PRP Injection Therapy

Cost & Item Codes – Our fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis. Please book an initial consultation to discuss this further.

PRP therapy is not currently covered by Medicare or private health funds in Australia.

Scans – Please bring your previous scans. All injections are performed under ultrasound guidance.

Telehealth – We may be able to offer an initial telehealth appointment if you live a distance away. Phone one of our friendly staff to see if this is possible for you. We may ask you to email some photos of your toes prior to your appointment.

Do I need treatment? – Although your doctor may recommend PRP injection therapy, it is your decision if you go ahead or not.  Before undergoing a PRP injection, please consider the following:

• Results vary: PRP may take 2–6 weeks (or more) to show benefit, and not all patients respond equally
• Multiple injections: Some conditions may require more than one injection for optimal effect
• Post-injection flare: Temporary soreness or increased pain for 24–72 hours is common — this is part of the inflammatory healing process
• Activity modification: You may need to modify physical activity for several days post-injection
• Rehabilitation is key: For many tendon or joint conditions, PRP is most effective when combined with an appropriate rehabilitation plan

Duration – The procedure typically takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Anaesthesia – Local anaesthetic may be used if needed.

Medications – Can I take other medications along with the injection?

Most prescription medications (e.g. for blood pressure, diabetes) can be continued as usual but some medications can reduce the effectiveness.  Avoid Anti-inflammatory drugs such as – Ibuprofen (Nurofen), Naproxen, Diclofenac, & Celecoxib. These should be avoided for 7 days before and after the injection.

Smoking – Smoking can negatively impact the quality of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by reducing platelet concentration and altering white blood cell levels, which may impair its regenerative potential. For optimal healing and treatment outcomes, patients are strongly advised to stop smoking at least a few days before and after the PRP injection. However, a longer cessation period—ideally four weeks or more—may offer significantly greater benefits.

Is PRP Safe? – Yes. PRP is considered very safe because it uses your own blood, minimising the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission. Complications are rare but may include temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site.

PRP injection is not suitable for:

• Patients with blood disorders
• Active infection in the areas of injury
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Those on anticoagulation (unless managed)

Fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding: PRP is derived from your own blood and contains no medications or foreign substances, so the risk of systemic side effects is minimal. However, due to limited data on PRP use during pregnancy:

• PRP is generally avoided during pregnancy as a precaution unless clinically necessary
• It may be used cautiously during breastfeeding, but only after discussion with your treating specialist
• There is no known effect on fertility, as PRP does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts

Please let us know if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

How long does it take to work?

• Most patients notice gradual improvement in symptoms over 2–6 weeks.
• Some may benefit from a series of injections, depending on the condition and response. You may benefit from 1-3 treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart.
• Peak benefits are usually observed between 6–12 weeks.
• Continued improvement may occur over several months with guided rehabilitation.

While generally considered safe, PRP injections carry certain risks, including:

• Pain, bruising, or swelling at the injection site
• Temporary increase in symptoms due to post-injection inflammation
• Infection (rare due to autologous and sterile nature of the procedure)
• Nerve or blood vessel injury (extremely rare)
• No guarantee of success or lasting improvement

Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) should be avoided for at least 7 days post-injection as they may interfere with healing.

Post Injection Care:

To maximise the effectiveness and minimise complications, please follow these post-care guidelines.

Following your PRP injection, most patients experience a gradual return to comfort and function as the regenerative effects begin to take hold. While individual responses may vary depending on the condition treated and overall health status, a general recovery pathway includes the following stages:

Immediately After the Injection

First 24-72 hours

Mild swelling, warmth, or soreness at the injection site is common and typically resolves within 24–72 hours.

You may feel a dull ache or “tightness” in the area for a few days. This is a normal part of the post-injection inflammatory response, which is necessary for healing.

• Rest the treated area as much as possible. Limit high-impact activities or prolonged standing.
• Applying ice packs (wrapped in a towel) to reduce discomfort. Use for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours as needed.
• Elevating the foot can help reduce initial discomfort.
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen for at least 7 days, as they can interfere with the platelet-driven healing cascade.
• Paracetamol may be used if pain relief is needed.

Driving – If you received the injection in your driving foot, avoid driving if you feel unsteady or impaired. If you’re experiencing discomfort or numbness, arrange for someone to drive you home and avoid long drives for 1-5 days.

Return to Work – You can return to work immediately after the injection

Low impact exercise – You may resume light activities and walking within 24–48 hours if comfortable

High impact exercise – We recommend avoiding high-impact or strenuous exercise during this early phase. Avoid running, jumping, gym work, or long-distance walking for at least 5–7 days or until advised.

Wound Care:

• Keep the injection site clean and dry for 12–24 hours
• You may shower the next day, but avoid soaking the area in a bath or pool for 48 hours
• If you notice excessive redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, contact the clinic promptly

When to Contact Us:

Please contact us immediately if you experience:

• Signs of infection (fever, chills, spreading redness)
• Increasing pain not relieved by paracetamol
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight after 72 hours
• Any concerns about your recovery

Week 1–2: Regeneration Begins

• You may notice reduced pain and stiffness or an increase in mobility during this period.
• The healing process is biological, not mechanical, so improvements are often subtle at first.
• Any post-injection flare typically subsides within 7 days.

Week 2-4: 

We recommend scheduling a review within 2–4 weeks to assess your response and plan any further treatment or rehabilitation.

Week 2–6: Progressive Improvement

• Most patients report meaningful symptom relief between 2 to 6 weeks, with improvements in pain, walking tolerance, and function.
• Depending on the diagnosis (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy), some may regain ability to resume low-impact exercise or longer walks.
• At this stage, the goal is not just pain reduction but tissue repair and biomechanical reconditioning.

A targeted rehabilitation plan may be provided, often including:

• Stretching or strengthening exercises
• Gait retraining
• Orthotic or footwear modifications
• Return-to-activity progression

Repeat Injections (if needed)

For some chronic or severe conditions, a series of 2–3 PRP injections spaced 4–6 weeks apart may be recommended to optimise outcomes.

What Improvement to Expect

Clinical studies and patient feedback suggest that PRP injections may lead to:

• Reduced chronic pain (especially in plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and mild arthritis)
• Improved local tissue quality on imaging (e.g., tendon thickening or reduced tear size)
• Enhanced shock absorption and function
• Better long-term outcomes than corticosteroid injections for some chronic soft tissue conditions

While outcomes vary, our patients commonly report an overall improvement in function and quality of life — with many able to return to activities they had previously avoided.