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PRP for knee pain, acute and chronic pain

Doctors consulting at Australian Sports Doctors (ASD) are able to offer PRP for knee pain.  Sports GPs are dedicated to assessing and managing musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries.

Sports GPs will carefully assess your knee condition and work with you to offer a comprehensive management plan that may involve optimising an exercise or physical therapy program, and discussion about pain relief and/or dietary supplements.   

Doctors at ASD may also assess suitability for PRP injections for knee pain.  PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections may be used for acute or chronic knee pain.  

Common knee conditions our doctors may use PRP for knee include:

  • Knee Osteoarthritis.[1]
  • Meniscal tears where operative intervention is not suitable or desired.[2]
  • If you are experiencing knee symptoms and wish to delay knee surgery

Not all knee conditions may be suitable for injection and some circumstances require off-site radiology referral.  Booking a consultation cannot guarantee suitability for injection but is required to assess suitability.  Referral to a reputable orthopaedic specialist is sometimes required and can be promptly arranged by doctors at ASD if required.

ASD is open Monday – Fridays 9am to 5pm. Our after hours weekday and Saturday clinics run intermittently – subject to staff and practitioner availability.  Please call our staff on 9455 1112 to discuss after hours/weekend appointment bookings.  I-MED Radiology is located adjacent or on-site and allows for convenient access to imaging scans if needed.

Referral is not required but is preferred for some practitioners consulting at Australian Sports Doctors – please speak to our friendly reception staff for guidance.

Call Today (03) 9455 1112

prp for knee

About PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy

What is PRP and how is it collected?

PRP is the straw-coloured plasma component extracted from your own whole blood, containing a rich concentration of platelet cells with their associated anti-inflammatory and growth factor proteins – in amounts up to 2 times greater than usually found in whole blood.   Once 10-15mls of your blood is collected (a similar experience to having a routine blood test), a centrifuge is used to separate the red cells to the bottom of the enclosed syringe, leaving the plasma containing the concentrated platelets to be extracted from the top.   The PRP is then injected by your doctor into your knee joint or tendon whilst it is fresh.

How does PRP work?

PRP contains a high concentration of platelets that normally play an important role in forming scaffolding after tissue injury and initiating a healing response.  Studies demonstrate that following PRP injection, numerous platelet-associated growth and anti-inflammatory factors increase, and are associated with improved pain and function for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis.  Although PRP for knee pain has not been proven to regrow cartilage in living humans, there is good emerging evidence that it can improve symptoms in several joint and tendon related conditions, potentially for 1-2 years.[2]

Does PRP for knee pain work for everyone?

PRP for knee pain may not be suitable for everyone, but studies indicate that patients with early to moderate osteoarthritis, may have an appreciable improvement in knee pain and function at 3, 6 and 12 months.[2]   There is variation in results between response rates, the degree of arthritis, and the type of PRP protocol administered, but studies show positive symptom data out to 1-2 years, with some studies even showing that there is no further progression of arthritis on MRI.[12]

How is PRP injected and what are the risks?

A single 6ml syringe of your PRP is injected directly into the knee joint space by a doctor via a needle of similar size used for routine blood tests.  As with any injection, there is a small risk of bleeding or knee joint infection (said to be less than 1:100 in healthy people).  Every effort is made to reduce the risk of infection, using antiseptics and sterile technique.   A temporary flare of stiffness, pain and swelling may sometimes occur but generally responds well to paracetamol, relative rest and ice packs.  Improvement may be noticed within the first few weeks.

How much does PRP cost at ASD/AOSM?

Your initial consultation with ASD (to discuss your suitability for PRP for knee pain) is partly covered by Medicare, with a gap fee depending on the duration of the consultation and other issues discussed.  Medicare, Workcover and TAC generally do not provide patient rebates for the PRP injection fee.  A fee of $343 (incl GST) applies per injection. The majority of this cost is to cover the consumables and centrifuge required to collect PRP.   Click here for fees on our FAQs page

What can I expect after my treatment?

We ask that you have relative rest from exercising the area for 24-48 hours following injection.  Note also that we ask you to not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatories (eg. Nurofen, Voltaren) 7 days before and for 4 weeks after treatment as these medications may interfere with the platelet function and the effectiveness of the treatment.  You are able to return to daily activities and progress to exercises as prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist as symptoms improve over the week.

How do I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment by clicking the Book Online button on our Home page or by calling (03) 9455 1112.

ASD is open Monday – Fridays 9am to 5pm. Our after hours weekday and Saturday clinics run intermittently – subject to staff and practitioner availability.  Referral is not required but is preferred for some practitioners consulting at Australian Sports Doctors – please speak to our friendly reception staff for guidance.

