PRP Therapy in Columbia, MD

What is PRP therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a concentration of platelets and related growth factors prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The prepared plasma is injected into a target area under physician guidance, with the goal of supporting the body's natural healing process.

At Zest 4 Wellness, PRP is considered for patients with specific joint and soft tissue concerns who have completed a medical evaluation. Dr. Ward determines whether PRP may be appropriate based on your history, exam, and diagnostic findings.

Because PRP uses your own blood products, it is a personalized treatment by design. It is not appropriate for every condition or every patient, and candidacy is decided on an individual basis after consultation.

Why patients consider PRP

• Persistent joint or tendon pain that has not improved with conservative measures
• Interest in a treatment that uses the body's own platelets rather than synthetic agents
• Looking for an alternative to cortisone-style injections or as a step before considering surgery
• Active patients seeking a physicians evaluated, biologically based option

What conditions is PRP commonly evaluated for?

• Knee pain and arthritis-related joint discomfort
• Tendon and ligament concerns
• Shoulder, elbow, and other soft tissue issues
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain under medical evaluation

Who may be a candidate for PRP

• Adults with a specific joint or soft tissue concern evaluated by Dr. Ward
• Patients whose platelet level and blood counts are appropriate after screening
• Patients who understand PRP may help, and that individual results vary
• Patients able to follow injection and activity guidance after treatment

Before you book: PRP is not appropriate for everyone. Bloodwork screening and a medical evaluation with Dr. Ward are required before a PRP injection is considered.

What happens during a PRP procedure

1. Blood draw: A small sample of your blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
2. Processing: The sample is centrifuged to concentrate the platelets and plasma.
3. Injection: The PRP is injected into the target area with guidance from Dr. Ward.
4. Aftercare: Activity and follow-up guidance are provided based on the treated area.

What should I expect after a PRP injection?

Some injection-site soreness, bruising, or swelling is common and usually temporary.

Healing responses unfold over weeks, so benefits may take time and often require multiple sessions depending on the condition.

Dr. Ward will provide specific guidance on activity, rest, and follow-up for your treated area.

Benefits and limitations

• Uses your own platelets, so the material is not of synthetic origin
• Performed under physician guidance in the Columbia clinic
• May be considered for patients who have not responded to conservative care
• Not a guaranteed outcome; PRP does not regenerate tissue for every patient

Risks and important considerations

• Common side effects are temporary soreness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site.
• There is a small risk of bleeding or infection, as with any injection.
• Improvement is not guaranteed, and multiple treatments may be needed.
• PRP is an elective, often patient-funded treatment, and Zest does not accept insurance.