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Prolotherapy-Questions

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) has been on the news lately due to the use of this therapy on athletes. However this therapy has been available for patients with joint pain for the past several years. This non surgical procedure is very famous among professional athletes due to the simplicity of the treatment and fast recovery. The PRP procedure is performed at a doctor’s office and requires no time down or general anesthetic. 30 ml of blood is drawn from the patient, same as a regular blood draw. This blood is then centrifuged at 3,500 rpm for 10 minutes. This therapy requires a specific centrifuge that can spin at this speed. Some other offices use a regular centrifuge which will not concentrate the platelets, making the treatment less effective. The use of a low power centrifuge creates platelet poor plasma which has very limited healing cofactors. The next step is to separate the platelets, the serum and the white blood cells. This is done by hand and is a tedious process. The solution is then mixed with some preservative free procaine 1% to be made ready for injection. The joint is then injected with this solution using a sterile technique. The whole treatment takes less than an hour and the patient returns to their normal activities in a day or two.

what is prp
I have been a patient of Dr. Ramon for over three years, I have had the Prolo procedure done on both knees, elbow, and shoulders. Through the years of abuse and just injuries sustained by training as a fighter, my body has been through the mill, after the prolo procedure my injuries were gone, and the pain was gone
  • ~ Shannon "The Cannon" Ritch
I came to see Doctor Ramon after I heard devastating news that I needed a full knee replacement at the age of 36. After undergoing treatment with Dr. Esquerdo, I have continued running and completed countless half-marathons, triathlons, and the Tour de Scottsdale. Thank you Doctor, for helping me strengthen my knee and for looking at the big picture to keep me healthy
  • ~ S Parsons
I’ve had a total of 7 operations on different areas of my body. In 2009 doctors determined I had nerve damage in my lower back, I went through a series of 4 epidurals with no improvement. As the pain intensified, I was not ready for another operation, especially near my spine. Getting through the day required at least 8 to 12 pain pills a day. Realizing I would not get better this way I went to see Dr. Ramon Esquerdo for help. He began my pain management immediately and I eventually received stem cell prolotherapy on my lower back. After 3+ years of intense pain I finally began to feel restored.
  • ~ D Lewis

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy


Dr. Ramon Esquerdo
Phone: (480) 292-1110



* Your information is kept private and never used without your expressed permission.

What exactly is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is blood plasma with concentrated platelets and multiple growth factors. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors and signaling proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration.  These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing in tissues such as meniscus (knee) and rotator cuff tissue, bone and articular cartilage regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels, and stimulate the wound healing process.

How does it work?

The PRP sends a signal to the body reserve and the body sends in stem cells to repair the area of injury. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a treatment option for various orthopedic injuries and conditions, which have traditionally required surgery or other extensive treatments. PRP injections are being utilized in Orthopedics with increasing frequency and effectiveness.

What type of inuries does it help?

 Injuries currently being treated with the PRP therapy are arthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle and other joints. PRP also is utilized for soft tissue injuries such as tendonitis, muscle sprains and tears, and various types of ligament injuries. These include common tendon injuries such as tennis and golfers’ elbow, Achilles tendonitis and knee tendonitis. PRP is also used to treat various injuries and conditions affecting (joint) injuries. These include rotator cuff and meniscus injuries.

How is it done?

PRP is a very simple and effective procedure; a small amount of blood is taken from the patient’s arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and separates the platelets form the rest of the blood components. Using the patient’s own blood, specially prepared platelets are taken and re-injected into the affected area. These platelets release special growth factors that lead to tissue healing. By using the concentrated platelets, we increase the growth factors up to eight times which promotes temporary relief and stops inflammation. PRP injections actually heal the area over a period of time. This can be anywhere from one to three months.

How many treatments will I need?

Although every case is different, most of my patients need one treatment. In more severe injuries the need for additional treatments is evaluated in 3 months.

What kind of equipment do you use?

Different facilities vary on their equipment. We use a highly advance centrifuge that concentrates the platelets and serum, creating platelet rich plasma. Although separation of plasma could be accomplish by using a regular centrifuge the concentration of platelets would not be accomplished by a regular centrifuge. That’s why our treatments are more successful and less amount of treatment is needed.

About Dr. Esquerdo

Dr_Esquerdo Dr. Esquerdo has dedicated his career to patients. It is his primary goal to avoid surgery if possible. He also focuses on the complete body and understands that sometimes medications are needed in some cases. His career accomplishments are many. Dr. Esquerdo managed a regular medical office for 4 years, treating the patients with regular medications, he then proceeded to return to his passion of natural healing. That experience makes him aware of multiple disciplinary medical treatments and complementary therapies.

Ramon Esquerdo, N.M.D., B.S. - graduated from SCNM in 2004. Dr. Esquerdo has been practicing alternative treatments since then. His own athletic injuries have made him to look into alternative treatment for his joints. He is a believer of the ability of the body to heal itself if given the proper conditions. Dr. Esquerdo has been practicing prolotherapy for over 9 years, with great success rate.

“It is sad that many patients come to see me too late, due to the lack of knowledge that they have alternatives to surgery. It is my mission to advocate for the patient and to be a pioneer in alternative treatments for pain.”

-Ramon Esquerdo, N.M.D