Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly used in orthopaedic clinics across Australia to support healing in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. But not everyone will respond to PRP the same way. So how do you know if you’re a good candidate for PRP therapy?
This guide will help you understand whether orthopaedic PRP may be appropriate for your condition, what factors influence its effectiveness, and how your doctor will evaluate your suitability.
What Is PRP Therapy Used For?
Orthopaedic PRP involves taking a small sample of your own blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it back into the area of injury. The goal is to enhance your body’s natural healing mechanisms using a high dose of your own growth factors.
PRP treatment is commonly used for:
- Joint degeneration, including PRP for knee pain, hip pain, and PRP for osteoarthritis
- Chronic tendon pain, such as PRP for Achilles tendinopathy and PRP for tennis elbow
- Ligament injuries, including PRP for ligament tears and mild sprains
- Soft tissue strain, such as PRP for muscle strain or rotator cuff injury
- Rehabilitation support, including PRP for plantar fasciitis and shoulder tendonitis PRP
If you’ve tried traditional treatments such as rest, bracing, physiotherapy, or cortisone injections with limited success, PRP may be worth exploring.
Factors That Make You a Good Candidate for PRP
You may be a suitable candidate for PRP therapy if you:
- Have a mild to moderate soft tissue or joint condition that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment
- Want to try regenerative medicine Australia options before considering surgery
- Are generally healthy and not taking medications that interfere with blood clotting
- Are not currently pregnant or actively managing a major infection or illness
- Have realistic expectations about the treatment goals and understand PRP is not an overnight fix
A medical assessment will help determine the appropriateness of PRP injections for your specific diagnosis. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may also be used to better understand the extent of the injury.
When PRP May Not Be Recommended
PRP therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It may not be recommended if:
- You have a severe degenerative condition, such as end-stage arthritis with major structural damage
- You have an active infection or systemic illness
- You’re taking medications that significantly interfere with platelet function
- You’re anaemic or have a low baseline platelet count
- You’re unable or unwilling to follow post-injection care instructions
In these cases, your doctor may recommend other treatment approaches, or a combination plan that includes physiotherapy or alternative therapies.
