Contents
Overview of the Procedure
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses your body’s own blood to accelerate healing in injured tissues, reduce inflammation, and support long-term recovery. The core of this therapy lies in platelets, which are tiny blood components that are rich in healing and growth factors.
To prepare PRP, a small sample of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speeds to separate the red cells from platelets and plasma. This enriched solution is then carefully injected into the injured or affected area, whether it’s a joint, tendon, bone, ligament, or muscle.
The Healing Power of Growth Factors in PRP
PRP therapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure. The treatment is performed in a clinical setting and usually takes around 15-30 minutes from start to finish.
| Growth Factors | Functions |
|---|---|
| TGF-β (Transforming growth factor beta) | Mesenchymal cells proliferation, collagen synthesis |
| PDGF (Platelet derived growth factor) | Mitogenesis of mesenchymal cells, collagenase secretion |
| EGF (Endothelial growth factor) | Endothelial chemotaxis/angiogenesis, epithelial mitogenesis |
| VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) | Mitogenesis for endothelial cells and increase angiogenesis |
| FGF (Fibroblast growth factor) | Growth and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts |
| IGF (Insulin-like growth factor) | Growth and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts |
These growth factors work synergistically to activate the body’s natural repair mechanisms, promoting healing from within without foreign substances.
Procedure
PRP therapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The treatment is performed in a clinical setting and usually takes around 15-30 minutes from start to finish.
What Happens After the PRP Treatment?
Post-treatment, you may notice some mild swelling, stiffness, or warmth at the injection site. This is a natural part of the healing process, as your body’s immune and repair systems are stimulated by PRP. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a day or two, although high-impact or strenuous movement should be avoided for a short period of time.
Your body will continue to heal over several weeks, with the best results typically emerging between 4 to 6 weeks.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of PRP?
Benefits:
- Natural pain relief: Reduces inflammation and discomfort
- Accelerated healing: Stimulates tissue repair in joints, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
- Safe and low-risk: Uses your own blood, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions, disease transmission
- Long-lasting results: Because healing occurs at a cellular level, improvements lasting 1–2 years or more
- Best when used early: PRP can be very effective in treating osteoarthritis, especially in earlier stages. PRP may stimulate cartilage regeneration, which could potentially inhibit the deteriorating effects of age and slow the progression of arthritis.
Risks:
- Temporary soreness, swelling and stiffness over injected site
- Not all conditions respond equally, results may vary by individual and injury severity
PRP Therapy is Commonly Used For:
- Chronic tendinosis
- Muscle strains (acute or recurring)
- Ligament sprains
- Joint capsular laxity
- Osteoarthritis (especially in early stages)
- Cartilage injuries
- Meniscal damage
- Persistent synovitis or joint inflammation
How Long Is the Recovery Period?
PRP promotes tissue repair and regeneration through stimulation of growth factors and other healing components of the blood, which requires time, usually 4-6 weeks. Some rehabilitation may be necessary.
What Can You Do to Support Healing After PRP?
To optimise your recovery:
- Rest the area: Limit movement or load-bearing for the first 1–2 days
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen): These can hinder PRP’s effectiveness
- Use ice sparingly if needed for swelling (short intervals only)
- Follow post-procedure instructions: This may include rehab exercises or physiotherapy
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, joint arthritis, or a lingering sports injury, PRP therapy may be a safe, natural solution worth exploring. At KLSMC, our specialists will evaluate your condition and guide you through a tailored treatment plan that fits your health goals and lifestyle.
FAQ
How is the process of PRP therapy done?
PRP therapy starts with drawing a small sample of your blood—just like a routine blood test. This is then spun in a specialised centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. The PRP is injected directly into the area that needs healing, such as a joint, tendon, or ligament. The whole process typically takes about 15-30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
Is PRP therapy painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. You might feel a slight pinch during the injection and mild soreness afterward. This discomfort is usually short-lived. You may use ice packs and simple pain relievers (excluding anti-inflammatory drugs) if needed.
How many PRP treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments varies depending on the condition and how your body responds. Typically, 1 to 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart are sufficient. Your doctor will assess your progress after each session and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
When can I return to normal activities?
You can typically resume normal light activities within 1–2 days. However, since PRP works by stimulating long-term healing, it may take 4–6 weeks to notice significant improvements. For some injuries, a brief period of rehab or physiotherapy may be recommended to support recovery.
How does PRP promote healing?
PRP delivers a high concentration of your body’s natural growth factors to the site of injury. These growth factors kickstart the healing process by encouraging new tissue growth, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. It’s a natural way to support regeneration without the need for surgery or synthetic drugs.
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