Platelet-Rich Plasma injections represent a breakthrough in regenerative medicine that harnesses your body's natural healing mechanisms to treat injuries and chronic conditions. This innovative therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation in damaged areas.
Dr. Don Pham and the medical team at Lighthouse Medical Center provide comprehensive PRP injection services for patients throughout Broward County. Our state-of-the-art facility utilizes advanced preparation systems and imaging guidance to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for musculoskeletal conditions, joint pain, and tissue injuries.
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy involves extracting a small blood sample from the patient, concentrating the healing platelets through centrifugation, and injecting the enriched plasma directly into injured tissues. Platelets contain numerous growth factors that accelerate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term healing without relying on synthetic medications.
This autologous treatment minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission since the therapeutic material comes entirely from the patient's own body. The concentrated growth factors within PRP stimulate cellular repair processes that may have stalled or slowed due to chronic conditions or inadequate blood supply to the affected area.
The PRP procedure begins with a simple blood draw performed in our Pompano Beach medical facility. Our medical staff collects between 30 to 60 milliliters of blood from a vein in your arm, similar to routine laboratory testing. Proper hydration before your appointment helps ensure an easy blood collection process and reduces the likelihood of feeling lightheaded during the procedure.
The volume of blood collected depends on the treatment area size and the specific concentration requirements for your condition. Dr. Pham determines the appropriate blood volume based on your individual treatment plan and the targeted tissue areas.
Once collected, your blood sample undergoes centrifugation using specialized laboratory equipment to separate the various blood components by density. The centrifuge spins at precise speeds to create distinct layers within the collection tube.
Heavy red blood cells settle at the bottom of the tube, while lighter plasma components rise to the top. Platelets concentrate in a specific layer of the plasma, creating the therapeutic platelet-rich portion that contains healing growth factors.
Blood Component | Location After Centrifugation | Function in PRP |
Red Blood Cells | Bottom layer | Separated and discarded |
White Blood Cells | Middle layer | May be included or removed depending on protocol |
Platelet-Rich Plasma | Upper plasma layer | Contains concentrated healing factors |
Platelet-Poor Plasma | Top layer | Lower concentration of therapeutic components |
The concentrated PRP is carefully drawn into a sterile syringe and injected directly into the treatment site using precise needle placement techniques. Dr. Pham often utilizes ultrasound guidance or fluoroscopy imaging to ensure accurate delivery of the PRP to the specific injured tissues.
Imaging guidance allows real-time visualization of the needle placement and confirms that the therapeutic plasma reaches the intended target area. This precision helps maximize the treatment effectiveness while minimizing discomfort during the injection process.
PRP injections effectively treat various musculoskeletal conditions that affect tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Tendinopathies such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries respond well to platelet-rich plasma therapy due to the concentrated growth factors that stimulate collagen production and tissue repair.
Knee osteoarthritis patients often experience significant pain reduction and improved joint function following PRP treatments. The anti-inflammatory properties of the concentrated platelets help reduce joint swelling while promoting cartilage healing in damaged areas, similar to results seen with stem cell therapy.
Athletes and active individuals benefit from PRP therapy for acute injuries and chronic overuse conditions. Muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint inflammation can heal more rapidly with the enhanced cellular repair mechanisms provided by concentrated growth factors complementing other treatments like peptide therapy.
Dr. Pham has extensive experience treating sports-related injuries in patients throughout Broward County, helping them return to their activities with restored function and reduced pain levels.
Clinical studies demonstrate positive outcomes for PRP injections in treating specific conditions, particularly knee osteoarthritis and certain tendinopathies. Patients report reduced pain scores and improved functional capacity following treatment protocols that may include multiple injection sessions.
The effectiveness of PRP therapy varies based on several factors including the severity of tissue damage, patient age and health status, the specific preparation method used, and the targeted anatomical location. Dr. Pham evaluates each patient individually to determine the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Individual healing responses to PRP injections depend on the body's natural regenerative capacity and the extent of tissue damage present. Younger patients and those with acute injuries typically experience more dramatic improvements compared to individuals with chronic degenerative conditions.
The concentration and composition of platelets in the prepared PRP also influences treatment effectiveness. Our laboratory uses standardized protocols to ensure consistent platelet concentrations that maximize therapeutic potential.
Different PRP preparation methods produce varying concentrations of white blood cells alongside the concentrated platelets. Leukocyte-rich PRP contains higher levels of inflammatory cells that may benefit acute injuries where controlled inflammation promotes initial healing responses.
