Osteoarthritis Therapies
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Cortisone
Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It is used to treat a wide range of soft tissue inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis or bursitis. Cortisone injections can be administered using ultrasound guidance. Exercise Programs Exercise is the most cost effective intervention for pain relief of osteoarthritic joints and can significantly improve quality of life. The Newtown Medical Centre exercise program combines 12 weekly, supervised sessions in our gym with home-based activity and a health management plan. Our Sport and Exercise Physicians and Exercise Physiologists tailor a specific program for each patient and monitor recovery. |
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Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Therapy (PRP)
PRP stimulates the body’s own repair mechanisms to promote pain relief through healing” Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Therapy (PRP) is derived from your blood. It uses the body’s own anti-inflammatory and growth factors to facilitate repair and promote healing. PRP is a developing treatment for mild to moderate osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries. Some tissues in the body have poor blood supply and, as a result, are unable to repair themselves. In these cases physiotherapy and other primary treatments are less effective, but PRP can help. Blood contains small cells called “platelets” with growth factors that, when released, stimulate synthesis of new tissue. Our nurses take a blood sample, the same as a normal blood test, and extract the platelet-rich portion. This is then injected through a special filter into the effected area using ultrasound guidance. A doctor will assess your injury to identify your pathology and the effected area. This process may involve further scanning and investigation to determine the best course of treatment. PRP therapy usually involves three injections into the effected area over six weeks. Each treatment is delivered on site and takes approximately 45 minutes. A blood sample is collected in the same way as a blood test and then placed in a centrifuge to separate the different components. Your doctor then extracts the platelet-rich portion of your blood and injects it through a special filter to the injured area. The treatment is administered under strict sterile conditions to minimise the risk of infection and each PRP injection is delivered with Ultrasound Guidance to enhance accuracy and effectiveness. |
Therapeutic Value PRP
Some tissues in the body have poor blood supply and, as a result, are unable to repair themselves. Examples include degenerative tears of tendons (tennis elbow) and the degeneration of bone surfaces (osteoarthritis). In these cases the body can fail to respond to primary treatments, such as physiotherapy and biomechanical correction. Platelet rich plasma injections deliver the beneficial growth factors contained within your own blood to stimulate the natural healing process in an injured area. PRP is most effective when paired with a guided rehabilitation program. Newtown Medical Centre also offers Exercise Programs for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other chronic injuries. The programs are specifically tailored to your needs and combine supervised sessions in our gym with a home based activity plan.
Some tissues in the body have poor blood supply and, as a result, are unable to repair themselves. Examples include degenerative tears of tendons (tennis elbow) and the degeneration of bone surfaces (osteoarthritis). In these cases the body can fail to respond to primary treatments, such as physiotherapy and biomechanical correction. Platelet rich plasma injections deliver the beneficial growth factors contained within your own blood to stimulate the natural healing process in an injured area. PRP is most effective when paired with a guided rehabilitation program. Newtown Medical Centre also offers Exercise Programs for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other chronic injuries. The programs are specifically tailored to your needs and combine supervised sessions in our gym with a home based activity plan.
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Synvisc
Synvisc is a hyaluronic acid derivative that is chemically similar to the synovial fluid lubricating our joints. Synovial fluid cushions the joint, providing natural shock absorbing abilities. Synovial fluid can break down in osteoarthritic joints. We administer Synvisc with Ultrasound Guided Injections to ensure accurate and effective treatment. |
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Synvisc replaces synovial fluid, cushioning the joint and providing pain relief for up to six months. The procedure requires a referral from your GP. Synvisc can be purchased from the supplier through your GP or purchase can be arranged by Newtown Medical Centre. Private medical insurance may provide some rebate on Synvisc and Ultrasound Guided Injections are partly covered by Medicare.
Ultrasound Guided Injections
“Better Accuracy and Better Effectiveness through Better Technology”
Our doctors are trained and experienced in the use of ultrasound guidance for injections. The ultrasound guidance technology facilitates more accurate delivery of the active substance, providing greater confidence in effectiveness.
Ultrasound guided injections can be used to administer injections to joints or to soft tissue such as tendons or muscle. The service is partly covered by Medicare, so there may be some out of pocket expenses.
Making Appointments
If you have a referral from your GP, osteoarthritis injections can be undertaken as part of your appointment. Osteoarthritis therapies are also available without a referral but may require an initial assessment before injections are performed. To make an appointment please phone our reception team on (03) 5221 5044.
Ultrasound guided injections can be used to administer injections to joints or to soft tissue such as tendons or muscle. The service is partly covered by Medicare, so there may be some out of pocket expenses.
Making Appointments
If you have a referral from your GP, osteoarthritis injections can be undertaken as part of your appointment. Osteoarthritis therapies are also available without a referral but may require an initial assessment before injections are performed. To make an appointment please phone our reception team on (03) 5221 5044.