Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a relatively new treatment for muscular and skeletal injuries. It utilises part of the body’s natural inflammatory process to accelerate and enhance healing. PRP is an autologous blood derivative, meaning that it is a component of blood from the same patient that it is used to treat. Dr Peter Lewis one of the most experienced PRP doctors in Melbourne. He has just returned from lecturing on PRP at the ARP Medical Conference in the USA.

Procedure

A nurse will take your blood (like a normal blood test), which will then be spun in a centrifuge, a machine which separates the blood into its various components. The bottom layer contains most of the red blood cells), while the top layer is mostly plasma and platelets. This top layer is the platelet rich plasma (PRP).

The top layer is taken out, and the rest discarded. The PRP is then activated under a light. Light activation of PRP has been shown to significantly reduce an aggravation of pain often experienced after the procedure. This whole process takes about 30 minutes.

The skin over the injury is washed, and then the PRP is injected directly into the area. The doctor may also inject some local anaesthetic into the region.

How It Works

Platelets in the blood are an integral part of forming clots, which stop bleeding. However they have another vital role in healing. They contain chemicals called growth factors, which have been shown to cause cells to multiply and form new tissue.

PRP contains a much higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. This means that higher concentrations of growth factors are being released into the injured area, which accelerates and enhances healing.

When compared to cortisone injections, PRP shows better results over a longer period of time. While the effects of cortisone are rapid, they are often followed by a decline in condition. PRP, however, shows slower but greater long term improvements and less injury recurrence.

What Can Be Treated With PRP

• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative knee conditions
• Muscle tears
• Ligament and tendon injuries (including tennis or golfer’s elbow)
  • Bursitis

Dr Lewis will assess your injury and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for PRP treatment.

Before PRP Treatment

You should eat and drink healthily before PRP treatment. Avoid fatty foods, coffee and alcohol. Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg cortisone, nurofen, celebrex) should not be taken for 2 - 3 days before andafter the treatment. Hyperbaric Therapy is suggested before therapy to increase the number of stem cells in the blood. Please contact reception if you would like to make an appointment.

After PRP Treatment

Following the PRP treatment, you should rest, and avoid running. After a knee procedure, you should minimize walking. Don’t expect an immediate result, improvement is gradual over a week or so. At the completion of treatment, an exercise rehabilitation program should be started. This can be arranged at reception with an exercise physiologist.

Risks

As PRP is taken from your own blood, there are no risks of disease transmission or allergic reactions. It is completely natural.

Sometimes PRP may aggravate the inflammatory response, causing temporarily increased pain, and swelling in the area, and there can be a local pressure effect from the injection of fluid.

Cost

PRP costs about $200 per session. The usual course of treatment for knees involves three treatments, one week apart. Other injuries may only require one treatment.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 

Latest treatment technology IS HERE just down the road at Malvern Health and Fitness! They are located at 1291 Malvern Rd. Malvern.

You can access this treatment simply by calling the Malvern Health and Fitness staff on 9822-7951 and making an appointment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy creates an environment, under pressure, where cells can be more receptive to repair and recovery. It raises the levels of oxygen in the body’s blood plasma, and increased oxygen in the plasma leads to higher amounts of oxygen being delivered to the body’s tissues, organs and brain. With increased blood plasma oxygen levels in your body there is an increase of oxygen in the body’s tissues and muscle fibres, especially in regions of injury and swelling. Decreased inflammation increases the recovery rate allowing functional mechanisms to be effectively re-recruited and allowing you to regain optimal performance quickly.

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes relaxation, stimulates the body’s healing processes, increases stamina and endurance and also helps the body to return to a state of balance and wellbeing.

Professional athletes as well as occasional athletes from a broad spectrum of sports have adopted mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a regular part of their training. Many physicians now recommend mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy for their surgical patients to speed healing and reduce scarring, and for treatment of other conditions including diabetes. Celebrities and people from all walks of life use mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy to take advantage of the host of benefits that it may provide, including:

* Increased energy and endurance

* Improved concentration and cognitive abilities

* Decreased stress and better sleeping

* Effective treatment for digestive disorders and headaches

* Faster recovery from frequent flying or long flights

* Reduced feelings of depression, anger, or sadness

* Relief from aching, swollen joints and muscles

* An overall feeling of healthy rejuvenation

* Time out of your busy day to recharge and simply be

Malvern Health and Fitness have an introductory special on at the moment and appointment spaces are filling fast. 1 hour treatments are only $50 while a 3 visit pass is only $130. CALL NOW on 9822-7951!

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