We are very fortunate to have Dr Nicci Drew practicing PRP in our clinic.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets.

As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains (and releases through degranulation) several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue.

The efficacy of certain growth factors in healing various injuries and the concentrations of these growth factors found within PRP are the theoretical basis for the use of PRP in tissue repair. The platelets collected in PRP are activated by the addition of thrombin and calcium chloride, which induces the release of the mentioned factors from alpha granules. The growth factors and other cytokines present in PRP include:

• platelet-derived growth factor beta

• transforming growth factor beta

• fibroblast growth factor

• insulin-like growth factor 1

• insulin-like growth factor 2

• vascular endothelial growth factor

• epidermal growth factor

• Interleukin 8

• keratinocyte growth factor

• connective tissue growth factor

The procedure takes about 30 minutes depending on treatment area, this is an outpatient procedure, and is undertaken by the GP.

Prior to the procedure, the doctor will ask you some questions about your condition and general health.  Active skin infections at the the injection site or platelet disorders are contra-indications.

Pricing

PLEASE NOTE: All patients need to be assessed for suitability for PRP procedure by treating Dr, pricing below are for reference only and can vary from treatment to treatment.
There may be costs associated with consultations prior to treatment also.

• Musculoskeletal – Knee, Joints etc
  $385 – 2 areas $650

Please bring any x-rays and scans you have of your condition. 

There is no need to fast prior, in fact it is best if you drink lots of water before arriving. Wear loose clothing to allow easy access to the knees or tendon injury site is recommended.

PRP Injection Procedure

The procedure involves drawing blood from your arm which is placed into a special tube containing a separating gel, just a like a regular blood test.

The tube is then spun in a centrifuge and the PRP is separated from the red blood cells by the gel.

The PRP layer is then collected into a syringe for injection.

The area to be injected is first numbed with local anesthetic, then the PRP is injected into the area of concern.

Effectiveness of PRP

PRP injections for joint osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are variable in there effectiveness. Some studies suggest that when PRP is injected into an arthritic knee, patients can expect improved pain and function for 6 – 12 months. Some studies also suggest 80% of patients experience significantly reduced pain & stiffness, with improved function for 6-12 months. Hence if you suffer moderate pain, it will reduce to mild, mild to none and severe to moderate. The less severe the osteoarthritis, the longer the effect. Some patients will still have reduced pain for up to 2 years.

A second injection is usually recommended about 4 weeks later, with top-up injections depending on symptoms at 6, 12 or 24 months. The second injection is recommended to lengthen the period of pain relief. There is some evidence that PRP helps the new cartilage formation significantly.

The use and clinical validation of PRP is still in the early stages, but clinical experience has shown that 70 – 80% of patients will feel an improvement after 1 injection.

While scientific evidence is mounting on a regular basis as to the benefits of PRP over other injectable options, it is not a miracle cure. Not all patients respond, and the effect fades with time. PRP injection will work best in conjunction with other treatments such as physiotherapy.

Aftercare

After the injections, strenuous exercise is best avoided for 24 hours, as is excessive alcohol.
As the PRP injection activates the immune system there can be significant pain for the following week after injection, so plan to have pain relief available and time off work if required.

Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours.

The benefits of the PRP should be noticed about 4-8 weeks after the first injection.

As the PRP injection activates the immune system there can be significant pain for the following week after injection, so plan to have pain relief available and time off work if required.

Side Effects

Common adverse effects can include pain for 24-48 hours or swelling & bruising at either injection site, and occasionally this can last a week or more. Apply ice for few hours after if you experience pain at the injection site. To avoid skin “cold burn”, wrap the ice in a towel to avoid direct skin contact and use for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.

Uncommon or rare adverse effects include dizziness, nausea or feeling generally unwell.

Severe complications, such as infection are very rare. If you suffer worsening knee pain and swelling after 48 hours post-injection, please seek medical advice urgently. Pain, swelling or skin redness in the first 48 hours post injection is very rarely an infection, and usually due to post-injection inflammation.

While these side effects are uncommon, it’s best to plan a more flexible work schedule in the few days after the injection in case you do suffer some pain or swelling for a few days.

Avoid suddenly increasing your activity as your knee starts to feel better, rather slowly increase activity over a few weeks.