How effective is PRP injection for tendinopathy?

Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a sample of your blood and placed near the affected tendon. It is intended to concentrate signalling proteins that may support the body's repair response. Improvement is not immediate, and an early flare of soreness can occur after the injection. The outcome depends on whether the pain truly comes from tendinopathy, the tendon involved, tissue changes, activity demands, and how consistently loading is rebuilt.

PRP does not rebuild a tendon on its own or correct every cause of overload. A clinician may combine it with a progressive exercise programme that gradually increases tendon capacity. Imaging can describe tendon changes, but the examination and symptom pattern help determine whether an injection is a sensible option.

Arrange an assessment that confirms the tendon diagnosis and checks nearby joints, nerves, and muscles. Discuss the intended goal, expected recovery pattern, preparation instructions, and alternatives such as activity modification, physiotherapy, or other pain-management options. Follow the aftercare plan closely, especially restrictions on strenuous loading and the timing of rehabilitation. Record changes in pain, strength, movement, and the activities that remain difficult so the plan can be adjusted.

Contact the treating service promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that is becoming more severe rather than settling. Seek urgent assessment after sudden loss of strength, a new visible change in the tendon, or an injury with a snap and immediate difficulty using the limb. New numbness, marked weakness, or a cold or unusually pale hand or foot also needs urgent review.

Which tendon and tissue problem are we treating, and what finding supports that diagnosis? What improvement would count as a useful result for me? How should I prepare, and when can I restart guided loading? Which alternatives fit my symptoms if PRP is not suitable?