Considering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for an orthopaedic injury can bring many questions, especially regarding the procedure itself. Understanding what to expect during a PRP injection can help alleviate any anxieties and ensure you are well-prepared for your treatment. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from your arrival at our clinic in Australia to what happens immediately after the injection.
Step 1: Arrival and pre-procedure consultation
On the day of your PRP injection, you will be greeted by our friendly team. Before the procedure begins, you will have a final consultation with your orthopaedic doctor. This is an opportunity to review your medical history, discuss the specific area being treated, and address any last-minute questions or concerns you might have. Your doctor will confirm the treatment plan and ensure you are comfortable and informed about the process ahead. This pre-procedure discussion is crucial for confirming that PRP remains the most appropriate treatment for your condition and for setting realistic expectations for the outcome.
Step 2: Blood collection
The first practical step of a PRP injection involves drawing a small amount of your blood. This is a very similar process to a standard blood test you might have at a pathology clinic. A healthcare professional will typically draw blood from a vein in your arm, usually a volume of about 30-60 millilitres, depending on the area being treated and the required concentration of platelets. The procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing only a brief moment of discomfort, similar to any routine blood draw. The collected blood is then immediately prepared for the next stage.
Step 3: Platelet concentration (centrifugation)
Once the blood sample is collected, it is placed into a specialized centrifuge machine. This device spins the blood at a high speed, a process that separates its components based on their density. During centrifugation, the red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma are separated, allowing the platelet-rich plasma to be isolated. The process is precise and carefully monitored to ensure the optimal concentration of platelets is achieved. This step is critical as it yields the concentrated growth factors necessary for stimulating the body’s healing response. The entire centrifugation process typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Preparing the injection site
Before the injection, the skin around the targeted orthopaedic injury will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimise the risk of infection. Your doctor may also apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring your comfort during the injection. The anaesthetic can be administered as a topical cream or a small injection, depending on the location and depth of the target area. This preparation step is vital for patient comfort and safety.
Step 5: The PRP injection
With the PRP prepared and the site numbed, your doctor will carefully inject the concentrated platelet-rich plasma directly into the injured tissue or joint. The precision of this injection is paramount for effective treatment. In many cases, especially for deeper structures or joints, ultrasound guidance may be used to ensure accurate placement of the PRP. Ultrasound allows your doctor to visualise the needle in real-time on a screen, ensuring the PRP is delivered precisely to the area of damage. You might feel some pressure or a dull ache during the injection, even with local anaesthetic, but it should not be overly painful. The injection itself is generally quick, lasting only a few minutes.
Step 6: Post-injection care and immediate aftermath
Immediately after the PRP injection, a small bandage will be applied to the injection site. You will typically be observed for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. It’s common to experience some mild soreness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site in the hours and days following the procedure. These are normal responses as the body begins its healing process. You will be provided with specific post-injection instructions, which often include advice on activity levels, pain management (avoiding certain types of pain relief that can inhibit healing), and follow-up appointments.
Understanding what to expect during a PRP injection can help you feel more confident about this regenerative treatment option. If you have further questions or wish to explore if PRP is right for your orthopaedic condition, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us.
