Abundance Biologix
High-dose platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for tendons, ligaments and joints
Our regenerative medicine service uses your own blood to prepare a concentrated platelet injection, delivering more than 10 billion platelets per treatment for tendon and ligament injuries and knee osteoarthritis. Every injection is performed by a physician under ultrasound guidance.
10
billion+
Platelets per injection
Each treatment is prepared to deliver a measured high platelet dose, rather than a fixed volume of plasma.
WHAT IS PRP?
Your body's own healing signals, concentrated
Platelets are small cells in your blood that release growth factors and other signalling proteins at the site of an injury. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made by drawing a sample of your blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets.
The concentrated platelets are then injected into the injured tendon, ligament or joint. The goal is to support the body's natural repair process and reduce pain in tissues that heal slowly or have not responded to other treatment.
Because PRP comes from your own blood, there is no risk of rejection or of reaction to a foreign drug.
PRP may be worth
discussing if you have:
A tendon or ligament problem lasting more than three months
Knee osteoarthritis that is mild to severe
Pain that has not improved enough with physiotherapy, activity changes or other treatment
An interest in an option other than (or in addition to) cortisone injections
An assessment by one of our pain
physicians is required to confirm
whether PRP is appropriate for you.
WHO MAY BE A CANDIDATE
WHY PLATELET DOSE MATTERS
Not all PRP is the same
PRP preparations vary widely between clinics and devices. The total number of platelets in an injection depends on how much blood is drawn and how it is processed, and many preparations contain far fewer than 10 billion platelets. Abundance Biologix prepares each injection to deliver more than 10 billion platelets.
Your blood
A blood sample is drawn in the clinic on the day of treatment.
10 billion+
Concentrated
The sample is processed to separate and concentrate the platelets.
The injection is prepared to deliver a high total platelet dose to the treated area.
In a 2021 randomized study of patients with knee osteoarthritis, an injection containing about 10 billion platelets was associated with improvement lasting up to one year (Bansal H, et al. Scientific Reports. 2021;11:3971). Research on the ideal PRP dose is ongoing, and results vary from person to person.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Where the evidence for PRP is strongest
We focus on conditions where published research supports the use of PRP. Your physician will review whether your condition and its severity are a good fit.
Mild to severe wear-and-tear arthritis of the knee causing pain and stiffness.
Knee osteoarthritis
Tennis elbow
Chronic lateral epicondylitis: pain on the outside of the elbow with gripping and lifting.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Shoulder tendon pain and irritation, without a full-thickness tear.
Patellar tendinopathy
"Jumper's knee": pain in the tendon just below the kneecap.
Achilles tendinopathy
Chronic pain and thickening of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle.
Other slow-healing tendon and ligament problems may be considered on a case-by-case basis after assessment.
Other tendon & ligament injuries
PRP is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is needed, and it works best as part of a plan that includes guided rehabilitation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your PRP treatment, step by step
1
Consultation
2
Preparation
3
Injection
4
Recovery & rehab
A pain physician reviews your history, examines the area, and confirms whether PRP is appropriate. Imaging may be ordered if it hasn't already be done.
On treatment day, a blood sample is drawn and processed in clinic to prepare your high-dose platelet concentrate.
Using ultrasound to see the target tissue in real time, the physician injects the PRP precisely into the treated tendon, ligament, or joint. The visit typically takes about an hour.
Expect soreness for a few days. You'll receive written aftercare instructions and a gradual return-to-activity plan to progress through with physiotherapy.
Some people notice improvement within several weeks; tissue healing continues over the following months. The number of injections recommended depends on your condition and response but 1 injection is usually enough.
COST & COVERAGE
Fee
for one injection site
$750
PRP injections are not covered by OHIP.
Your initial physician consultation is covered by OHIP with a valid Ontario health card and a referral to Abundance from your doctor or nurse practitioner.
Some extended health plans may reimburse part of the PRP cost. Check with your insurer; we can provide a receipt.
Sometimes the procedure is completely covered in the cases of WSIB or motor vehicle injuries.
FAQ
Is PRP Safe?
Because PRP is made from your own blood, allergic reactions are not expected. As with any injection, there are risks, including temporary pain and swelling, bruising, and rarely infection or nerve irritation. Your physician will review these with you before treatment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Why do you use ultrasound guidance?
Ultrasound lets the physician see the tendon, ligament or joint in real time during the procedure, so the PRP can be placed accurately in the area being treated rather than relying on landmarks felt through the skin. All Abundance Biologix injections are performed under ultrasound guidance.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel pressure and some discomfort during the injection. Soreness at the treated area for two to five days afterward is common and is part of the expected response.
How is PRP different from a cortisone injection?
Cortisone reduces inflammation and often relieves pain quickly, but its effect can wear off. PRP aims to support the tissue's own repair process. In some tendon conditions and knee osteoarthritis, studies have found PRP's benefit may last longer than cortisone's, although it tends to take longer to take effect. Your physician can help you weigh the options.
Should I stop any medications before treatment?
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen may interfere with platelet function, so you will usually be asked to avoid them for a week before and six weeks after treatment. Your physician will give you a full list of medications and supplements to avoid before and after PRP. Do not stop any prescribed medication, including blood thinners, without speaking to your physician first.
Who should not have PRP?
PRP may not be suitable if you have certain blood or platelet disorders, an active infection, active cancer, or are pregnant. Your physician will screen for these at your consultation.
Will PRP work for me?
Results vary. Many patients experience reduced pain and improved function, but improvement is not guaranteed. We'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect for your specific condition during your consultation.
