Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become a promising option in the field of orthopaedics, particularly for patients seeking non-surgical treatment for joint and soft tissue injuries. While PRP injections offer a regenerative boost, optimal recovery often requires more than a single intervention. This is where physiotherapy plays a critical role. Combining PRP with physio can significantly improve outcomes by supporting tissue healing, restoring mobility, and addressing the root causes of pain.
In this article, we’ll explore why PRP and physio work well together, how the process typically unfolds, and what patients can do to support their results.
Why Combine PRP Therapy with Physiotherapy?
PRP therapy delivers growth factors directly to the site of injury, which can stimulate healing of tendons, ligaments, or joint cartilage. However, healing tissue requires guided movement and strengthening to function properly. Without rehabilitation, even a biologically enhanced structure may remain weak, tight, or unbalanced.
Physiotherapy addresses these challenges through:
- Controlled loading of healing tissues
- Mobility exercises to restore range of motion
- Strength training to stabilise surrounding muscles
- Neuromuscular re-education to improve movement patterns
- Strategies to prevent recurrence or overuse
Together, PRP and physio form a two-part solution: one addresses biological healing, while the other addresses functional recovery.
When Should Physiotherapy Start After PRP Injections?
The timing of physiotherapy after PRP depends on the treated area and the condition being managed. Most patients begin gentle physio exercises within a few days of their PRP injection, once any post-injection inflammation subsides. In some cases, early movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness—particularly in areas like the knee or shoulder.
Your physiotherapist and doctor will tailor a progression plan that typically follows this structure:
- Phase 1 (0–7 days): Rest, gentle mobility, pain management
- Phase 2 (1–4 weeks): Controlled range-of-motion exercises, isometric strength work
- Phase 3 (4–8 weeks): Functional strengthening, proprioceptive training
- Phase 4 (8+ weeks): Return to activity or sport-specific conditioning
Close communication between your PRP doctor and physiotherapist ensures each phase is aligned with your tissue’s healing timeline.
Common Orthopaedic Conditions That Benefit from PRP and Physio
Many soft tissue injuries respond well to a combined approach of PRP and physiotherapy, especially those involving repetitive strain or biomechanical imbalances. These include:
- PRP for rotator cuff injury and shoulder tendonitis, followed by physio to restore shoulder movement
- PRP for knee pain (e.g. osteoarthritis, patellar tendonitis), supported by strengthening and gait training
- PRP for Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis, combined with foot and calf mobility and loading exercises
- PRP for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, with progressive strengthening of the forearm and grip
In all of these cases, PRP therapy may address inflammation and tissue quality, while physiotherapy restores joint mechanics and functional use.
Realistic Expectations and Long-Term Results
While many patients experience improvement from combining PRP and physio, recovery is rarely immediate. It’s important to remain patient and committed to your rehab plan. Tissue healing is a biological process that unfolds over weeks or months. Physio helps ensure that healing leads to long-term function, not just pain reduction.
In some cases, a single course of PRP and rehab may be enough to return to full activity. In others, especially in chronic conditions or more advanced degeneration, maintenance exercises and occasional follow-up care may be needed.
