Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)

What is PRP?

Human blood contains a number of different types of cells. The three main types are; red blood cells which carry oxygen in the blood, white blood cells- fight infections and platelets- aid in blood clotting and promoting the healing process. PRP concentrates the platelets within small volumes of plasma. The platelets contain growth factors which when injected into the chronic injury site released which promote healing. This is the basis of PRP therapy.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With PRP?

PRP can be injected into:

  • Tennis elbow (common extensor tendinosis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinosis)
  • Achilles tendinosis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Knee osteoarthritis

How is PRP Different to Cortisone Injections?

PRP works differently to cortisone injections. Cortisone injections are essentially anti-inflammatory, they work by reducing information on the site of injury, reducing pain and discomfort until the body can take over and heal itself. PRP is a new treatment, the basis of the treatment it aimed at stimulating the body to heal itself. The results from PRP injections, therefore, tend to take longer to become apparent but often are considerable longer lasting. It needs to be stated as a new treatment PRP is still being intensively studied and its proper place in the medical treatment is yet to be fully established.

We recommend PRP is a second line treatment where other treatments have not succeeded or the result is too short lived.

Cost

Unfortunately, there are no Medicare rebates for this procedure, and it requires specialised equipment and skills. However,  Victoria Point Surgery is able to offer an extremely cost-effective solution. As a guide patients are likely to be out of pocket approximately $200 for the procedure (rather than thousands of dollars).

This service is offered by:

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