Expert Sports Injury
Care in San Diego

An injury can sideline an athlete for weeks and even for an entire season. For athletes and active individuals looking to recover faster or avoid surgical options, orthobiologic injections offer a way to accelerate treatment and get you back in the game. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments work exceptionally well for stubborn tendon or joint pain, which is great news since nearly 8.6 million sports- or recreation-related injuries occur every year. 

Continue reading to learn more about orthobiologic treatments, the differences between PRP and BMAC, and where to find the best sports medicine doctor in San Diego for non-surgical sports injury treatment. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Sports Injuries

A PRP injection starts with a simple blood draw from your own veins. The blood is then spun at high speed, concentrating the platelets into a small volume of plasma. That platelet-rich layer is what is injected into the injury. Platelets then release growth factors that signal the body’s repair process. 

In sports medicine, PRP is best known for stubborn problems that keep hanging on, like stretched tendons, persistent joint pain, and nagging muscle strains that flare when you run, lift, or cut sideways. Most people feel slight pressure during the injection. Afterward, many describe it as feeling like the day after a hard workout. 

BMAC Injection for Sports Injuries

A bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection is a two-part visit that begins with collecting a small amount of bone marrow, typically from the back of your pelvis near your hip. This procedure is quick and painless with local anesthesia numbing the area. The marrow is then processed to concentrate the most useful components before the concentrate is injected into the injured area. BMAC is generally recommended for injuries that have been slow to heal or for joints and tissues that require more powerful help.

Sports Injuries That Can Be Healed with Orthobiologics 

PRP and BMAC are both great for sports injuries that keep nagging even after traditional rest and rehabilitation protocols. PRP is most commonly used to reduce inflammation and for mild-to-moderate soft-tissue problems and early joint irritation, especially tendon issues such as tennis elbow or chronic tendonitis. 

BMAC is often recommended when there’s a more complex joint or cartilage injury, including cartilage defects and osteoarthritis-type wear in active people. Deciding on the right treatment takes seeing the best sports medicine doctor in San Diego for a comprehensive evaluation and imaging. 

Common sports injuries that respond well to orthobiologics include: 

• Joint and soft tissue injuries that need pain relief
• Damaged tissue that is causing pain and swelling after a surgical procedure 
• Muscle injuries 

How Long Does it Take for a Sports Injury to Heal After PRP or BMAC Treatment?

It’s important to remember that PRP is not an instant fix. It gradually takes weeks for the tissue to calm and rebuild. Most people notice meaningful changes in how the area feels and moves somewhere around six to 12 weeks, with continued improvement over the next few months. 

BMAC also takes time. Most people start to feel progress within a few weeks, with gains building over the next one to two months and sometimes longer, depending on the injury and how much tissue needs to recover. Many people can return to desk work quickly, but returning to sports typically follows a personalized plan based on the body part treated, the severity of the injury, and your rehab consistency. Working with a physical therapist can help your treatment be more effective. 

Finding the Best Sports Medicine Doctor in San Diego for PRP and BMAC Treatments

The hardest part of a sports injury isn’t always the pain; it’s the moment you realize you can’t move the way you’re used to. Dr. Samagh focuses on getting to the root of your injury with thorough exams and return-to-play plans built around your lifestyle and training needs.

We take the time to connect the dots between your symptoms, your mechanics, and your goals, so your recovery is purposeful instead of based on one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Patients across Encinitas, Leucadia, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Torrey Pines, and across North County San Diego choose Dr. Samagh for a detail-focused approach and treatment options that support healing and long-term performance in mind. 

Ready for the best sports medicine doctor in San Diego to support your healing process and help you return to your favorite sports and activities faster?