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Melbourne PRP Injections for Joint Pain & Sports Injuries 

Doctors consulting at Australian Sports Doctors (ASD) are able to offer PRP injections. Sports GPs in Melbourne are dedicated to assessing and managing all musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries.

Doctors at ASD will carefully assess your condition and work with you to offer a comprehensive management plan.  They may also assess suitability for treatment with PRP injections (Platelet Rich Plasma) for joint pain or tendon injuries.   Not all 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. 

Common conditions our doctors may offer on-site evidence-based PRP injections for include:

  • Knee Pain – Osteoarthritis, Degenerative meniscal tear [1-3]
  • Elbow pain – Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow [4, 5]
  • Heel pain – Plantar fasciitis [6,7]

Other conditions with emerging evidence that may be suitable for PRP injections include:

  • Hip pain – Gluteal tendinopathy[7], Hip arthritis [9]
  • Shoulder pain – Rotator cuff tear or tendinopathy [10]
  • Ankle pain – Achilles tendinopathy [11-13]

In cases where PRP injections may not be suitable or not able to be performed on-site, ASD doctors may also refer you to our extended network of reputable specialists including orthopaedic surgeons, radiologist, pain specialists, and other physical therapists that they work closely with.

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 Injections

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 injections 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 injections, 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 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 work for everyone?

PRP injections 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.[14]

How is PRP injected and what are the risks?

A single syringe of your PRP is injected directly into the affected joint or tendon 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 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) 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 below or calling (03) 9455 1112. Appointments are available Monday-  Friday 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.

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 Terris

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. Tan, J., Chen, H., Zhao, L., & Huang, W. (2021). Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-analysis of 26 Randomized Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 37(1), 309–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2020.07.011
  2. 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.
  3. Southworth, T.M., et al., The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. J Knee Surg, 2019. 32(1): p. 37-45.
  4. Niemiec P, Szyluk K, Jarosz A, Iwanicki T, Balcerzyk A. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Achievement of Minimal Clinically Important Difference. Orthop J Sports Med. 2022;10(4):23259671221086920. Published 2022 Apr 8. doi:10.1177/23259671221086920
  5. 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.
  6. Hurley ET, Shimozono Y, Hannon CP, Smyth NA, Murawski CD, Kennedy JG. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroids for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020;8(4):2325967120915704. Published 2020 Apr 27. doi:10.1177/2325967120915704
  7. 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.
  8. 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. Boesen, A. P., Hansen, R., Boesen, M. I., Malliaras, P., & Langberg, H. (2017). Effect of High-Volume Injection, Platelet-Rich Plasma, and Sham Treatment in Chronic Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Double-Blinded Prospective Study. The American journal of sports medicine, 45(9), 2034–2043. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546517702862  

13.   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.