Leukocyte-poor PRP reduces inflammatory components while maintaining high platelet concentrations, making this preparation preferable for treating chronic conditions like osteoarthritis where excessive inflammation contributes to ongoing tissue damage. For nerve-related pain, neuropathy treatment may also be recommended.
Dr. Pham selects the appropriate PRP preparation method based on your specific condition, treatment goals, and individual inflammatory response patterns.
Treatment Option | Mechanism | Duration of Relief | Healing Promotion | Injection Frequency |
PRP Injections | Growth factor stimulation | 6-12 months | Promotes tissue regeneration | 1-3 treatments |
Corticosteroid Injections | Anti-inflammatory suppression | 1-3 months | No healing promotion | Limited due to tissue weakening |
Hyaluronic Acid | Joint lubrication | 3-6 months | Minimal healing effects | Every 6 months |
Stem Cell Therapy | Cellular regeneration | Variable | Potentially superior | 1-2 treatments |
Following your PRP injection at Lighthouse Medical Center, you may experience mild soreness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. These normal responses indicate that your body's healing mechanisms are activating, similar to what occurs with ozone therapy.
Dr. Pham provides specific post-treatment instructions that may include activity restrictions, ice application protocols, and pain management recommendations. Avoiding anti-inflammatory medications during the initial healing period helps preserve the natural inflammatory response that facilitates tissue repair.
Patients typically resume normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours after treatment, though vigorous exercise or activities that stress the treated area may require temporary modification. The healing timeline varies depending on the condition treated and individual recovery patterns.
Progressive return to full activity levels occurs over several weeks as the regenerative effects of PRP continue to strengthen and repair damaged tissues. For patients seeking overall wellness benefits, complementary treatments such as IV therapy may also support recovery. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Pham to monitor your progress and adjust activity recommendations as healing progresses.
Since PRP uses your own blood components, allergic reactions and disease transmission risks are essentially eliminated. The most common side effects include temporary pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site that typically resolve within a few days.
Rare complications can include infection at the injection site or temporary nerve irritation, though these occur infrequently when proper sterile techniques and imaging guidance are utilized during the procedure.
Certain medical conditions may preclude PRP treatment or require special considerations. Active infections, specific blood disorders, pregnancy, and the use of blood-thinning medications can affect treatment safety and effectiveness.
Dr. Pham conducts thorough medical evaluations before recommending PRP therapy to ensure the treatment is appropriate for your individual health status and medical history.
How many PRP injection sessions will I need? Most patients require one to three PRP injection sessions spaced several weeks apart, though the exact number depends on your condition severity and healing response. Dr. Pham develops individualized treatment plans based on your specific needs.
When can I expect to see improvement from PRP injections? Initial improvement may begin within two to six weeks after treatment, with continued healing occurring over three to six months as the growth factors stimulate ongoing tissue repair and regeneration.
Does insurance cover PRP injection treatments? Insurance coverage for PRP injections varies by provider and specific medical conditions. Our staff at Lighthouse Medical Center can help verify your coverage and discuss payment options during your consultation.
Can PRP injections be combined with other treatments? PRP therapy often complements physical therapy, activity modification, and other conservative treatments. Dr. Pham may also recommend lifestyle adjustments such as weight loss programs to improve long-term outcomes.
Are there age restrictions for PRP injection therapy? PRP injections can benefit patients across various age groups, though individual healing capacity and treatment response may vary. Dr. Pham evaluates each patient's overall health and regenerative potential when determining treatment candidacy.
How long do the effects of PRP injections last? PRP injection benefits typically last six to twelve months or longer, depending on the condition treated and individual factors. Some patients experience sustained improvement, while others may benefit from periodic maintenance treatments.
What should I avoid after receiving PRP injections? Avoid anti-inflammatory medications, excessive physical activity, and applying heat to the injection site during the initial healing period. Dr. Pham provides detailed post-treatment guidelines specific to your condition and treatment area.
Is the PRP injection procedure painful? Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the injection, which Dr. Pham often performs with local anesthetic to enhance comfort. Any post-injection soreness typically resolves within a few days.
Business Details | Information |
Practice Name | Lighthouse Medical Center |
Lead Physician | Dr. Don Pham |
Address | 4 NE 4th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 |
Phone | (754) 222-6642 |
Website | https://www.lighthousemedicalcenter.com/ |
Service Area | Pompano Beach, FL and Broward County |
Specialties | PRP Injections, Regenerative Medicine, Pain Management |
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