PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is prepared from a sample of the patient's own blood and injected into or around a painful musculoskeletal structure when the diagnosis and goals make it appropriate.
How PRP is used
PRP is used as part of a non-surgical program for selected joint and tendon problems. The goal is usually to reduce pain, improve function, and support rehabilitation. PRP is not the same as a steroid injection and is not intended to simply numb the area.
Where PRP may be considered
- Early or mild-to-moderate knee arthritis.
- Symptomatic degenerative meniscal pathology when surgery is not the best first step.
- Selected chronic tendinopathies such as tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and some partial rotator cuff problems.
What the evidence suggests
Recent systematic reviews and network meta-analyses generally suggest that PRP may provide better medium-term symptom improvement than corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid for many patients with knee osteoarthritis, although preparation methods and patient selection vary. For tendinopathy, evidence is condition-specific and results are not guaranteed.
Practical expectations
PRP often causes a short period of post-injection soreness. Improvement, when it occurs, is usually gradual rather than immediate. It should be combined with appropriate activity modification, strengthening, weight management when relevant, and physiotherapy or a home exercise program.
More injection information
For a broader explanation of injection choices, evidence limits, safety issues, and references, review the main Injection Therapy section.