Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a treatment that utilises components of your blood to promote healing. Platelets, which are naturally present in your blood, contain growth factors—proteins with regenerative properties. Plasma (the liquid portion of blood) is a carrier for these platelets. To create PRP, healthcare professionals process a blood sample using specialised equipment that isolates and concentrates the platelets within the plasma.

PRP injections contain five to ten times more platelets than a regular blood sample. When administered to dead or injured tissue, PRP’s growth factors can alleviate symptoms and promote healing. The treatment reduces pain caused by osteoarthritis, accelerates the healing of wounds, and even addresses skin conditions and alopecia.

Benefits of PRP Injections

Research indicates that PRP injections may enhance the healing process in tissues that are slow to recover or resistant to treatment. They achieve this by:

Initiating a recovery response – PRP can initiate temporary inflammation that stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
Boosting collagen production – Collagen maintains tissue strength and regeneration, and PRP may possibly increase its production.
Promoting cellular regeneration – PRP supports cell division and turnover, processes that slow down with age and disease.
Reducing chronic inflammation – PRP may help decrease inflammation over time, leading to pain relief and improved tissue health.

What to Expect During a PRP Procedure

The PRP procedure has a general process, even though specific steps may vary based on the condition to be treated. This is what generally happens:

Blood collection. Your provider draws a small amount of blood, usually one or more vials. There is no donor blood risk since PRP is taken from your own blood.
Centrifugation. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge that spins at high speed to separate its components based on weight. This process isolates and concentrates the platelets and eliminates blood cells.
Injection. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the targeted area. Your provider may use ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. Depending on the treatment area, they might also administer a local anaesthetic before or alongside the PRP injection to minimise discomfort.

Potential Side Effects of PRP Injections

PRP injections are generally considered safe, with minimal risks. Nevertheless, a few potential side effects include:

Infection risk: Although rare, contamination is possible if proper sterilisation protocols are not followed during blood processing. However, our healthcare facility has strict measures in place to avoid this.
Injection discomfort: Some individuals may experience more pain or soreness than expected at the injection site.

How Long Does PRP Treatment Take to Work?

The effects of PRP treatment are not immediate. It may take a few weeks to notice initial improvements such as reduced pain or cosmetic changes. Complete healing of injured or dead tissues or the growth of new hair can take several months. Some individuals may require multiple PRP sessions so as to achieve their desired results.

How Long Do PRP Treatment Effects Last?

The benefits of PRP injections can last anywhere from six months to one year or more, based on the treated condition. Symptoms should still improve throughout this period as the healing progresses. Beyond temporary pain relief, PRP aims to enhance long-term tissue health and function.

Bottom Line

Platelet-rich plasma injection is one of the newer treatments that take advantage of the body’s own healing mechanisms to manage a variety of conditions. These conditions range from chronic pain to hair loss and skin rejuvenation. Most patients experienced significant improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being after this injection.