Details.
PRP is prepared from a sample of the patient's blood and injected under ultrasound guidance into a painful joint or tendon. It may suit people with osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and other degenerative joint or soft tissue conditions. The appointment includes a clinician consultation and screening, blood collection, preparation of the PRP using a centrifuge, ultrasound assessment and guided injection, followed by 20 minutes of observation. Patients are advised to stay well hydrated, avoid NSAIDs for 1 week before and 4 weeks after treatment, rest for 5 to 7 days after the injection and avoid strenuous exercise for the first 5 days. Treatment is typically offered as a programme of 3 injections, usually 2 weeks apart.