PRP Therapy La Mesa

February 24, 2026
PRP Therapy La Mesa
Insights

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood to support tissue healing and repair. Instead of introducing foreign substances, PRP concentrates the naturally occurring platelets and growth factors already present in your bloodstream, then places them precisely where your body needs extra support.

Within regenerative and integrative medicine, PRP is often used as a bridge between conservative care and more invasive options. It can be considered when someone wants to explore natural, non-surgical therapies to support joint comfort, tissue healing, scalp and hair health, or skin rejuvenation—while still respecting the bigger picture of their health.

Dr. Wafaa Matti is a California-licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor with advanced training and experience in regenerative medicine, orthopedics, and natural aesthetics. She blends evidence-informed procedures like PRP with naturopathic principles, looking at hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing—not just the area being injected.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Definition of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Your blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma (the liquid portion). Platelets are tiny cell fragments best known for helping your blood clot—but they also carry powerful growth factors that signal your tissues to repair and regenerate.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is created by taking a small sample of your blood and processing it so that the platelets and growth factors are concentrated into a smaller volume of plasma. When this concentrated solution is returned to specific areas—such as a joint, the scalp, or the skin—it may help support your body’s natural repair processes.

How PRP Is Prepared

At Dr. Matti’s Encinitas office, PRP is prepared using a straightforward, in-office process:

  1. Simple blood draw
    • A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to routine lab testing.
  2. Centrifugation to concentrate platelets
    • The blood sample is placed into a specialized centrifuge, a device that spins the blood at high speed.
    • Spinning separates the components of your blood based on density, allowing the platelet-rich layer to be isolated.
  3. Preparation of PRP for treatment
    • The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is carefully collected.
    • Depending on the treatment plan, the PRP is then prepared for precise injection (for joints or scalp) or used during microneedling (for facial rejuvenation and scar support).

How PRP Works in the Body

PRP works by delivering a higher-than-usual concentration of growth factors directly to the target tissues:

  • These growth factors act as signals, telling nearby cells that it’s time to repair and remodel tissue.
  • In joints and soft tissues, this may support the body’s own efforts to maintain cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
  • In the skin, PRP can encourage collagen production, which is important for firmness, elasticity, and overall texture.
  • On the scalp, PRP may support the hair follicle environment, helping promote thickness and quality of existing hair.

Conditions PRP Therapy May Help Address

PRP for Joints & Orthopedic Concerns

In the context of musculoskeletal and orthopedic care, PRP may be used as part of an integrative plan for certain conditions, such as:

  • Mild to moderate osteoarthritis (for example, knee osteoarthritis)
    • PRP may help support joint lubrication, comfort, and function in some patients.
  • Tendon and ligament strain
    • Conditions like “tennis elbow,” chronic sprains, or overuse injuries may sometimes be considered for PRP when appropriate.
  • Support after certain musculoskeletal injuries
    • PRP can be one of several tools used alongside physical therapy, targeted exercises, and other modalities to support healthy tissue recovery.

Dr. Matti evaluates not only the painful joint or injury, but also factors such as posture, movement patterns, inflammation, hormones, and nutritional status. If PRP is not the right fit, she will discuss alternative options, including referrals to other specialists when needed.

PRP for Hair Thinning & Scalp Health

PRP has become a popular option for people seeking a more natural approach to early hair thinning and scalp health. It may be considered for:

  • Early androgenic hair thinning in both men and women, when follicles are still present but producing thinner hairs.
  • Diffuse hair shedding or thinning related to factors such as stress, hormonal shifts, or aging.

During a scalp PRP treatment:

  • PRP is injected with fine needles into targeted areas of the scalp.
  • The growth factors in PRP may help support hair follicles, improve the local environment, and encourage thicker, healthier hair growth over time.
  • Results are gradual and vary from person to person. A series of treatments is often recommended, followed by periodic maintenance sessions.

Because hair thinning can involve many underlying causes, Dr. Matti also looks at hormones, iron and nutrient status, thyroid health, stress, and overall lifestyle. PRP is usually one piece of a broader, individualized plan rather than a stand-alone solution.

