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HELP CENTER

Get Informed

WHAT IS PRP?

   Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is a type of Regenerative Injection Therapy that is used to treat many soft tissue injuries (tendons and ligaments), and also symptoms from arthritis.

ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY MEDICARE OR MY INSURANCE?

   No.  Unfortunately, Medicare has no item number for this treatment, so the cost is 100% out of pocket.
   Please call our friendly staff for a quote, or click here for our fees.

DO I REQUIRE A REFERRAL?

   No.  Strictly speaking, you do not require a referral from your doctor if you already have a diagnosis by them.
   Patients requiring PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis do not require a referral.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

1 week before your appointment:

  • If you are taking blood thinners, please discuss with your regular doctor whether it is suitable to stop taking them.  If approved by your doctor, stop taking them 7 days before your appointment.

Blood thinners include: Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Piax Plus Aspirin, Prasugrel, Plidogrel, Plavix

  • Stop taking anti-inflammatory medication 2 days before your appointment.  Anti-inflammatories include: Ibuprofen, Advil, Nurofen, Voltaren, Diclofenac, Mobic, Meloxicam, Maxigesic, Nuromol, Celecoxib, Celebrex

On the day of your appointment:

  • Make sure you are well hydrated. Please drink at least one litre of water prior to your appointment

  • 30 minutes prior to your appointment please take 2 Panadol if you are not allergic and there is no contraindication.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • Bring your referral if you have one.  

  • Please also bring any images and reports related to your condition.

  • Bring a person that can drive you home if we are injecting a body part that may interfere with safe driving.

WHAT IS YOUR NEW PATIENT PROCEDURE?

Your first treatment will take approximately 45 minutes where we will have a conversation and a thorough medical history, including an explanation of the aim of the procedure and what to expect.

   

Subsequent treatments will take 20 to 30 minutes.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Week 1: Nothing.  There is usually no change in symptoms for the first 7 to 10 days.  

Some people may feel warmth in the knee, swelling or a sedation of fullness in the knee, and in some cases an increase in pain.  All these symptoms should last up to 48 hours.

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Week 2 to 3: Stiffness, sleep disturbance and pain should begin to improve.

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Week 3: symptoms should continue improving.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

What to Do:

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  • Rest the Area: Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours after the injection. Avoid lunge and squatting exercises for 6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. John.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support your body’s healing process.

  • Resume Gradual Activity: After the initial rest period, gradually resume normal activities as directed by Dr. John.

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What to Avoid:

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  • Avoid Icing the Site: Ice can reduce the inflammation necessary for healing.

  • Avoid NSAIDs: Do not use non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac) for one week before and after the injection. These medications can interfere with the healing process.

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT YOU?

Mild discomfort, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site is normal and should resolve within a few days.

 

However, please contact our office if you experience any of the following:

 

  • Severe or worsening pain.

  • Signs of infection (redness, warmth, or drainage at the site).

  • Persistent swelling or discomfort lasting more than one week.

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