PRP Injection Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a relatively new treatment for Osteoarthritis of the knee, a wear and tear condition common to many Australians. Osteoarthritis can be complex and PRP can help reduce symptoms such as pain and inflammation, tenderness, stiffness, and flexion loss.

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma treatment requires your doctor to collect some of your blood, which is then spun to separate the bloods platelets and is then reinjected into the affected area as plasma.  

How does PRP work?

PRP stimulates the body’s natural healing into action, sending platelet cells to the damaged location to begin the healing process. The reinjected plasma liberates the body’s natural growth properties which control the cellular repair. 

How successful is PRP Treatment?

While there are no guarantees, PRP treatment has proven to reduce pain with studies having shown over 84% of patients gaining significant improvements in their symptoms over a period of 6 – 12 months. Initial improvement can take around 6 weeks and annual treatments can extend the benefits.

How many injections are needed?

Patients with Osteoarthritis of the knee joint need to be assessed for suitability to receive the treatment. Early to moderate symptoms are usually treated with two injections four weeks apart and three injections for more advanced cases. 

What are the risks?

As the patient’s own platelets are reinjected within 10 minutes of collection, the risk and side effects such as allergic reaction or rejection is low.

Is it painful?

For most patients the procedure is relatively painless.

Helping yourself

To improve the symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis it is recommended you keep a healthy diet and weight, undergo physiotherapy, and consider muscle strengthening programs.