WHAT ARE POTENTIAL BENEFITS FROM PRP TREATMENT? Patients can expect to see significant improvement in symptoms; elimination of the need for more traditional treatments such as medications, cortisone injections or surgery; and a dramatic return of function. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS? Although uncommon, the risks include those signs/symptoms associated with an injection including pain, infection, no relief of symptoms, worsening of symptoms, blood clot and nerve injury. Dr Law will discuss these with you prior to treatment.

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WHAT IF PRP DOESN'T HELP? Unfortunately, no procedure cures every patient. If you have not had a significant improvement, please consult your doctor to reassess your condition. You may benefit from a different sort of injection, rehabilitation program or surgery.

PRP Injections

CONTACT US Global Health Plus RSPCA Building 3/6 Napier Close Deakin ACT 2600

Phone: (02) 6260 5757 www.globalhealthplus.net

What you need to know about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections.

It's our aim to get you back to your best!PREPARATION You will be scheduled for an evaluation to determine if PRP is a viable treatment option. An MRI may be suggested prior to the treatment to ensure a proper diagnosis and that there is not a major tear in the tendon that might best be teated surgically. The PRP injection usually takes 30 minutes (do not take any inflammatories one week prior to the injection as this will limit the treatment benefits).

PROCEDURE About 10ml of blood is taken from a vein just like any blood test. A centrifuge is then used to remove the red blood cells and obtain plasma with 10 times the normal concentration of platelets and growth factors. The skin is then cleaned with antiseptic and a fine needle is inserted into the abnormal area using ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. Local anaesthetic may also be used.

IS PRP RIGHT FOR ME? You should consider PRP t r e a t m e n t i f y o u h a v e l i g a m e n t i t i s , b u r s i t i s o r osteoarthritis; and, whereby conservative treatment such as anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and bracing have not provided symptomatic relief. For most patients PRP offers a solid, alternative treatment for those who do not wish to have surgery. An initial evaluation will determine if PRP is a viable treatment option or you.

HOW DOES A PRP PROCEDURE WORK? Using your own blood, specially prepared platelets are taken and then re-injected into the tendon of the affected area.

These platelets release substances known as "growth factors" that lead to tissue healing. For example, when you cut yourself, the body's natural response is to attract platelets that release growth factors and facilitate healing. By concentrating these platelets we increase the growth factors which promotes the healing of damaged tissues. While other treatments such as corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief and stop inflammation, PRP injections actually heal the tissues over a period of time. The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself and by re-injecting concentrated platelets we are supporting the healing process.

Some swelling or discomfort is common in the first few days because this injection works by activating "good" inflammation to promote the healing process. You may benefit from an icepack or paracetamol but avoid any anti-inflammatory medication as it may reduce effectiveness. After one week, you will likely begin a rehabilitation program with physical therapy.

WILL I REQUIRE FURTHER INJECTIONS? If your symptoms have resolved then no further injections are required. Your clinician may recommend ongoing rehabilitation. If your pain is unchanged or only partly improved after 4 weeks, we recommend a second injection. This is quite often needed and a third injection occasionally. It depends on the types of pathology and areas for treatment. Dr Law will discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you.