How does PRP injection work?

A clinician takes a blood sample, processes it to separate a platelet-rich portion, and prepares the injection site. The target may be identified by examination or point-of-care ultrasound. The preparation is then placed near a tendon, joint, or other selected structure. Platelets release signalling proteins that may influence local inflammation and tissue repair; PRP is not a replacement part and does not rebuild every type of damage. It may be discussed for problems such as knee pain, heel pain, or elbow pain after a clinical assessment.

Tell the clinician about blood disorders, medicines, allergies, infection, and pregnancy. Ask which medicines to pause or continue, whether you need a driver, and how long to modify sport or heavy activity. Mild soreness can occur as the treated area reacts. Follow the specific advice about ice, movement, physiotherapy, and returning to loading. PRP is one option; cortisone injection, prolotherapy, or other treatments may be considered depending on the diagnosis and goals.

Contact the clinic for spreading redness, increasing warmth, drainage, fever, or pain that becomes severe rather than settling. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, trouble breathing, fainting, or rapidly worsening symptoms after the injection. New weakness, loss of sensation, or inability to use the treated limb also needs prompt assessment.

Ask what diagnosis is being treated, how the target will be located, what preparation is used, how activity will be restricted, and when another treatment should be considered.