Dr. Benjamin DuBois, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialist, has announced the implementation of an advanced ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy program at his La Mesa practice. The protocol uses in-office musculoskeletal ultrasound technology to deliver blood platelets directly to damaged shoulder tissues, catering to a rising demand for non-surgical orthobiologic options in Greater San Diego.
With over 5,000 successful shoulder procedures performed, Dr. DuBois addresses a critical turning point for individuals suffering from chronic shoulder conditions. Unlike many orthopedic practices that rely on "blind" anatomical landmarks for injections, Dr. DuBois uses his experience as a national physician-educator in musculoskeletal ultrasound to guide regenerative treatments in real time. This ensures concentrated growth factors are deposited precisely into partial rotator cuff tears, the subacromial bursa, or the glenohumeral joint space rather than surrounding healthy tissue.
"Many patients are surprised to learn that surgery isn't always the mandatory first step for painful shoulder injuries," said Dr. Benjamin DuBois. "By utilizing advanced, high-resolution ultrasound guidance, we aim to pinpoint the microscopic areas of damage and inject a concentrated dose of the patient’s own natural healing factors. This minimally invasive approach has the potential to provide significant pain relief, help restore mobility, and may safely delay or altogether eliminate the need for traditional shoulder replacement or open rotator cuff surgery for qualifying patients."
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy works by spinning a small sample of the patient's own blood in a specialized centrifuge to isolate and concentrate platelets, which are rich in natural growth proteins. When reintroduced to the injured shoulder under real-time ultrasound monitoring, these growth factors support the body's natural cellular repair mechanisms.
The expanded PRP protocol is tailored for active adults, athletes, and seniors in the San Diego region dealing with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, chronic shoulder bursitis and tendinitis, mild-to-moderate shoulder osteoarthritis and cartilage wear, and biceps tendinopathy. By establishing an in-office orthobiologic care pathway, Dr. DuBois offers a non-surgical alternative designed for minimal downtime compared to invasive operations. Patients can typically return to light daily activities shortly after the procedure, depending on their individual response to treatment.
This development is significant because it provides patients with a non-surgical option that may delay or eliminate the need for shoulder replacement or rotator cuff surgery, addressing the growing preference for minimally invasive treatments. For more information about the evidence-based approach, visit https://sandiegoshoulderdoc.com/platelet-rich-plasma-prp-injections/.
