Generalised Tendinopathy

PRP treatment for tendinopathy is generally considered for individuals who have chronic tendon pain (typically lasting more than 3-6 months) that has not responded adequately to traditional conservative treatments. These often include rest, activity modification, specific rehabilitation exercises (like eccentric loading), physiotherapy, and sometimes other interventions. Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include physical examination specific to your painful tendons, to confirm the diagnosis of tendinopathy and rule out other underlying issues. PRP is usually explored as a non-surgical option when conventional approaches have not provided sufficient relief for your chronic tendon pain.

The procedure for a PRP injection for tendinopathy usually begins with a small amount of blood being drawn from your arm. This blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, creating the PRP solution. The concentrated PRP is then precisely injected directly into the affected tendon. This injection is almost always performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement within the diseased tendon. You might experience some mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the injection. After the procedure, it’s common to have some localised soreness, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site for a few days. Your doctor will provide specific post-injection instructions, which generally involve a period of reduced load or activity on the treated tendon, followed by a gradual and structured rehabilitation program. This rehabilitation is an important part of treatment. Improvement in symptoms often develops gradually over several weeks to many months

The number of PRP injections needed for tendinopathy can vary depending on the individual’s response, the specific tendon involved, and the chronicity/severity of the condition. While some patients may find relief with a single injection, many protocols suggest a course of 1 to 3 injections, often spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve optimal and more sustained results. Your treating doctor will advise on the most appropriate number of injections for your specific tendinopathy. In Australia, PRP treatments for tendinopathy are generally not covered by Medicare. This means the cost of the PRP procedure itself is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Similarly, most private health insurance funds in Australia currently do not provide rebates for PRP therapy for tendinopathy. It is always advisable to discuss the full costs involved and confirm any potential out-of-pocket expenses directly with your clinic and your private health fund prior to commencing treatment.