Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

• Both steroid and hyaluronic acid help patients to deal with joint pain and are a reasonable choice for many patients.
• Steroid injections reduce inflammation but do not promote healing and unlike PRP, they are not regenerative
• Hyaluronic acid helps to lubricate joints but is a temporary solution and not as effective as PRP.

1 Month Prior To PRP:

• Avoid steroid injections into the joint

One Week Prior to PRP:

• Stop all herbal treatments and supplements
• At least five days before your procedure, discontinue anti-inflammatory medications

A Few Days Prior To PRP:

• Stay hydrated with water and/or isotonic fluid
• Eat well

• When you arrive you will speak to an experienced doctor who will speak to you about your condition and your symptoms.
  • This is a very important step as we want to ensure that PRP is the correct treatment for the individual and provide other advice if required.
• A member of staff will take a few vials of blood
• The doctor will spin the blood in a centrifuge and then extract the PRP
• The same doctor will inject the PRP
• You can leave soon after the procedure

The First 24-72 Hours After Receiving PRP Treatment:

• Expect mild pain/discomfort as the procedure stimulates the healing process which includes the inflammatory stage
• Stay well hydrated and eat healthily
• Move but avoid vigorous exercise
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid ice and heat therapy (including very hot baths)

The First 3-4 Weeks After Receiving PRP Treatment:

• Avoid anti-inflammatory or anticoagulant herbs, supplements, or vitamins for 21 days after the procedure
• Avoid or minimise the use of Anti-inflammatory medications for at least 4 weeks post-procedure

• Patients will notice an improvement within 4-6 weeks and the treatment should continue to promote healing for 6-9 months
• Studies suggest 2-3 injections 4-6 weeks apart, provide a better response than a single dose.
• Some patients with severe disease, may require 4 doses.

• As this is the patient’s own substance with nothing else added, PRP is unlikely to cause major adverse effects. The healing process requires some inflammation patients may get some soreness, swelling or bruising around the area that has been injected.
• All injections carry the risk of bleeding, infection, infection and nerve damage and the PRP injection is no different but far safer than a steroid injection.

Let Us Know Before You Arrive If:

• You are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy such as Aspirin or Clopidogrel. If you are taking Warfarin then we will need to know the date and result of your most recent INR.
• You have any issues with giving blood or having injections

Speak To Your GP Or Specialist Prior To Having PRP Treatment If:

• You are using any Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, (e.g. Methotrexate), immunosuppressant (e.g. chemotherapy), or biologic therapy, (e.g. Humira)