PRP Administration to Joints and Tendons

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. PRP is prepared by taking a small sample of the patient’s blood and processing it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, PRP is utilised to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament sprains.

How Does PRP Treat Joints and Tendons?

At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, PRP is utilised to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament sprains. The fundamental principle behind PRP therapy lies in its ability to harness the body’s natural healing processes. By concentrating platelets—key components in blood that contain growth factors and proteins essential for tissue repair and regeneration—PRP injections stimulate and accelerate the repair of injured tissues. When introduced into damaged joints or tendons, PRP releases growth factors that reduce inflammation, promote the formation of new blood vessels, and stimulate the repair process.

The efficacy of PRP in treating joints and tendons is attributed to its ability to not only stimulate the healing process but also to potentially address functional issues and reduce pain. Patients suffering from chronic joint pain or degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, are suitable candidates for the treatment as it can address mobility issues and pain. Similarly, athletes or individuals with tendon injuries, like tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, may experience a reduced risk of recurrence with PRP treatments. This approach aligns with Eaton & Australind Medical Centre’s mission to incorporate holistic treatments into patient care, offering an alternative to more invasive procedures and long-term medication use.

Understanding the science and potential benefits of PRP therapy is crucial for patients considering this treatment option. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre prioritises patient education, ensuring that individuals are fully informed about how PRP works, the conditions it can treat, and what to expect during and after therapy. By providing detailed information and answering any questions, our team empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health.

What is the Process of a PRP Treatment

The process of PRP treatment at Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is meticulous and patient-centric, ensuring safety and effectiveness throughout the procedure. Initially, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to determine the suitability of PRP therapy for the patient’s specific condition. This includes a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of the injury. Once deemed a suitable candidate, the PRP preparation process begins. This involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, which is then placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated platelets are extracted and prepared into a PRP solution that is ready for injection.

The targeted area is cleaned and may be numbed with a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Using precise, image-guided techniques such as ultrasound, the PRP solution is then administered directly into the injured joint or tendon using a syringe. This precision ensures the growth factors reach the exact location of the tissue damage, stimulating the healing response. After the procedure, patients can return home with post-procedure instructions provided. The entire process highlights Eaton & Australind Medical Centre’s commitment to employing medical techniques to support patient recovery.

Post-treatment care is an integral part of the PRP therapy process. Patients may experience discomfort or swelling at the treatment site, which typically resolves within a few days. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients might require a series of PRP injections, depending on the severity of their condition and their response to the therapy. Throughout this journey, Eaton & Australind Medical Centre ensures that patients receive the support, guidance, and care needed.

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a form of regenerative medicine that utilises the healing properties of the patient’s own blood to repair damaged tissues and alleviate pain. This treatment is based on the concentration of platelets, which are blood cells with critical roles in clotting and injury recovery. Platelets are rich in growth factors—proteins that are essential in the healing of injuries. PRP therapy involves processing a small sample of the patient’s blood to concentrate these platelets, increasing the concentration of growth factors. When this platelet-rich plasma is administered into an injured area, it releases growth factors that stimulate the natural healing processes, including the repair of tissue, the growth of new cells, and the reduction of inflammation.

The versatility of PRP therapy has led to its application in various medical fields, including orthopaedics, dermatology, and sports medicine. In musculoskeletal medicine, PRP has shown promise in treating a wide range of conditions, from acute sports injuries to chronic degenerative diseases.

At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, our team of healthcare professionals is trained in the latest PRP techniques, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. By incorporating PRP therapy into our practice, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting health and well-being and the advancement of medical treatments that empower patients to lead healthier, more active lives.

How to Make a Booking

Interested individuals can schedule their consultation through our online booking system, accessible via the centre’s website, eatonmedicalcentre.com.au. This platform allows patients to choose a time that suits their schedule, simplifying the process of initiating treatment. For those who prefer more personal interaction or have specific questions regarding PRP therapy, our dedicated reception team is available to assist with appointments over the phone, offering additional support and information as needed.

For new patients seeking PRP treatment, a brief registration process is required, which can be completed online or in person at our facility. This initial step enables us to collect essential health information and understand each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that we provide tailored and effective care. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is committed to delivering an inclusive and respectful service where every patient is treated with dignity and care. Our goal is to ensure that patients have access to our PRP treatment services, supported by our experienced team, throughout their treatment journey.

Doctors who specialise in this treatment

Dr Rob Archer

BBus(HRM), MBBS (WA), GCert SpMed, Cert in Skin Cancer Medicine, FRACGP

  • Aesthetic Medicine
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • General Practice
  • Skin Cancer Checks and Management
  • Lap Band Adjustment
  • Skin Cancer Medicine
  • Minor Skin Surgery
  • Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine
  • Vasectomies
  • Work-related and Other Injuries

Areas of interest

  • Skin Cancer Medicine
  • Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine
  • Advanced skin surgery
  • Regenerative Musculoskeletal Medicine
  • Vasectomies

Dr Rob Archer brings extensive experience and specialised knowledge to his practice at Eaton & Australind Medical Centre. He completed his medical degree at the University of Western Australia and also holds a degree in Business, majoring in Human Resource Management. In addition to his general practice work, Rob has advanced skills in the musculoskeletal system, skin cancer medicine and aesthetics, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Sports Medicine, a Professional Diploma in Skin Cancer Medicine and Dermoscopy, and an Advanced Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine. He is also in the final stages of earning his Master’s degree in Medicine, majoring in Skin Cancer Medicine, from the University of Queensland.

Raised in Bunbury, Rob has deep roots in the community. After 21 years of service in the Australian Army, he returned home in 2014 to work at Bunbury Regional Hospital. Since then, Rob has dedicated himself to general practice, while also becoming a trusted expert in skin cancer medicine, aesthetic treatments, and minor surgery in the South West.

Beyond general practice, Rob’s expertise extends to sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery, where he has spent seven years assisting in surgeries and performing ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections, including corticosteroid and platelet-rich plasma treatments.

Rob is committed to providing personalised care that integrates his wide-ranging expertise. Whether you are seeking advice on skin health, treatment for sports injuries, or general medical care, Dr Rob Archer is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.