Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy concentrates the growth-factor-rich platelets from a patient’s own blood and delivers them back to injured or ageing tissues. Because the material comes entirely from the patient, rejection is rare. Over the last two decades, PRP has become a key option in sports medicine, orthopaedics, dermatology, and implant dentistry. It fills the gap between standard conservative care and surgery.
How PRP Works and When to Use It
Mechanism – After centrifugation, activated platelets release platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and other signals. These factors drive fibroblast growth, new blood vessel formation, and collagen production, speeding up the repair of cartilage and soft tissue.
Main indications
- Chronic tendon problems, such as lateral epicondylitis or Achilles tendinopathy
- Mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis
- Soft-tissue healing after sports injuries
- Skin ageing, scar revision, androgenic alopecia
- Bone and gum reconstruction around dental implants
Effective treatment depends on the patient’s condition, the quality of the PRP, and precise delivery by a trained clinician.
Pre-Injection Checklist
- History and drugs – Screen for bleeding disorders, current infection, or recent use of aspirin and other NSAIDs; stop these drugs five to seven days before therapy.
- Lab work – Full blood count, coagulation profile, and infection markers; platelet count must be ≥ 100 × 10⁹/L.
- Blood draw and processing – Collect 20–60 mL of venous blood on the treatment day. Use a sealed, single-use kit and a two-step spin to raise platelet levels four- to eight-fold.
- Consent – Explain expected benefits, possible risks, schedule, and cost.
Standard Injection Steps for PRP Therapy
- Imaging guidance – Use ultrasound or fluoroscopy to pinpoint the target and protect nearby nerves and vessels.
- Local anaesthetic – Inject a small ring of lidocaine under the skin; do not mix it with PRP.
- Slow injection – Deliver 0.5–2 mL per point, usually 3–6 mL in total, then compress the site for 5–10 minutes.
- Course design – Most musculoskeletal cases need one to three sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart. Cosmetic skin work is often done monthly for three months, followed by a review.
Potential Side Effects and Risk Control
Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising around the site is common and settles in two to three days. Ice packs and gentle rest help. Rare events such as nerve irritation, haematoma, or infection are linked to poor targeting or breaks in sterility; imaging guidance and strict aseptic technique keep these risks low. In cosmetic microneedling settings, choose a licensed clinic that uses single-use needles to avoid blood-borne infection.
Summary for PRP Therapy
PRP taps the body’s biology to aid tissue repair with minimal invasiveness. Success rests on proper patient selection, standardised preparation, accurate delivery, and a sound rehab plan. If considering PRP, consult an experienced medical team to create a personalised, evidence-based strategy.
FAQ
Q1 How soon will I feel better?
Soft-tissue pain often eases within two to four weeks; improvement in osteoarthritis is usually checked after six to eight weeks.
Q2 Can I take painkillers around the treatment?
Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs for a week before and after the injection. Use paracetamol if pain relief is needed.
Q3 May I combine PRP with hyaluronic acid or steroid shots?
Yes, but leave a four-week gap so each treatment can be assessed on its own.
Q4 How many injections do most people need?
One to three, depending on injury severity and healing speed. Your doctor will decide after follow-up.
Q5 Who should not receive PRP?
Patients with very low platelet counts, active bleeding disorders, infection, cancer, severe liver or kidney failure, or those who cannot stop anticoagulants.
Q6 Is PRP microneedling safe for skin rejuvenation?
It is generally safe when done in a licensed medical setting with sterile, single-use devices. Unsafe environments raise the risk of infection.