A PRP injection appointment typically takes 45–60 minutes from start to finish. Your doctor draws a small amount of blood from your arm. A centrifuge then spins it to concentrate the platelets. Finally, the doctor injects the resulting plasma under ultrasound guidance into the affected area. Learn more about the full procedure, or review the clinical evidence for PRP.
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. Many orthopaedic clinics offer this natural treatment. It 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 and review your imaging, if available. They will then determine whether PRP therapy is appropriate. This is also the time to ask any questions you may have. You might ask 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 the processing technique your provider uses can affect its quality.
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. 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. This is especially likely for orthopaedic conditions like a rotator cuff injury, tennis elbow, or knee arthritis.
Most patients notice gradual improvement in pain or function over several weeks. Response times can vary, depending on the injury and the body’s individual healing pace.
If you’re looking for PRP treatment in Sydney’s north-west or the Southern Highlands, contact Dr John PRP to arrange a thorough assessment. We see patients from Castle Hill, Norwest, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Bowral, and Mittagong.
For further reading, visit the Healthdirect’s step-by-step PRP guide.
