Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma (the liquid portion of the blood) and platelets (a type of blood cell that helps heal the body). Platelets are known for their clotting abilities and they contain growth factors that trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing. 

Platelet-rich plasma is, simply put, blood that contains more platelets than normal.

The clinicians will take the blood sample from the patient and place it into a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.

Your doctor may use ultrasound to help guide the injection during your treatment.

Tendon, Ligament, Muscle, and Joint Injuries

A range of musculoskeletal injuries can be treated with these PRP injections, including chronic tendon injuries (i.e. tennis elbow, jumper’s knee) which can often take a long time to heal. These injections can help stimulate the healing process, decrease pain, and enable the patient to return to activities sooner.

Post-Surgical Healing

These PRP injections can be used to heal muscles, tendons, and ligaments post-surgery, decreasing the long recovery times.

Osteoarthritis

Studies have shown that these injections can help treat osteoarthritis pain and stiffness by modulating the joint environment and reducing inflammation.

An injection is a low-risk procedure and does not usually cause any major side effects. You may experience some soreness and bruising at the injection site.

Your Sport Medicine doctor will discuss the risks and side effects with you before your treatment.

The PRP procedure is scheduled as a 30-minute appointment. 

Patients seeking a PRP injection should schedule a sport medicine consultation to ensure they are a candidate for this treatment. 

PRP injections are not covered by OHIP. Patients are often covered through their extended healthcare plans. This should be verified before booking your appointment.

No, you do not need a referral to get PRP injections at the Adelaide Health Clinic.

Yes! Our sport medicine doctors are happy to welcome new patients. Please call our reception or click here to book an appointment.