements you are taking. Call us at (818) 826-4145 if you have any questions about preparing for your visit.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP therapy is considered an elective or investigational treatment by many insurance carriers and is often not covered under standard health plans. However, coverage policies vary, and we encourage you to contact your insurer to verify your specific benefits. Modern Pain Solutions can provide transparent pricing information and discuss payment options during your consultation. We also accept lien-based cases for patients with personal injury claims.