PRP therapy is generally considered low-risk. As a treatment derived from your own blood, it carries minimal risk of allergic reaction or systemic side effects. Most patients experience only temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site. This article covers what the evidence shows about PRP safety, who should exercise caution, and what to expect after treatment. For conditions PRP can treat, see our conditions page.
This article takes a balanced look at the potential benefits and risks of PRP treatment, and at what the procedure involves. It also shows how to make an informed decision with your orthopaedic provider.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves taking a sample of your own blood. A centrifuge then processes it to concentrate the platelets. The clinician injects that platelet-rich plasma into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that may help reduce inflammation.
PRP injections are used to manage a variety of orthopaedic conditions, including:
- PRP for knee pain from arthritis or overuse
- PRP for rotator cuff injury
- PRP for Achilles tendinopathy
- PRP for tennis elbow
- PRP for ligament tear or muscle strain
As a form of orthobiologic treatment, PRP therapy is increasingly offered in orthopaedic clinics throughout Australia. It suits patients who want to avoid surgery or reduce chronic pain without medication.
Is PRP Therapy Safe?
Overall, PRP therapy is considered a low-risk procedure for most patients. Because the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection stays low. However, like all medical procedures, there are risks to consider.
Potential risks include:
- Mild pain or soreness at the injection site
- Swelling or bruising shortly after the injection
- Temporary increase in inflammation as part of the response to treatment
- Low risk of infection at the injection site (as with any injection)
- No guarantee of symptom relief
It is important that PRP injections are performed by a qualified medical professional in a sterile environment to minimise complications. Your doctor will assess whether you are an appropriate candidate for PRP therapy. They will also discuss any health conditions that could increase your risk.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
The primary aim of PRP therapy is to reduce inflammation, leading to pain reduction.
Key potential benefits of PRP treatment include:
- Targeted delivery of growth factors to injured areas
- May reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissue
- Can support recovery in ligament and tendon injuries
- May delay or reduce the need for surgery
- Uses the body’s own cells, avoiding synthetic substances
Research into PRP therapy is ongoing. Even so, clinical studies have shown promising outcomes for conditions such as knee arthritis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Outcomes vary depending on the condition, stage of injury, and individual response.
How PRP Compares to Other Treatments
Patients often consider PRP vs cortisone injection when choosing between options. Cortisone injections may offer quicker pain relief. However, they may have side effects with repeated use.
PRP, on the other hand, is an orthobiologic approach. It may take longer to show results. It is also commonly considered an alternative to surgery in certain soft tissue injuries. This is especially true for partial tears or overuse syndromes.
Some patients weigh PRP against traditional approaches such as rest or physiotherapy alone. In practice, PRP can work as an adjunct, alongside other therapies, to reduce inflammation.
What to Expect During and After PRP Injections
The PRP procedure typically takes less than an hour in a clinic setting. After your initial consultation, the process involves:
- Drawing a small amount of your blood
- Processing it in a centrifuge to extract the PRP
- Injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the injured area, often under ultrasound guidance
After the injection, mild soreness or stiffness is common and usually settles within a few days. Patients are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a short period. A rehabilitation program is often recommended to support recovery.
PRP injection recovery time varies with the location and severity of the injury. Most people gradually return to activity over several weeks.
To find out whether PRP therapy is appropriate for your condition, book a consultation with Dr John PRP. We welcome patients from across Sydney’s north-west — including Castle Hill, Norwest, and Pennant Hills — and from the Southern Highlands including Bowral and Mittagong.
For further reading, visit the Healthdirect Australia on PRP safety and risks.
