Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that has gained growing attention in orthopaedics across Australia. Whether you’re dealing with chronic tendon pain, joint discomfort, or a ligament strain, PRP therapy offers a minimally invasive way to support healing using your body’s own biological materials. But before considering this treatment, many patients understandably ask the question: Is PRP therapy safe?
In this article, we take a balanced look at the potential benefits and risks of PRP treatment, what the procedure involves, and how to make an informed decision with your orthopaedic provider.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves taking a sample of your own blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting that platelet-rich plasma into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that may help stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support healing in joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
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 plantar fasciitis
- PRP for ligament tear or muscle strain
As a form of regenerative medicine, PRP therapy is increasingly being offered in orthopaedic PRP clinics throughout Australia as an option for patients looking 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 is significantly lower than with other types of injections. 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 healing response
- 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’re an appropriate candidate for PRP therapy and discuss any health conditions that could increase your risk.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
The primary benefit of PRP therapy is that it may promote the body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissue. Unlike some traditional treatments that focus solely on masking pain, PRP aims to support healing at the source.
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, but 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, but they do not assist with tissue repair and may have side effects with repeated use.
PRP, on the other hand, is a regenerative approach that may take longer to show results but aims to improve long-term tissue quality. It is also commonly considered as an alternative to surgery in certain soft tissue injuries—particularly in partial tears or overuse syndromes.
For those weighing up PRP vs traditional treatment approaches such as rest or physiotherapy alone, PRP can be viewed as an adjunct—working alongside other therapies to accelerate healing.
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 depending on the location and severity of the injury, but most people gradually return to activity over several weeks.