What to Expect: PRP Therapy Step by Step

Initial Naturopathic Consultation

Your PRP journey begins with a comprehensive naturopathic visit, not an automatic procedure. At this appointment, Dr. Matti will:

  • Take a detailed history
    • Current symptoms and concerns (joint pain, hair thinning, scars, etc.).
    • Past and current medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, cardiovascular issues, or clotting disorders.
    • Full medication and supplement list, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs.
    • Past treatments (injections, surgeries, topical therapies, physical therapy, etc.).
  • Review imaging or lab work, if available
    • X-rays, MRIs, or previous test results can help clarify the status of joints or soft tissues.
    • Additional labs may be ordered to better understand inflammation, hormone status, or other relevant factors.
  • Discuss goals and expectations
    • What you hope to change or improve.
    • Realistic timelines and the degree of improvement that may be possible.
    • Whether PRP is appropriate for your specific situation—or whether another therapy, or a referral, would be a better next step.

If you are a good candidate for PRP, Dr. Matti will explain your personalized treatment plan, including number of sessions, approximate costs, and any recommended supportive therapies.

Preparation Before Your PRP Visit

Once PRP is scheduled, you’ll receive clear preparation instructions. These may include:

  • Hydration and nutrition
    • Staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment can make the blood draw more comfortable.
    • Eating a balanced meal beforehand (unless instructed otherwise) to help you feel steady during the procedure.
  • Medications and supplements
    • Certain medications—especially blood thinners or high-dose anti-inflammatory drugs—can affect clotting or platelet function.
    • Any changes to these medications must be coordinated with your prescribing provider; you should never stop or change a medication without medical guidance.
  • Scalp preparation
    • Instructions on washing your hair, avoiding hair products, and arriving with a clean scalp.

Your exact instructions will be tailored to the type of PRP procedure you’re having and your overall health status.

Day of the PRP Procedure

When you arrive for your PRP appointment at the Encinitas office serving La Mesa and East County:

  1. Check-in and consent
    • You’ll review the procedure details, potential risks, and expected course.
    • Informed consent is obtained, and last-minute questions are addressed.
  2. Blood draw and centrifugation
    • A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm.
    • The sample is placed into a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma.
    • While the centrifuge runs, you can relax in the treatment room.
  3. Injection or microneedling process
    • For joint or tendon PRP: the PRP is injected into the targeted area, sometimes guided by anatomical landmarks or other techniques as indicated.
    • For scalp PRP: fine needles deliver PRP to specific regions of thinning.
    • Comfort measures, such as topical anesthetic or cooling, may be used when appropriate to minimize discomfort.

Most visits take between 60–90 minutes, depending on the area treated and the complexity of your case.

Aftercare & Recovery

After your PRP procedure, you’ll receive written and verbal aftercare instructions. These commonly include:

  • What you may feel
    • Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising at injection sites or treated areas.
    • Temporary tightness or warmth in the skin or joint.
  • Short-term activity and product restrictions
    • Avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and very hot showers for a short period.
    • Limiting intense exercise or high-impact activities in the first 24–72 hours, especially for joint PRP.
    • Avoiding certain skincare or hair products (like harsh acids, retinoids, or strong chemicals) until the skin or scalp has calmed.
  • When to contact the office
    • If you experience severe pain, progressive swelling, spreading redness, fever, or any symptoms that feel unusual for you, you’ll be instructed to contact the clinic promptly for guidance.

Most people return to normal daily tasks relatively quickly, with some short-term adjustments based on the area treated.

Begin Your PRP Healing Journey with Dr. Wafaa Matti

Taking the next step toward healing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re in La Mesa, East County, or the greater San Diego area and are curious whether PRP therapy could be part of your integrative treatment plan, Dr. Wafaa Matti and her team are here to guide you thoughtfully and safely.

Rather than automatically recommending procedures, Dr. Matti begins with a comprehensive naturopathic consultation. During this visit, she takes time to understand your health history, current concerns, medications, and goals. From there, she will discuss whether PRP may be appropriate for you—or whether a different approach, or a referral, would better support your long-term health.

Every recommendation is individualized. PRP is not suggested for every patient, and no treatment is guaranteed. The focus is always on what best serves your overall wellbeing, in alignment with naturopathic principles and evidence-informed care.

Contact Dr. Wafaa Matti

📍 Location (by appointment only):
Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

📞 Phone: 760-274-2377
📧 Email: clinic@drwafaamatti.com
🌐 Website: https://drwafaamatti.com

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