If you’ve been considering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, you might be wondering what actually happens during the treatment. Understanding each step of the PRP injection process can help ease any nerves and prepare you for a smooth and informed experience. Whether you’re pursuing PRP for joint pain, ligament injury, or tendon issues, this guide outlines exactly what to expect from your first appointment to post-injection recovery.
PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine gaining traction in Australia. It involves using your own blood to concentrate healing cells—platelets—which are then injected into the injured or painful area. This natural treatment is offered by many orthopaedic clinics and is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, ligament tears, and soft tissue injuries.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
Before receiving PRP injections, you’ll attend a consultation at your PRP clinic. During this session, the doctor will assess your condition, review your imaging (if available), and determine whether PRP therapy is appropriate. This is also the time to ask any questions you may have about PRP treatment benefits, risks, or alternatives like surgery or cortisone injections.
Step 2: Preparing for Your PRP Injection
If you’re approved for treatment, your doctor may offer some advice on how to prepare for PRP therapy. This typically includes:
- Staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to the injection
- Avoiding certain medications or supplements that may interfere with platelet function
- Eating a nutritious meal before the procedure to maintain stable energy levels
For more information, see our guide on how to prepare for PRP injection.
Step 3: The Blood Draw
On the day of your procedure, the first step is a simple blood draw—similar to a standard blood test. A small amount of blood is taken from your arm and placed into a sterile tube for processing.
Step 4: Platelet Separation
The collected blood is placed into a centrifuge—a machine that spins rapidly to separate the platelets from other components. This spinning process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. What remains is platelet-rich plasma, which contains a high concentration of growth factors and healing proteins.
This is the active part of your PRP injection, and its quality can be influenced by the processing technique used by your provider.
Step 5: Injection into the Target Area
Once the PRP is ready, it’s injected into the injured area. Depending on your condition, this could be a joint, tendon, ligament, or soft tissue. Most PRP injections are done under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement.
You may feel mild discomfort or pressure during the injection, but it’s generally a quick and well-tolerated procedure. If you’re wondering “how long does a PRP injection take?”, the entire process—including prep—usually takes about 45–60 minutes.
Step 6: Immediate Post-Injection Care
After the injection, your doctor may advise:
- Taking it easy for the rest of the day
- Avoiding high-impact activity for a few days
- Applying ice packs if there is any swelling
- Following specific post-injection care instructions
The PRP recovery process is important, as the injection begins a biological healing response that unfolds over the following days and weeks.
Step 7: Ongoing Recovery and Rehabilitation
In the days after your PRP treatment, you may experience mild soreness or stiffness at the injection site. This is part of the body’s inflammatory response, which is crucial to tissue healing.
Your doctor may recommend physiotherapy or targeted exercises to support recovery, especially if PRP was used to treat an orthopaedic condition like a rotator cuff injury, plantar fasciitis, or knee arthritis.
Most patients begin to notice gradual improvement in pain or function over the course of several weeks, although response times can vary depending on the injury and the body’s individual healing pace.
