PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP)

What is PRP?

Our blood is made up of 93% red blood cells, 6% white blood cells, 1% platelets and plasma. Platelets are best known for their function of blood-clotting to stop bleeding. Platelets, however, are much more significant than this, as human platelets are also a critical component in injury healing.

PRP for musculoskeletal conditions

Platelet-rich plasma, commonly referred to as PRP, is an autologous blood derivative- it is human blood that is spun down and separated, producing a concentration of platelets above normal values. Platelets are the clotting cells of our blood, but they also have great potential in enhancing healing of muscle, tendon and ligaments. Studies suggest that growth factors released by platelets recruit reparative cells, augmenting tissue repair and accelerating soft tissue healing.

PRP doctors in Melbourne

The Surecell team is made up of the most experienced PRP doctors in Melbourne and across Australia, helping thousands of people overcome pain and loss of function due to musculoskeletal injuries and osteoarthritis. Read more about the benefits reported by our patients in our research data.

What does the process of PRP involve?

After assessing you, a nurse will take your blood (like a standard blood test), which will be spun in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma component.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is activated under a light. Then the PRP is injected directly into the site of injury. The process will take around 45 to one hour.
Local anaesthetic is injected 15-20 minutes before or at the same time with PRP injection depending on the injury.

How does PRP work?

The growth factors and platelets in the plasma promote cells to multiply and form new tissue, accelerating and enhancing the healing process.

PRP contains a much higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. This means that higher concentrations of growth factors are being released into the injured area.

When compared to cortisone injections, PRP injections hold better results and last much longer. While the effects of cortisone are rapid, they are often followed by a decline in condition. PRP shows slower but greater long-term improvement and less injury recurrence.

What can be treated with PRP?

Osteoarthritis
Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries (including tennis or golfer’s elbow)
Degenerative knee conditions
Bursitis
Cosmetic (hair, face)
Rotator cuff
Gynaecological conditions

Preparing for your PRP appointment

Read the pre-treatment information email and watch our videos. For optimal results, we recommend arriving in a fasted state and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Before your appointment, please spend 10-15 minutes on our exercise bikes to prepare your body. Additionally, enhance your treatment by using the hyperbaric chamber available at our Malvern PRP Clinic. We also suggest avoiding smoking, if possible, and maintaining a healthy diet leading up to your visit.

After your PRP treatment

Following the first PRP treatment, you will be provided with exercises and advice specific to your injury/problem area. We suggest undergoing a rehabilitation program designed by one of our exercise physiologists or your regular therapist. This can be organised through any of our clinics.

Improvement will be a gradual process over the days to weeks following your treatment.

PRP treatment frequency

Frequency and number of treatments will depend on how severe the condition is. For chronic joint injuries such as osteoarthritis, we recommend a course of three sessions, one week apart, followed by annual top up sessions.

For soft tissue injuries such as tendon tears, treatment involves three injections, two weeks apart. For the treatment of burns or scars, treatment frequency will depend on severity.

Please note

As PRP is taken from your own blood, there are no risks of disease transmission or allergic reactions.

Sometimes PRP may aggravate the inflammatory response, causing a temporary increase in pain and swelling of the injured area. There may also be a local pressure effect from the injection of the fluid. These effects should subside within a few hours to days. If pain is severe, contact the doctor.

Surecell PRP tubes are now available for purchase.

For further information on our services such as the cost of PRP injections, please read our FAQ below. Alternatively, feel free to contact Surecell Australia on (03) 9822 9996 or email us at info@surecell.com and we will ensure a staff member will assist with your query.

Enquire now

How many injections will I need?

Frequency and number of treatments will depend on how severe the condition is. For chronic joint injuries such as osteoarthritis, we recommend a course of three sessions, one week apart, followed by annual top up sessions. For soft tissue injuries such as tendon tears, treatment involves three injections, two weeks apart. For the treatment of burns or scars, treatment frequency will depend on severity.
When will I see improvements after my treatment?
What should I do after getting PRP injections?

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How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for PRP?

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Are PRP injections painful?

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How long is the procedure for PRP?

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How long does the effect from PRP last?

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What are the costs of the various PRP treatments?

To find out the cost of the PRP treatments you are interested in, call 03 9822 9996 or email info@surecell.com and one of our staff members will get back to you.
What is the difference between PRP and stem cells?

PRP contains natural growth factors and vital proteins that can help heal injured areas of soft tissue. PRP is used to treat conditions that often have the ability to heal themselves but may require a “jumpstart”, whereas stem cells are used in cases of more advanced conditions such as degenerative arthritis, bony defects, and in cases of spinal disc degeneration.
Are there any side effects of PRP injections?

After PRP is taken from your own blood, there are no risks of disease transmission or allergic reactions. Sometimes PRP may aggravate the inflammatory response, causing a temporary increase in pain and swelling of the injured area. There may also be a local pressure effect from the injection of the fluid. These effects should subside within a few hours to days. If pain is severe, contact the doctor.