Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Musculoskeletal Pain

What is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses the healing power of your own blood to repair damaged tendons, ligaments, joints, and muscles. By concentrating the growth factors naturally found in your blood, PRP stimulates tissue repair and helps reduce pain in a targeted, minimally invasive way.

Unlike steroid injections, which primarily suppress inflammation, PRP works by actively promoting tissue regeneration and long-term healing.

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How Does PRP Work?

Your blood contains platelets, which are rich in powerful growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). When concentrated and injected precisely into an injured area, these factors:

• Stimulate tissue repair and collagen production
• Reduce inflammation
• Promote new blood vessel formation
• Support the body’s natural healing response

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Conditions Treated

Dr Kodsi uses ultrasound-guided PRP injections to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — one of the best-evidenced indications for PRP
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy — PRP may offer superior long-term outcomes over corticosteroids
• Knee osteoarthritis — evidence supports improvement in pain and function
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
• Hamstring, calf, and other muscle injuries
• Ligament sprains
• Myofascial pain syndromes

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Why Ultrasound Guidance?

At Dr Kodsi’s rooms in Newtown, all PRP injections are performed under real-time ultrasound guidance. This is a critical advantage:

• Precision — The needle is guided directly to the exact site of damage, not estimated by surface landmarks
• Safety — Live imaging helps avoid blood vessels and nerves
• Better outcomes — Accurate delivery of PRP to the target tissue improves the likelihood of a successful result
• Tissue assessment — Ultrasound allows Dr Kodsi to assess the extent of injury and tailor the treatment plan to your individual needs

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The Procedure: Step by Step

Your appointment typically takes around 45–60 minutes in total.

1. Blood Draw

A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm — similar to a routine blood test.

2. Centrifuge Processing

Your blood is placed in a centrifuge (TGA approved Alocuro AL416) and spun to concentrate the platelet-rich layer, separating it from red blood cells and other components. This takes approximately 15 minutes.

3. Ultrasound-Guided Injection

Under live ultrasound imaging, the concentrated PRP is precisely injected into the injured tissue. You may feel pressure and a brief, deep ache — this is normal and expected.

4. Rest and Recovery

A short rest period in rooms, followed by post-procedure instructions before you leave.

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Before Your Appointment

To get the best results from your PRP treatment:

• Stop anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) for 5–7 days before your injection, as these can interfere with the healing response PRP is designed to trigger
• Paracetamol (standard dosing) is safe to take
• Stay well hydrated on the day of your appointment
• Let Dr Kodsi know about all current medications and supplements you take

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What to Expect After the Injection

PRP works through tissue biology rather than immediate pharmacology — improvement unfolds over weeks as your body remodels.

Timeframe	What to Expect
Days 1–4	Soreness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site — this is the intended inflammatory healing response
Week 2–4	Gradual settling of initial soreness; early signs of improvement in some patients
Weeks 4–8	Most patients notice meaningful improvement in pain and function
Weeks 8–12	Full benefit as tissue remodels and strengthens

 

Some patients may require more than one injection, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve the best result.

Avoid NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) for at least 2 weeks after the procedure, as they may blunt the healing response.

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How Many Injections Will I Need?

Most patients require 1–3 injections depending on the condition, its severity, and your response to treatment. Dr Kodsi will guide you through a personalised plan at your consultation.

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Is PRP Right for Me?

PRP is generally well-suited for patients who:

• Have a tendon, ligament, joint, or muscle injury confirmed on imaging or clinical assessment
• Have tried other conservative treatments (physiotherapy, rest, activity modification) without adequate relief
• Wish to avoid or delay surgery
• Are looking for a longer-lasting alternative to repeated corticosteroid injections

PRP is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not recommended in cases of:

• Active infection in the treatment area
• Active cancer or blood disorders (particularly bleeding)
• Full-thickness tendon tears requiring surgical repair
• Advanced (bone-on-bone) arthritis
• Patients currently on dialysis

Dr Kodsi will assess your suitability at your consultation.

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Fees

Consult fees	As set by the clinic.
PRP Injection (per session)	$750 – $900
Medicare rebate	Not applicable to the PRP service. With a referral, it may cover part of the ultrasound guidance.

 

PRP injections are not covered by Medicare and are not eligible for rebates. This is a self-funded procedure. Please contact the rooms to confirm the fee applicable to your specific condition and treatment plan.

Some private health insurers may offer partial cover under extras: we recommend checking directly with your fund.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the procedure painful?

You will feel a brief ache during the injection, which is expected. Ultrasound guidance allows Dr Kodsi to be precise and minimise unnecessary discomfort. Sometimes a regional block may be added to improve tolerability (additional service).

How soon can I return to normal activity?

Most patients can return to light daily activities the next day. Strenuous exercise or heavy loading of the treated area should be avoided for several weeks. Dr Kodsi may advise that you return to your physical therapist or rehabilitation provider to augment your results. Dr Kodsi will give you specific guidance.

Is PRP safe?

Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission is essentially eliminated. It is a well-established, minimally invasive treatment used extensively in musculoskeletal medicine.

What if PRP doesn’t work for me?

PRP is effective for most patients, but approximately 20–30% may experience limited benefit. Dr Kodsi will discuss all available options and ensure you have realistic expectations before proceeding.

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Book a Consultation

To find out whether PRP is right for your condition, book a consultation with Dr Kodsi at his rooms in Newtown NSW.

 Location: Suite 209, RPAH Medical Centre, 100 Carillon Avenue, Newtown NSW 2042

 Specialty: Pain Management

A referral from your GP or specialist is recommended but not required for an initial consultation.

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Content is for general patient information only. Individual treatment suitability, outcomes, and fees should be discussed directly with Dr Kodsi at a consultation.