 

Sports Doctors consulting at ASD

Doctors
Dr James Taylor

Quality medical care for all athletes and active people, with a personable approach tailored to your activity needs.  From prevention to rehab, and from diagnosis to health – to achieve your full potential

  • Sports GP doctor, founding co-director of Australian Sports Doctors
  • MBBS 1996 (Melbourne University)
  • Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine 2020 (Melbourne University)
  • LLB 2001 (Melbourne University)
  • FRACGP 2008
  • Fellow of and previous Quality Assurance Examiner for the RACGP (Royal Australian College of GPs)
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound training via Zedu
  • Member Sports Medicine Australia (SMA)
  • Has worked in the Ivanhoe/Heidelberg region since 2009
  • Surgical assistant to surgeons associated with Australian Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic (AOSM), Warringal Private Hospital and Epworth Private Hospital
  • Previous accredited presenter for SMA Sports Trainer’s and Concussion Courses
Doctors
Dr Tracy Shang

Personalised and thorough medical care for all ages and abilities – an evidence-based, holistic approach focused on improving function and performance 

  • Sports GP doctor, founding co-director of Australian Sports Doctors
  • MBBS (Hons) 2005 (Monash University)
  • Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine 2020 (Melbourne University)
  • Dip Child Health 2009 (Westmead)
  • FRACGP 2010 
  • Fellow and Examiner for the RACGP (Royal Australian College of GPs)
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound training via Zedu
  • Member Sports Medicine Australia (SMA)
  • Worked in the Ivanhoe/Heidelberg regions since 2008
  • Surgical assistant to surgeons associated with Australian Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic (AOSM) and Warringal Private Hospital
  • Previous accredited presenter for SMA Sports Trainer’s and Concussion Courses
A Terris crop flip
Dr Alex Terrs

GP with Sports and Musculoskeletal interest, current club doctor for Casey Demons VFLW (2022).  Wide experience working abroad (London, Auckland), Emergency Medicine, General Practice on the Melbourne Peninsula, and former club doctor for The Northern Knights (Preston)

  • MBBS (Lon) 1997
  • MRCGP (Lon) 2002
  • Postgrad diploma in Sports Medicine (Auck) 2006
  • FRNZGP (2007) (NZ)
  • FRACGP ad eundum (2008)
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound training via Zedu
  • Previous club doctor Casey Demons VFLW 
  • Previously worked with club doctors for Essendon Football Club
  • Previous Northern Knights club doctor, TAC cup
  • Working in Mornington Peninsula region for past decade
Doctors
Dr Daniel Geilings

Dual skillset qualifications as GP with Sports Medicine interest, as well as Physiotherapist.  Club Doctor for Western Bulldogs AFLW 2017- 2022.  Passionate about and experienced in treating musculoskeletal and sporting presentations in the general community, hospital and sporting club settings.    

  • MD (Melbourne University) 2015
  • B Physio (La Trobe University) 2009
  • FRACGP 2021
  • Advanced Dry Needling 2019
  • ACEM Emergency Medicine Certificate 2018
  • Spinal Physiotherapy Level One 2010
  • Sports Physiotherapy Level One 2011
  • Club doctor for Western Bulldogs AFLW 2017- 2022

References

  1. Dai, W.L., et al., Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy, 2017. 33(3): p. 659-670.e1.
  2. Southworth, T.M., et al., The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. J Knee Surg, 2019. 32(1): p. 37-45.
  3. Miller, L.E., et al., Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections for symptomatic tendinopathy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised injection-controlled trials. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2017. 3(1): p. e000237.
  4. Chiew, S.K., T.S. Ramasamy, and F. Amini, Effectiveness and relevant factors of platelet-rich plasma treatment in managing plantar fasciitis: A systematic review. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2016. 21: p. 38-38.
  5. Ling, Y. and S. Wang, Effects of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine, 2018. 97(37): p. e12110-e12110.
  6. Fitzpatrick, J., et al., Leucocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment of Gluteus Medius and Minimus Tendinopathy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial With 2-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med, 2019. 47(5): p. 1130-1137.

 

7.   Zhao, Z., J.X. Ma, and X.L. Ma, Different Intra-articular Injections as Therapy for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Arthroscopy, 2020.

8.   Cai, Y.Z., C. Zhang, and X.J. Lin, Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 2015. 24(12): p. 1852-9.

9.   Wang, Y., et al., Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections for treating Achilles tendonitis : Systematic review of high-quality randomized controlled trials. Orthopade, 2019. 48(9): p.    784-791.

10.  Filardo, G., et al., Platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of refractory Achilles tendinopathy: results at 4 years. Blood Transfus, 2014. 12(4): p. 533-40.

11.   Guelfi, M., et al., Long-term beneficial effects of platelet-rich plasma for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, 2015. 21: p. 178-81.

12.   Halpern, B., et al., Clinical and MRI outcomes after platelet-rich plasma treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Clin J Sport Med, 2013. 23(3): p. 238-9.