PRP Injections

What are Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a non-surgical treatment for orthopaedic conditions.

PRP injections initiate the body’s healing response. The injection contains the patient's blood, after it has been ‘spun’ to separate the plasma. This plasma-rich blood is injected directly into an affected area of the body to promote healing.

The process helps heal damaged tendons, bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints. PRP injections can also reduce the need for prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

PRP injections are similar, but distinct from, PRGF injections such as Endoret©. While PRP aids with recovery, Endoret and PRGF includes a growth factor to stimulate regeneration. We also offer Endoret© – read the details about this treatment here.

How PRP injections work

The PRP process begins with a healthcare professional taking a small sample of your blood. This blood is then spun in a centrifuge, where it separates into red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These platelets are specialised components, produced in your body to form blood clots, slow or stop bleeding and help wounds heal.

The platelets from your sample are collected and mixed into a blood plasma liquid base, ready to be assimilated into your body. In the injection, there are 2 to 8 times as many platelets as you would find in a regular blood sample, making it highly concentrated.

This preparation is injected to the injury site using an ultrasound to pinpoint the target area. Once inside your body, it releases growth factors that stimulate cellular replacement and regeneration, enhancing your natural healing process.

PRP injections are a medium to long-term treatment. This means improvements may take several weeks to months.

What to expect when receiving PRP injections

You’ll have an appointment with a consultant before your surgery to discuss your medical history, symptoms and any concerns. We’ll find out if you need any other checks or scans, and put you at ease.

The sample of your blood is taken away for processing while you wait. During the PRP injection procedure, you’ll receive a local anaesthetic to numb the skin. This feels like a sharp scratch or a sting. When the area is numb, we inject the PRP. The sensation of the injection resolves quickly but may include a pushing, pressure, or a throbbing feeling.

The procedure should last around 30 minutes. Separating the plasma from the blood sample is a large portion of the appointment.

After the procedure, we advise you to wait 10-15 minutes. You’re likely to feel completely normal and should be ready to work the next day. However, you might need to take longer off if you have a high-impact job. Your consultant will discuss your circumstances with you and answer any questions you may have.

We recommend that you don’t drive or operate heavy machinery on the day following the injection. For this reason, you should arrange for a friend, taxi service, or family member to drive you home.

Risks and complications of PRP injections

The NHS explains that the risks of PRP are minimal. Aside from anaesthetic, the only other injection is platelets from your own blood.

Injection sites carry a risk of infection. If you notice the area is swollen, painful, red, or hot, or if you feel feverish, the nearest A&E department will help.

PRP injections carry a small risk of bleeding. If you’re taking blood thinning medication, please tell your consultant.

We also advise you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications as they can reduce the effectiveness of PRP treatments.

Other risks and complications include:

• Inflammation and pain at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising
• No relief from symptoms
• Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
• Injury to the nerves or blood vessels
• Prolonged stiffness

How to recover following PRP injections

You’ll be an outpatient for this procedure. It’s a very quick treatment, with minimal discomfort. However, you must take care of the injection site afterwards to ensure the best results.

Avoid touching the area, and avoid saunas and hot baths. Keep ice, oils, and lotions away from the injection site. Rest the day of the injection, and focus on low-impact activity over strenuous exercise for two weeks post-procedure.

You’ll have a follow-up appointment three weeks after your procedure. Attending follow-ups is important even if you’re feeling well so the consultant can review the healing process.