What are Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)?
PRP injections are a non-surgical treatment used in the treatment of tendon injuries and arthritic joints. PRP is plasma with increased concentrations of platelets without red cells.
This treatment involves the injection of a small volume of your plasma into the site of the arthritis or injury.
PRP contains numerous concentrated growth and healing factors which promote repair of cartilage, synovium, bone and muscle.
Collect blood
Separate the platelets
Extract platelet
rich plasma
Inject area
with PRP
PRP Treatment
Effectively, PRP creates a “good bruise” with high quantities of healing factors, and low quantities
of inflammatory products (found in red blood cells and some white blood cells).
The positive effects of PRP may take weeks to be noticed, but improvement can continue for up to 12 months post treatment.
Treatment differs depending on the purpose.
Arthritis: 3 injections each a week apart
Tendons, muscles, ligaments: up to 3 injections, each 2 weeks apart
PRP treatments can be repeated after 6-12 months.
Before your appointment:
We recommend you fast for 4 hours prior to blood withdrawal in order to reduce the fat content of your plasma (small amounts of water or non fatty foods are acceptable).
Please AVOID anti-inflammatory tablets (NSAID) including aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac, two days prior and during the treatment period as they may counteract the action of the growth factors. Low dose aspirin for heart conditions is OK.
Post Procedure:
Rest the treated part for 24 hours post injection. You may drive and go back to office-type work straight away. Intermittent icepacks over the injected area for 20 minutes up to every 2hrs for the first 1-2days is recommended for best results.
Avoid strenuous activity to the affected area. Only light activities are encouraged for the first week. Take paracetamol, codeine or tramadol for post injection discomfort if needed. A wrist immobilisation splint should be worn for the first week at least, after tennis or golfers elbow PRP injections.
Exercise Suggestions
Everyone is different with regard to rehab and exercise post PRP. As a rule of thumb please be sensible.
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You may use ice packs for 1-2 days at the site of injection.
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Take panadol or panadeine for pain. For moderate pain codeine and tramadol may also be used (no anti-inflammatories).
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No actual exercise for 1-2 days post injection (normal walking on flat even surface is ok).
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Do not do anything that causes pain.
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Do not do anything that increases pain.
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Around day 2-3 start gentle exercises
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For the hips, knees and legs cycling exercise such as 20-30mins low resistance “spinning”.
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For tennis and golfers elbow, gentle eccentric strengthening exercises are suggested, along with a velcro wrist immobilising brace to wear most of the time between PRP appointments.
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Swimming is generally suitable apart from shoulder PRP treatments.
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1-2 weeks after your final PRP, gradually increase the level of exercise to reach normal exercise levels at about 2 months.
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Cycling, rowing and swimming are three great exercises to build muscles and cardiovascular fitness without grinding and damaging your joints.