PRP Injection

A PRP injection uses a sample of your blood to prepare platelet-rich plasma, which is then injected near a selected musculoskeletal problem.

Platelets contain signalling substances involved in the body’s repair response. A clinician separates a platelet-rich portion from the blood sample and places it at the treatment site, sometimes using imaging to guide the needle. PRP is intended to support a healing environment; it does not replace diagnosis, load management, or rehabilitation.

The injection area may feel sore or swollen for a short period. Your clinician may limit heavy loading at first, then introduce gentle movement and a graded strengthening plan. Recovery is usually an active process: the tendon, muscle, or joint still needs suitable rehabilitation, and the pace depends on the treated tissue and your symptoms.

Temporary pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation can occur after the needle procedure. Less common concerns include infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, or symptoms that remain unchanged. The clinician should review medicines, bleeding conditions, skin infection, and other factors before treatment. Seek urgent help for spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or new weakness.

PRP may reduce symptoms for some carefully selected problems, but response varies and it is not a guaranteed repair. Improvement can be gradual and may depend on correcting the load or movement that caused irritation. Your clinician should explain what outcome is realistic for your diagnosis and when another plan should be considered.

PRP is prepared from your own blood, but preparation methods differ between clinics. The injection site and diagnosis matter more than the label alone. It may be discussed for selected tendinopathies and some joint or muscle problems. Anti-inflammatory medicines, activity restrictions, and other treatments may need review around the procedure, so follow the treating clinician’s specific instructions.

PRP may be discussed when symptoms from a diagnosed tendon, muscle, or joint problem have not settled with appropriate conservative care. Examples include [Tendinopathy](/conditions/tendinopathy/), [Tennis Elbow](/conditions/tennis-elbow/), or selected [Hamstring Strain](/conditions/hamstring-strain/) cases. Symptoms such as [Elbow Pain](/symptoms/elbow-pain/), [Heel Pain](/symptoms/heel-pain/), or [Knee Pain](/symptoms/knee-pain/) need assessment first because several conditions can cause them.

The clinician confirms the target and reviews safety considerations. Blood is drawn into a sterile collection tube and processed. The skin is cleaned, and the prepared plasma is injected into or around the target structure; [Point-of-Care Ultrasound](/technology/point-of-care-ultrasound/) may help identify anatomy and guide placement. You then receive aftercare and rehabilitation instructions.

Plan for a quieter period immediately after the injection and arrange guidance for driving or work if the treated area affects movement. Progression commonly moves from comfortable mobility to controlled loading and then task-specific activity. Keep follow-up appointments so the diagnosis, symptoms, and rehabilitation response can be reassessed.

Needle treatment can irritate nearby tissue, and infection or bleeding are possible medical risks. Tell the provider about blood thinners, immune problems, allergies, recent infection, or pregnancy. Do not treat severe or rapidly changing symptoms with an injection alone; urgent assessment may be needed.

Options depend on the diagnosis and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, or another injection. Alternatives include [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/), [Prolotherapy](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prolotherapy/), [Stem Cell Therapy for Joints](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/stem-cell-therapy/), or [Shockwave Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/shockwave-therapy/). These approaches have different mechanisms, limitations, and suitability.

Choose a licensed clinician experienced in the relevant musculoskeletal diagnosis and injection technique. Ask what the preparation contains, how the target was confirmed, which medicines or activities need adjustment, how rehabilitation will be supervised, and what the next step is if symptoms do not improve.