This treatment involves the collection of your blood (approximately 12 ml) which is then spun down using a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and platelet portion using the ‘separator gel’ as a special filter. The PRP portion of your blood is then injected back into the injury. The product injected is 100% your own blood by-product (autologous). Sometimes this may be mixed with hyaluronic acid, particularly for osteoarthritis as this often works synergistically with the PRP.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask your physician.
Before the injection
If you have any type of blood disorder please inform the doctor undertaking the procedure. In particular, if you have anaemia, low platelet count, are taking any form of aspirin, or have had a recent illness let us know.
You should not take any aspirin for at least 2 weeks before the procedure (preferably longer) and until 2 weeks after the procedure. You should avoid other anti-inflammatories from one week prior and one week after the injection.
Please have a driver with you as resting the site is critical for the first hour post injection.
You should not have PRP treatment done if you have any of the following conditions:
- systemic cancer
- chemotherapy
- steroid therapy
- blood disorders and platelet abnormalities
- some anticoagulation therapies
If you are unsure about any of the above mentioned conditions, please ask us.
The injection itself is similar to a cortisone injection. We do not give local anaesthetic into the affected part, as this will interfere with the PRP. We may give local anaesthetic nearby depending on the body part as this often reduces the discomfort of the procedure.
You will rest for 10 minutes immediately and we advise resting for the remainder of the day.
You should avoid aspirin from two (but preferably four) weeks prior and avoid anti-inflammatories for 5 days prior.
After the injection
- You may have a temporary increase in symptoms that can be managed by ice, rest, and paracetamol.
- You should rest the tendon or joint for several days followed by gradual activity.
- You should see a physiotherapist regarding an isometric strengthening program for the affected part starting 10-14 days after the final injection (in a series).
- A second injection is usually recommended at the 3-4 week interval, and occasionally a third.
GMI currently uses a Regenlab system for extracting the PRP from your blood.
Possible side effects
You may experience mild swelling of the treated area, this will last for about 8–24 hours. You may notice a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated. In very rare cases infection may occur, which may require treatment with an antibiotic.