Commonly Asked Questions
What is platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP)?
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves the collection of the patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing of injured tendons, muscles, and joints. In this way, PRP injections harness a patient’s own healing system to repair musculoskeletal problems.
Will I have platelet rich plasma therapy?
At your first appointment, your doctor will recommend and discuss treatment options that are tailored to your unique needs. A recommendation may include Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. If so, the benefits and risks of this option will be discussed with you.
How do the injections work?
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy works to reduce pain in several ways:
- Release of growth factors that initiate the restoration of injured tissue and inhibit painful inflammatory processes.
- Support of the bodies healing processes through concentration of growth factors
PRP is not a ‘quick fix’ and is designed to be a long-term healing solution. Patients who follow a rehabilitation course or physical therapy are likely to see the most improvement in the affected area.
When may PRP help?
PRP may be suitable if you are diagnosed with any of the following conditions
- Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
What is involved?
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. A separation process extracts and concentrates your blood to produce PRP. The PRP is injected into the affected region under image guidance. The active substance is derived from your own body and is therefore well tolerated. You will need to cease anti-inflammatory medication 1 week before and after the procedure.
How often will I need the injections?
PRP therapy is delivered over two courses, a month apart. Depending on the area of treatment benefits can last at least 6 months. However, pain treatments are not curative and repeat injections can be given and may be offered to you depending on your treatment response.
Post Injection Care
- For the first 48 hours following your injection, gentle rest and activity is advised
- Following this you can gradually resume your normal activities
- A moderate amount of pain is expected in the first few days following the procedure. Simple pain relief such as paracetamol is recommended. Please avoid anti-inflammatories for 1 week after the procedure.
- The effects of PRP injections do not usually occur quickly, you may find that over the course of a few months, you make slow and steady improvement.
Risks and possible problems
Although uncommon, the risks include pain, temporary numbness or weakness from local anaesthetic for several days, infection, worsening of symptoms, blood clot, nerve injury, skin discolouration, calcification, scarring and allergic reaction.
Who to contact if I'm concerned
If the side effects continue or you are worried about your response, please contact our clinic immediately and our doctors will get in touch.
If the clinic is closed and you need more urgent medical advice, please present to the nearest Emergency Department.