For many patients dealing with chronic joint or soft tissue pain, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy presents an exciting option. As regenerative medicine becomes more common in Australia, questions often arise: Is PRP therapy a permanent solution? Can it truly reverse injury or degeneration? How long do the effects last?
This article explores what PRP can realistically offer, how it fits into long-term care for orthopaedic conditions, and how patients can support their outcomes beyond the injection.
What PRP Therapy Does—and Doesn’t—Do
PRP therapy involves using a concentration of your body’s own platelets—rich in growth factors—to encourage tissue repair. It’s typically used to treat:
- Mild to moderate tendon and ligament injuries
- Certain types of osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue conditions like plantar fasciitis and muscle strains
While PRP therapy can reduce inflammation, support healing, and potentially improve tissue quality, it is not a “cure” for structural damage. It doesn’t regenerate cartilage overnight or replace a torn tendon. Its effects are subtle and often gradual.
Rather than being a permanent fix, PRP is best viewed as a tool to help your body recover and manage chronic conditions more effectively.
How Long Do PRP Results Last?
The duration of benefit from PRP therapy varies widely between patients and conditions. Factors that influence PRP’s longevity include:
- Severity and type of injury or condition
- Location of the injection (e.g., PRP for joints vs. PRP for tendons)
- Overall health and tissue quality
- Activity level and lifestyle after the injection
Some patients report relief lasting several months to a year, while others may require multiple sessions over time. For example, patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis may respond well to a single PRP injection, while chronic tendon injuries might need repeat treatment to maintain effect.
Is PRP Therapy Effective Long-Term?
While PRP has shown promising results in many studies, especially when used early in the disease or injury process, long-term effectiveness still varies. For conditions like rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, and knee arthritis, PRP can offer an alternative to surgery or prolonged medication use, but its outcomes depend heavily on the individual.
Importantly, PRP does not halt ageing or prevent future injuries. It supports the healing of current tissue—but maintaining those results requires ongoing care and adjustments.
Setting Realistic Expectations: What to Know
Here are some key things to keep in mind if you’re considering PRP:
- PRP is part of a broader treatment plan—not a standalone cure
- Results may be gradual, with full benefit felt over weeks or months
- Repeat injections may be needed, especially in chronic or degenerative cases
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, movement, and stress management play a crucial role in outcome
- There is no guarantee of success—individual response varies
Being informed helps patients make empowered decisions and avoid disappointment from unrealistic expectations.
Supporting Your Recovery Beyond PRP
For the best outcomes, PRP therapy should be supported by a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy. This might include:
- Physiotherapy to restore joint function and muscle balance
- Strength training to support long-term joint stability
- Modifications to daily activities to reduce strain on healing tissue
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition and hydration strategies
- Addressing sleep and stress, which influence tissue repair
Taking a holistic approach not only helps maintain the benefits of PRP but may also reduce the risk of re-injury.
