PRP Injections – Platelet Rich Plasma

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma(more commonly known as PRP) therapy is an innovative treatment which involves accelerating the body’s natural ability to repair itself using plasma collected from your blood.

Blood contains plasma, platelets, red & white blood cells. Platelets are small discoid cells with a life span of about 7-10 days. Within these platelets there are granules which contain clotting and growth factors. During the healing process, the platelets are activated and aggregate together. They then release the granules which contain growth factors which stimulate the inflammatory cascade and healing process.

Blood typically contains 6% platelets whereas PRP has a significantly increased supra-physiological platelet concentration. This level can vary depending onthe method of extraction and equipment. Studies have shown that clinical benefit can be obtained if the PRP used has an increased platelet concentration of four times (4x) greater than normal blood.

What can be treated with PRP?

• Osteoarthritis– knees & hips
• Degenerative knee condition
• Muscle & tendon tears
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Eyedrops – refractory dry eye syndrome
• Micro-needling

What are the benefits?

• Improved function and mobility
• Promote stable and long standing results
• No risk of disease transmission or allergic reactions
• May help to delay or avoid surgery

How is PRP processed?

At our Capel clinic, we are able to process the PRP from blood taken from you in-house on the day of your procedure. We collect at least 4 vials of blood to process and extract the PRP through a series of centrifugal and separation processes.

What to expect:

Initial consult

15 minute consultation with Dr Lee to discuss your condition, PRP and if it will be a suitable treatment for you. If everyone is happy with going ahead with the procedure, you will be advised to book a PRP appointment with Dr Lee at our Capel clinic with the receptionist.

On the day

We advise that you have a shower and wear clean clothes on the morning of your procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

If you are unwell on the day of your procedure, please contact the clinic by 9:00am and we can advise if we need to reschedule.

You will need to be at the clinic by 8:55am (or other time advised when booking) for the first part of your procedure.

This will involve drawing at least 4 vials of blood from your vein.

Once your blood has been collected, you can leave and come back a few hours later as directed by Dr Lee.

When you return, we will prepare your PRP to be administered into your affected part of the body.

After your PRP injection and recovery time

• Gentle activity and rest is advised for the first 48 hours following your PRP injection.
• Following this, you can resume your normal activities and commence rehabilitation exercises as directed.
• A moderate amount of discomfort is expected in the first 2-5 days following the procedure.
• Simple pain relief medications such as paracetamol is recommended in this period.
• If you are concerned about your pain during the post procedure period, please contact us.

The effects of PRP injections do not usually occur quickly but you may find that over the course of a few months, you make steady progress and improvements.

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