Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP Injections

PRP injection – Currently this procedure is only available through a medical doctor. We can happily recommend a consultant for you who will be able to carry out this procedure.   

What to expect at a PRP injection appointment

The first step is to draw blood from the patient. This is exactly like having a blood test. A centrifuge is then used to spin the blood down, in order to separate it into its different constituent and layers.

One specific layer of the separated blood is plasma which will contain 2-5 times the usual number of platelets for a similar sample of normal blood. This layer is then extracted into a syringe ready to be injected back into the damaged area to stimulate healing. Over the last 10 years research has consistently demonstrated that this enriched plasma has a regenerative effect on the tissues of the body by triggering natural healing processes.

The PRP injection will always be delivered under ultrasound guidance to ensure we target exactly the right area.

Most research shows that a series of 3 PRP injections each 1-2 weeks apart gives the best outcome for Knee Osteoarthritis. However we also offer PRP and Hyaluronic Acid combination injection which gives the added benefit of Hyaluronic Acid in the same syringe as the PRP injection, hopefully delivering an even more successful treatment.

Treatment options will vary depending on your injury. Options include a single PRP injection, a series of 3 PRP injections or a combination PRP-Hyaluronic Acid injection.

How will I know if a PRP injection is right for me?

What should I expect during a PRP injection appointment?

The appointment will last around 30-40 minutes. You should keep yourself well hydrated on the day of the appointment as this will make drawing the blood out of your arm easier. Usually they will not use local anaesthetic for a PRP injection to ensure it does not alter the natural healing benefits of the PRP. As a result it can be a little sore after the injection for a day or two. It can also be common to experience a “post injection flare” which is a general pain at the injury site due to the local inflammation and may last for a week or so. This is nothing to be concerned about. We would encourage you to not take anti-inflammatory medication for the pain but instead use paracetamol or ice if required.

There may be a bit of discomfort at the time of the injection procedure and there may be pain at the site for 1-2 days. If you experience a post injection flare, this can last around 2 weeks.

Instructions for after the injection

You will be emailed instructions on things to look out for and avoid after your injection. We usually recommend that you avoid loading the area for a few days. You should give the body a chance to start the regenerative process by avoiding heavy loading of the area for 5 days. If the injection is in or around a tendon, you may be asked to avoid heavy loading for 2-3 weeks to avoid aggravating the post injection flare.

On the day of the procedure you can usually go about your day as normal. However if the injection is around a tendon you may wish to consider arrangements for getting home after your injection because the tendon can be painful to walk long distances, cycle or drive with.

Will I need another injection?

What are the risks and side effects from PRP injections?

As its your own blood plasma we are injecting back into the body, most people have PRP injections without any side effects.

As with any injection into the body, there is always a risk of infection. This is extremely rare across all injections administered in all healthcare settings. Around 1:50,000 patients may get an infection according to the literature following an injection procedure.

What if I am taking other medication when I have a PRP injection?

It is safe for you to take other medications alongside the PRP injection. We would encourage you to not take anti-inflammatory medication (eg Ibuprofen, Naproxen) 1 week prior and 4 weeks after the procedure to avoid altering the regenerative process.

However, you must tell the clinician performing the injection, if you are taking an anti- coagulant (blood thinning) medication as they may need to discuss this with your GP before proceeding with any treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Unfortunately, due to a lack of research in this area we cannot recommend PRP injections to patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.