Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated component of a patient’s own blood to support healing and tissue repair. The process involves drawing a small volume of blood from a vein and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components. The resulting PRP solution is rich in platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive proteins known to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes.
PRP is used to promote recovery in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including joint osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and certain ligament injuries.
Discover how your body’s own healing power can help repair injuries and speed recovery. In this video, Dr. Dion Lewis explains how PRP therapy works, what conditions it can treat, and what to expect from the process , from preparation to results.
PRP is used to support tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery in a range of musculoskeletal conditions — most commonly joint osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and ligament injuries. It has become an indispensable non-surgical alternative for the treatment of persistent structural pathology, such as tendon degeneration or ligament laxity, particularly when symptoms fail to respond to rehabilitation alone.
In osteoarthritis, PRP may help reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain and stiffness, and slow cartilage deterioration — potentially delaying the need for joint replacement surgery. When used in the appropriate clinical context, PRP offers a targeted, biologically active option that complements a broader treatment plan.
Joint osteoarthritis – most commonly the knee and hip
Other joints – PRP is frequently also used in a broader range of joints
Tendinopathy – including gluteal, hamstring, Achilles, common extensor tendons, and others
Partial tendon tears – particularly in areas with underlying degeneration
Plantar fasciitis – for persistent cases unresponsive to other treatments
Partial ligament injuries – such as the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee or plantar plate
Joint instability – including sacroiliac and sternoclavicular joints, where supporting ligaments are involved
PRP offers several potential benefits for patients with musculoskeletal pain or injury:
Reduces pain and inflammation – Helps manage symptoms without reliance on regular medication.
Supports tissue recovery – Encourages healing in tendons and ligaments, and may improve symptoms in osteoarthritic joints by modulating inflammation.
Minimally invasive – Avoids the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
Sustained effect – Relief may last 6–12 months in joint osteoarthritis and longer-term improvement may be seen in tendon or ligament injuries when combined with rehabilitation.
Delays surgery – May help postpone joint replacement or other invasive procedures in selected cases.
Repeatable and patient-guided – Unlike corticosteroid injections, PRP can be safely repeated when needed, allowing for individualised and responsive treatment planning.
Processing
The sample is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and separate them from other blood components. The result is platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Ultrasound-Guided Injection
The PRP is injected into the targeted area using real-time ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort, though it is not mixed with the PRP or injected directly into the target tissue, as this can reduce its effectiveness.
Tendon and ligament injections are generally more uncomfortable than joint injections — both during the procedure and in the immediate aftermath.
Post-Injection Care
After the injection, a brief period of relative rest is advised:
For joint osteoarthritis, rest for 48 hours.
For tendon and ligament injuries, a 4 to 7 day rest period is recommended, with gradual return to rehabilitation based on symptoms.
This window reflects the typical timeframe in which pain returns to near baseline and is key to maximising the PRP response.
Managing Discomfort
Post-injection discomfort is common, especially with tendon and ligament treatments. This can usually be managed with:
Ice, compression, and elevation
Simple analgesia such as paracetamol
Occasionally, a short course (1–2 days) of stronger pain relief may be required
Avoid NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) for at least two weeks, as they may interfere with the PRP healing response.
Timing of Effect
PRP is not a quick fix.
In osteoarthritis, improvements typically appear after 6–8 weeks.
In tendons and ligaments, full benefit may take 3–6 months, depending on the underlying condition and patient compliance with rehabilitation.
Follow-Up
Progress will be monitored over time to assess effectiveness and determine whether further treatment or support is required.
ASSESSMENT
Our doctors conduct a thorough clinical evaluation to determine whether PRP is the most appropriate option based on your condition and goals.
PREPARATION
The procedure area is cleaned and local anaesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort. For tendon and ligament injections, anaesthetic is kept away from the target site to avoid interfering with PRP effectiveness.
ULTRASOUND
PRP is injected with precision under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement into the intended tissue.
PLAN
Treatment is always integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan tailored to your condition. We collaborate with your physio or treating practitioner to ensure that recovery, loading and reconditioning are appropriately managed.
MONITORING
Recovery is tracked over time. PRP effects build gradually — most patients with joint osteoarthritis notice results within 6–8 weeks, while tendon and ligament recovery typically takes 3–6 months. Where appropriate, top-up injections may be offered if symptoms return.
