PRP Platelet Rich Plasma

Overview

Many sports injuries improve with time, progressive loading, and physiotherapy. However, some conditions remain stubborn, particularly when tendons and ligaments have ongoing irritation or when joint symptoms continue despite structured rehabilitation.

PRP is designed to support the local biological environment rather than simply reduce inflammation. It is commonly discussed for tendon related pain, certain ligament injuries, and selected joint conditions. Suitability depends on the exact diagnosis, imaging findings, symptom duration, and the demands of sport or activity.

Evidence continues to evolve and outcomes vary between individuals and between different injury types. Your consultant will discuss whether PRP is appropriate for your condition and what results are realistic.

Who this treatment helps

PRP may be considered for people with:

• Tendon related pain that has not improved with appropriate rehabilitation
• Persistent ligament strain symptoms in selected cases
• Muscle injuries where recovery has stalled in selected cases
• Joint pain where PRP may be appropriate depending on the diagnosis
• Overuse injuries where inflammation control alone is not the goal
• Pain that continues to limit return to sport despite structured conservative care

A consultation is required to confirm suitability and to ensure PRP is being used for the right indication.

What is PRP Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP is made by taking a small sample of your blood and processing it to concentrate platelets. The PRP is then injected into the targeted area, often under ultrasound guidance for precision.

The aim is to:

• Support tissue repair processes locally
• Reduce ongoing irritation in selected conditions
• Improve pain and function over time
• Support rehabilitation by improving tolerance to loading

PRP does not provide instant relief in the way some anti inflammatory injections can. Improvement often develops gradually over several weeks as biological processes take effect.

What to expect during the procedure

1. Consultant assessment and confirmation of the target area and diagnosis

2. Blood sample taken from your arm

3. Processing of the sample to prepare PRP

4. Skin cleaning and local anaesthetic where appropriate

5. Ultrasound guidance used in many cases to place PRP accurately

6. Injection into the targeted tendon ligament muscle region or joint depending on indication

7. Brief monitoring before discharge

Your consultant will advise you on immediate aftercare and rehabilitation steps.

After the procedure

After PRP, it is normal to experience:

• Soreness or increased sensitivity at the treated area for a few days
• Temporary stiffness depending on the site
• A gradual change in symptoms over weeks rather than days

Your consultant may recommend:

• A short period of activity modification
• Avoiding anti inflammatory medication for a period if clinically appropriate
• A structured rehabilitation plan with progressive loading
• Follow up to review response and plan next steps

Many patients benefit most when PRP is integrated into a clear physiotherapy programme rather than treated as a standalone fix.

Benefits

• Uses your own blood products
• Targets the injured structure directly
• May support tissue recovery in selected cases
• Can improve function and loading tolerance over time
• Minimally invasive and usually performed as a day case
• May reduce reliance on longer term medication in selected cases

Possible risks and side effects

PRP is generally safe, but all injections carry risks. Possible risks and side effects may include:

• Temporary increase in pain or flare up
• Bruising or soreness at the injection site
• Infection, rare
• Bleeding, uncommon
• Local irritation
• No meaningful improvement in some cases

Your consultant will discuss risk and expected outcomes based on your condition and target area.

When to consider other options

If PRP is not appropriate, or if symptoms do not improve, your consultant may discuss:

• Targeted anti inflammatory injections when inflammation is the key driver
• Alternative interventional procedures depending on diagnosis
• Updated imaging and reassessment
• Training load modification and rehabilitation adjustments
• Surgical referral where structural repair is required

Safety note

Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, bleeding disorders, allergies, active infection, are pregnant, or have had previous reactions to local anaesthetic. Your consultant will advise on medication timing and aftercare planning.

Arrange a consultation to confirm whether PRP is suitable for your sports injury and recovery goals.