At OC Regenerative and Pain Center, we understand how frustrating chronic pain can be. Our practice offers advanced, non-surgical regenerative treatment options in Orange County under the care of Dr. Michael Shahbazian. A board-certified, fellowship-trained pain doctor known to many patients simply as Dr. Mike, he provides comprehensive concierge pain management services designed around your unique needs.
We provide PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) using your own blood as part of a personalized treatment plan. Because it uses your own cells, this treatment eliminates the potential for allergic reactions. This minimally invasive injection therapy option may help reduce pain, support the body's natural healing process, and address conditions ranging from daily wear-and-tear to lingering sports injuries.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
When exploring a non surgical pain management approach, many patients ask: what exactly are PRP injections?
In simple terms, your blood is mostly made of a liquid called plasma. It also contains red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets are best known for clotting blood when you get a cut, but they also hold essential growth factors (special proteins) that are vital for tissue repair.
PRP platelet rich plasma injections use a high concentration of your own platelets to support healing.
By drawing a small amount of blood and spinning it in an FDA-cleared centrifuge (a machine that spins very fast to separate liquids), we highly concentrate these healing platelets. This platelet rich platelet injection is then delivered directly onto injured tendons, ligaments, and into joints. This provides a potent dose of growth factors exactly where your body needs them most. While supported by growing clinical evidence for certain conditions, PRP is not FDA-approved for all indications.
Targeted PRP Relief for Joints and the Spine
A PRP injection may be considered for a variety of conditions based on a thorough clinical evaluation.
We focus on delivering localized support to the specific areas causing you discomfort.
PRP for Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis
Knee pain from wear and tear or athletic activity can be debilitating. For patients dealing with conditions like osteoarthritis (where the protective cartilage wears down) or meniscus tears, a platelet plasma injection may help support the knee joint and reduce inflammation. By promoting a healthier joint environment, this therapy helps many patients manage their symptoms effectively. It may even delay the need for total knee replacement surgeries.
Healing Shoulder and Elbow Pain
The shoulder and elbow are complex joints prone to a variety of painful conditions that restrict motion. PRP shots can be an excellent consideration for treating issues such as rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, elbow pain (like tennis elbow), and painful bursitis (swelling of the small fluid sacs that cushion the joint). By delivering a platelet rich protein injection directly into the damaged tissues, we aim to support the body's natural repair mechanisms.
Advanced Spinal and Neck Pain Relief
While many clinics only offer regenerative treatments for peripheral (outer) joints, OC Regenerative and Pain Center provides highly specialized imaging-guided regenerative therapy for complex back and neck pain. As a specialized pain doctor, Dr. Mike performs advanced injections into the facet joints (the joints located along the back of the spine that help support movement and flexibility) and sacroiliac (SI) joints to help alleviate chronic spinal distress. If you are seeking nerve pain management therapies related to spinal compression, Dr. Mike can carefully evaluate your specific condition.
Hip Pain and Arthritis
Hip joint pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or sleeping through the night incredibly uncomfortable. For patients dealing with hip osteoarthritis, labral tears, or chronic joint inflammation, a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection may help support the hip joint and reduce pain. By delivering concentrated healing factors directly into the affected area, this treatment is designed to promote a healthier joint environment and improve mobility. For many patients, PRP can be a nonsurgical option to help manage symptoms more effectively and stay active with less discomfort.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Pain Management Doctor for PRP in Orange County?
The success of plasma platelet therapy is highly dependent on precision ”specifically, exactly where the biological material is placed. Unlike standard medspas or aesthetic clinics that may perform "blind injections" without imaging, your care is delivered exclusively by Dr. Mike.
As a board-certified, fellowship-trained physician, Dr. Mike possesses a deep understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy. To enhance procedural accuracy and safety, he uses advanced image guidance such as high-resolution ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray) for every procedure. This ensures the prp formula is delivered with pinpoint accuracy to the exact site of tissue damage.
Patients often ask how plasma rich therapy differs from stem cell therapy treatments. While both are types of regenerative medicine used to promote healing, they function differently. PRP uses your blood's platelets to release growth factors that signal your body to repair itself. Stem cell therapy uses cells (often taken from patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue which is the patient’s fat) that have the potential to develop into new, healthy tissue. Both are valuable tools, but Dr. Mike will help determine which non-surgical option is most appropriate for your specific injury during your clinical evaluation.
How it Compares: PRP vs. Stem Cell Therapy
The PRP Injection Process: Step-by-Step
We aim to make the PRP injections Newport Beach process as transparent and comfortable as possible.
(1) Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation: Dr. Mike conducts a detailed diagnostic evaluation, reviewing your medical history and imaging to ensure you are a viable candidate.
(2) The Simple Blood Draw: A small sample of your blood is drawn from your arm, much like a standard lab test.
(3) Advanced Centrifuge Processing: The blood is placed into a state-of-the-art, FDA-cleared centrifuge system that spins at high speeds to concentrate the healing platelets.
(4) Image-Guided Delivery: Dr. Mike uses advanced imaging technology to carefully guide the needle to the precise location of your pain.
Patients can typically return home the very same day with minimal downtime. Please note that treatment recommendations are individualized, regenerative therapies are not a substitute for standard medical care, and results may vary.
Patient Success Stories
Dustin Luvisa
“Dr. Mike is the best! I have seen many pain management doctors over the past 8-9 years and he is BY FAR the most capable and knowledgeable physician I have seen since I began PM. His care has allowed me to continue working, be active, and have an overall better quality of life. Thank you so much Dr. Mike, you are the best!."
Isaiah Granados
"I had a really good experience with Dr. Mike and his team. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made me feel comfortable from the start. I ended up doing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, and the whole process was smooth and professional. I’m already starting to feel improvement and would definitely recommend this office to anyone dealing with pain!"
Iris P
"I had a great experience at OC Regenerative and Pain Center. The staff is kind, professional, and efficient, and Dr. Mike really takes time to listen and explain treatment options. I’ve noticed a real improvement in my pain and feel well cared for. Highly recommend!"
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About PRP
The "Regenerate. Don't Medicate." Philosophy
Modern pain management shouldn't just mask symptoms with heavy opioids. It also shouldn't force you into invasive joint replacement surgeries before you are ready. Our practice is built on a simple yet powerful approach: "Regenerate. Don't Medicate."
This philosophy uses your body's own natural growth factors to support tissue healing. This offers a path to long-lasting relief from chronic pain. We focus on regenerative and non-surgical pain management options to address the root cause of your discomfort, rather than just dulling the pain. Please note: Patients should not stop any currently prescribed medications without consulting their treating physician first.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Injections
Is a rich plasma treatment painful?
Because it involves an injection, you may experience soreness or a dull ache at the injection site for a few days following the procedure. This is a normal part of the body's healing response.
Visit Our Newport Beach Clinic
Are you ready to explore a comprehensive chronic pain management plan? Contact OC Regenerative and Pain Center today to schedule your evaluation with our trusted pain doctor, Dr. Mike.