Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) treatment
in Bexhill

First a clinician draws blood from your body, spins it at high speed in a centrifuge which separates the components of the blood and allows extraction of concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Then the doctor can re-inject the PRP from the blood he has drawn into the painful joint or soft tissue area guided by an ultrasound machine which gives a clear image, showing the exact location where the PRP injection will be of most benefit.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections contain growth factors which promote the regeneration of new cells to speed the body's natural healing process. These growth factors are effective in helping to repair tissue in many areas of the body including:

• the hip, knee, ankle, foot and toes
• the shoulder, elbow, hand, thumb and fingers
• the spine and neck

The procedure generally lasts around 30 minutes.

PRP treatments have been used for around 25 years and there is significant clinical evidence to show it can be used for a wide range of painful conditions from sports injuries to osteoarthritis.

• Torn muscles
• Painful joints
• Tendinopathy
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Golfers elbow/tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff tear in the shoulder
• Knee injuries
• Achilles Injuries

PRP injections can be used for arthritis in any of the joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle.

Doctors can use PRP treatment to treat back pain.

It is important to rest and take care of yourself after PRP injections. Your doctor will discuss what is best in your particular circumstances but generally you should avoid strenuous activities for a few days after treatment. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week.

There are some steps you can take to aid your recovery from PRP treatment:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
• As much as possible avoid putting weight on the joint where you have had the injection.
• Do not use ibuprofen, aspiring or any other anti-inflammatory drugs as they can affect the PRP therapy. If needed, you may use paracetamol for pain relief.
• Avoid driving until safe to do so as advised by your doctor.

It may take 4-6 weeks to see the full benefit of the healing of PRP injections. If you have any concerns about your recovery, please speak to your medical health care professional.

Platelet-rich plasma is generally very well tolerated by patients because it uses the patient's own cells to help with the healing process. Side effects tend to be limited, though some patients may experience pain or stiffness for the first 24-48 hours or local pain around the site of the PRP injection.

Each patient's circumstances and procedure may be different. Our doctors will advise you on how many PRP injections you will need, depending on the nature and location of the condition.

Typically, where a course of injections is required, PRP injections are given at weekly intervals to give maximum benefits.

The cost of your treatment will depend on the nature of your injury. Some injuries will require multiple PRP injections over the course of a few weeks. Individual injections start at £350. To get a clearer indication of the cost of your treatment please call us on 020 7458 4607.