What Are PRP Injections?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to promote healing in damaged joints, tendons, and ligaments. A small sample of blood is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injected directly into the affected area. The concentrated platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
PRP has gained significant traction in sports medicine and orthopaedics over the past decade and is now widely used in private practice for patients seeking alternatives to surgery or steroid injections.
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP is most commonly used for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder; rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement; tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow; Achilles tendinopathy; plantar fasciitis; and ligament sprains that have not responded to physiotherapy.
For patients with moderate osteoarthritis who are not yet ready for joint replacement, or who wish to delay surgery, PRP can provide meaningful pain relief and improved function for six to twelve months per treatment cycle.
PRP vs Steroid Injections
Steroid injections (corticosteroids) have been the standard injectable treatment for joint pain for decades. They work by suppressing inflammation and can provide rapid pain relief. However, their effects are temporary, typically lasting four to eight weeks, and repeated steroid injections have been shown to accelerate cartilage degeneration over time.
PRP takes a different approach. Rather than suppressing inflammation, it supports tissue repair. The onset of pain relief is slower, often taking two to four weeks, but the duration is typically longer, and there is no evidence of cartilage damage with repeated use. For patients with degenerative joint disease, PRP may be the more appropriate long term option.
PRP vs Surgery
For conditions such as rotator cuff tears and chronic tendinopathy, surgery is effective but involves general anaesthesia, a surgical wound, and a recovery period of eight to twelve months during which arm mobility is significantly restricted. The success rate for shoulder surgery is approximately 90%, but the risks include nerve damage and post operative stiffness.
PRP does not carry these surgical risks. It is performed in a clinic setting, takes approximately 45 minutes, and you can return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. It is not a replacement for surgery in all cases, but for patients who are hesitant about an operation, or who wish to try a conservative approach first, it is a reasonable option.
What to Expect During Treatment
The procedure is straightforward. We draw approximately 20ml of blood from your arm, place it in a centrifuge for 10 to 15 minutes to separate the platelet rich layer, and then inject the concentrated plasma into the affected joint or tendon under sterile conditions. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort at the injection site.
You may experience mild soreness and swelling at the injection site for two to three days afterwards. This is a normal inflammatory response and is part of the healing process. We recommend avoiding anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for one week after treatment, as these can interfere with the platelet activity.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Most patients benefit from a course of two to three injections spaced four to six weeks apart. The effects are cumulative, with each treatment building on the previous one. After the initial course, many patients return for a single maintenance injection every six to twelve months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP available on the NHS?
PRP is not routinely available on the NHS, as it is classified as an emerging treatment that has not yet been adopted into standard commissioning pathways. It is widely available in private clinics.
How much does PRP cost?
The cost varies by clinic and by the number of joints being treated. At Clinique Alpa, we provide a clear fee at the initial consultation. A single joint treatment typically costs significantly less than private surgery.
Does it actually work?
The evidence for PRP is strongest for knee osteoarthritis and chronic tendinopathy. Systematic reviews show clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function compared to placebo and comparable or superior outcomes to steroid injection at six and twelve months. It does not work for everyone, and we discuss realistic expectations at the consultation.
Book a Consultation
If you are living with joint pain and want to explore PRP as an alternative to surgery or repeated steroid injections, book an appointment at Clinique Alpa in Palmers Green, North London.
Written by Dr Mitesh Parmar, MBBS MRCGP, Principal GP at Clinique Alpa.