Sport & Exercise Medicine

Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injections in Sydney

At Progressive Sports Medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) isn’t a stand-alone fix. It’s a precision tool we use within a complete Sport & Exercise Medicine plan — built on an accurate diagnosis, placed under real-time ultrasound, and paired with a structured return to activity.

Add image in Duda
ultrasound-guided-knee-injection.jpg
Sport & Exercise Physician performing an ultrasound-guided knee injection at Progressive Sports Medicine in Sydney

The Progressive approach to PRP

Most clinics treat PRP as the whole answer. We treat it as one part of getting you better — and we think the difference is what makes it work.

Diagnosis first

We confirm what is actually driving your pain before recommending any injection. PRP only helps if it is aimed at the right target.

Ultrasound precision

Every injection is placed under real-time ultrasound guidance , so the PRP reaches the exact tissue — accurately and safely.

Built into your rehab

PRP works best alongside load management and a structured program. We integrate it with rehabilitation and exercise physiology, not in isolation.

What PRP can help with

PRP is most useful for tissues that heal slowly. The problems we most commonly use it for include:

Not sure whether your problem fits? That is exactly what your first appointment is for.

An honest word on the evidence

We will always be straight with you about whether PRP is likely to help. The evidence is strongest for early knee osteoarthritis — in fact, stronger than for keyhole knee surgery — and promising for several tendon problems, where PRP does not carry the tissue-weakening risk that repeated cortisone can. Across the wider research the picture is mixed, and no test predicts who will respond. So we use PRP selectively, where it makes sense for your goals. Our physician’s detailed view is in the blog PRP in sports medicine: where does it stand?

The PRP process

The appointment takes about 20–30 minutes:

Add image in Duda
process-of-prp-therapy.png (the 4-step infographic)
The PRP process in four steps: collect blood, separate the platelets, extract platelet-rich plasma, and inject the area under ultrasound guidance
Add image in Duda
ultrasound-guided-elbow-injection.jpg
Ultrasound-guided PRP injection of the elbow performed under real-time imaging

On the day & aftercare

Please stop anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen) for 3 days before and 2 days after, as they impair platelet function, and avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol beforehand. Plan to rest the injected area for 2–3 days — depending on the site you may need a lift home or a brace. You will leave with clear written aftercare instructions.

Costs & rebates

$300 – $900 per injection

The cost depends on the type of PRP and the number of injections recommended — often a single injection, or a course of three for more stubborn problems. PRP injections are not covered by Medicare or private health funds, though your consultation may attract a Medicare rebate. Full details are on our fees page.

Frequently asked questions

Because the injection is only part of the picture. We diagnose the true cause of your pain first, place every injection under ultrasound guidance, and build PRP into a rehabilitation plan so the result lasts — rather than treating it as a one-off procedure.

Cortisone reduces inflammation quickly but, with repeated use, can weaken tendon tissue and is linked to higher recurrence in some tendon conditions. PRP instead aims to support the tissue’s own healing and does not appear to carry that same risk. The right choice depends on your specific problem — we will talk you through it.

PRP helps the right problem in the right patient, and it is never the only thing we rely on. At your first appointment we will assess your injury and give you an honest view of whether PRP is likely to help and how it fits with the rest of your plan.

Often a single injection is enough; a course of three is sometimes recommended for more stubborn problems. We decide together at your consultation based on your diagnosis and goals.

The PRP injection itself is not covered by Medicare or private health funds. Your consultation may attract a Medicare rebate. We are happy to explain the out-of-pocket costs clearly before you proceed — see our fees page.

Yes — and we recommend it. PRP can support tissue healing, but restoring strength and capacity through a structured rehabilitation program is what gets you back to full activity and keeps you there.

Ready to find out if PRP is right for you?

Start with an assessment with one of our Sport & Exercise Physicians. We will diagnose the cause, give you an honest view of your options, and build a plan around your goals.

This page provides general information about PRP and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Suitability, benefits and risks vary between patients and conditions, and will be discussed with you at your consultation. Progressive Sports Medicine, 121 Norton Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040.