Platelet rich plasma


What is platelet rich plasma (PRP)?

PRP is a growth factor rich medium that is developed from your own blood. It is not synthetic. Research has shown PRP to be effective in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions.

Why consider PRP?

What is involved?

PRP involves up to 3 injections for tendinopathy and a total of 3 injections performed at 1-4 weekly intervals in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Blood is taken prior to injections for the generation of PRP. Patients are required to stop taking anti-inflammatory tablets one week prior to donating blood. Patients taking regular aspirin should continue to take this as prescribed by their general practitioner. Each procedure will take approximately 45 minutes.

Risks

Contra-indications

Whilst very safe, the use of PRP is not recommended in the following conditions:

Post injection instructions

  1. Pain flare - To improve the comfort of the procedure, local anaesthetic is infiltrated at site of the injection. Where possible a regional nerve block is performed. Some patients may experience a small flare of their pain after the local anaesthetic wears off. This can last between 12 - 72 hours. You may need to take simple analgesia (i.e. paracetamol) if you experience any discomfort post PRP therapy. You will be supplied with a script from your treating doctor for stronger analgesia/pain relief if required.
  2. Return to activity/work - Patients in low-moderate impact work roles may need up to 3 days off work due to potential discomfort. Higher impact jobs that require heavy lifting may need longer. It is advised that patients should not return to their regular work/activities until their pain has returned to their pre-injection level of comfort.
  3. Exercise/rehabilitation post-injection - It is advised that patients should re-commence their exercise/strengthening rehabilitation program (physiotherapy guided) when their pain returns to pre-injection baseline levels.

Evidence

Research has shown PRP to be effective in the treatment of achieving pain and functional improvement in mild to moderate osteoarthritis and also in the treatment of tendinopathy

Cost

Please contact the Lifecare clinic directly as costs may vary. PRP is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

Research articles

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