Patient Guide · Oakville Pain Clinic Blog
What to Expect at Your First PRP Consultation in Oakville
From the booking call through the consultation, blood draw, injection and recovery — a step-by-step walkthrough of your first visit at Oakville Pain Clinic.
If you've booked your first PRP consultation at Oakville Pain Clinic, here's exactly what to expect — from the booking call to the consultation, blood draw, injection, and the recovery that follows. Most patients tell us they wished they'd known some of this in advance. So here it is.
Step 1 · Booking & intake (before you arrive)
After you self-refer through the online form or call us at 647-910-5359, our patient care coordinator (Amanda) reaches out within 24 hours to schedule your consultation. She'll ask about your symptoms, what treatments you've already tried, what imaging you've had, and whether you have any extended-health benefits.
Once you're booked, we'll invite you to our secure patient portal where you can upload any recent X-ray, MRI or ultrasound imaging before your appointment. We'd prefer to receive your imaging at least 24 hours in advance so your physician can review it before you arrive — that makes for a much more focused consultation.
If you can't upload your imaging online, you're welcome to bring it with you in person — just let Amanda know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. And don't panic if you don't have any imaging at all — your physician can order what's needed or do a focused diagnostic ultrasound at the consultation.
Step 2 · The consultation visit (~45–60 minutes)
At your first visit, you'll meet your physician. The consultation covers:
- A detailed history — your pain story, what aggravates and relieves it, what you've already tried
- A focused physical examination — examining the affected joint or tendon and the surrounding structures
- Imaging review — your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound, or a focused diagnostic ultrasound at the visit
- An honest evidence-based discussion — what your options are (PRP, exosome therapy, cortisone, prolotherapy, Arthrosamid, surgery), what the evidence supports for your specific condition, and the costs of each
- A treatment plan — including which PRP concentration is right for you, how many sessions, what to do between sessions
Step 3 · Same-day injection (if appropriate)
For straightforward cases, we're often able to do your first PRP injection the same day as your consultation. For more complex cases, we may book the injection separately to give you time to think and plan for recovery.
The injection visit takes about 60 minutes total:
- Blood draw — a small sample (similar to a routine lab draw)
- Centrifugation — your blood is processed in our Arthrex Angel system to isolate the platelet-rich fraction (~15 minutes)
- Interventional injection — the PRP is delivered precisely to the target structure for accuracy
Step 4 · Recovery — depends on the concentration
Recovery varies dramatically based on the PRP concentration your physician selects.
Lower-concentration PRP (suitable for many tendon and joint conditions): most patients return to desk work the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for 2–5 days as the healing response begins. Avoid NSAIDs, ice and strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks.
Higher-concentration PRP (used for the most stubborn or severe injuries): expect about 2 weeks of bracing to keep weight off the treated area, with significant discomfort possible for the first 48 hours. Braces, crutches and walking boots are available for purchase at the clinic. Arrange a ride home — don't plan to drive yourself.
Your physician will tell you exactly which concentration we're using and what to expect, in plain language, before we proceed.
Step 5 · Follow-up & next steps
We typically schedule a follow-up at 4–6 weeks to assess your response. Many patients need 1 to 3 PRP sessions for full benefit. Your physician will recommend the right number based on your condition and how you're responding.
Throughout the process we coordinate with your physiotherapist if you have one. PRP works best alongside structured rehabilitation — the injection supports the tissue's ability to heal; the physiotherapy guides the healing back toward function.
A few practical tips
- Stop NSAIDs 7 days before (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin in pain-control doses) — they blunt the regenerative inflammatory response we're trying to create. Tylenol is fine.
- Stay well hydrated the day before — easier blood draw.
- No fasting required — eat normally before your appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being treated.
- Bring a list of your medications. Imaging should be uploaded to our secure patient portal at least 24 hours before your appointment whenever possible — let Amanda know if you need to bring physical copies instead.
- Plan to increase hydration and vitamin C intake after your injection. Both support the healing response PRP is designed to trigger. We highly recommend booking a high-dose vitamin C infusion while your blood is spinning in the centrifuge — it's the most efficient way to maximize your results, and it fits inside the same visit. Ask Amanda when you book.
Ready to book?
No physician referral required — self-refer through our online form or call 647-910-5359. Our team will reach out within 24 hours.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a PRP consultation?
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A first PRP consultation at Oakville Pain Clinic takes about 45 to 60 minutes. It includes a detailed history, focused physical examination, imaging review, evidence-based discussion of options, and a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Can I have my PRP injection the same day as the consultation?
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For straightforward cases, often yes. For more complex cases — or when we recommend our highest-concentration PRP that requires bracing and a ride home — we usually book the injection separately so you can plan for recovery. Your physician will discuss this with you at consultation.
Do I need to stop my medications before PRP?
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We ask patients to stop NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, ASA in pain doses) for 7 days before treatment because they blunt the regenerative inflammatory response. Tylenol is fine throughout. If you're on a blood thinner like warfarin, apixaban or clopidogrel, tell us at booking — we'll discuss whether to hold it temporarily.
What should I bring to my consultation?
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Recent imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) is best uploaded through our secure patient portal at least 24 hours before your appointment so your physician can review it in advance. If you can't upload online, you're welcome to bring physical copies — just let Amanda, our patient care coordinator, know ahead of time. On the day, also bring a list of your current medications, notes on what treatments you've already tried, and your insurance information if you have extended-health coverage. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the affected area.
Related Services
Treatments mentioned in this article
Have a specific condition you want to discuss?
Self-refer at any time — our team contacts you within 24 hours to schedule your consultation at Oakville Pain Clinic.