What to Expect During and After PRP Joint Treatment
If you’re dealing with joint pain—whether from arthritis, an old sports injury, or everyday wear and tear—you’ve likely explored different treatment options. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as an effective, natural option for many people seeking relief. Unlike medications or surgeries, PRP uses your body’s own platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation. But if you’re considering PRP joint treatment, you probably want to know what the process feels like, how much recovery time to expect, and how to care for your joints post-treatment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the PRP process at The London PRP Clinic, so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.
What is PRP Joint Treatment?
PRP therapy involves using your own blood to harness the power of platelets, which are loaded with growth factors and proteins that support cell regeneration and tissue repair. For joint pain, PRP injections can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and even slow down cartilage degeneration, making it an appealing option for people with osteoarthritis, ligament damage, or tendon injuries (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017).
Before Your PRP Joint Treatment
Before your treatment, you’ll have a consultation with one of our specialists at The London PRP Clinic. During this visit, we’ll discuss your medical history, current health, and specific joint concerns to make sure PRP is the right fit for you. Here’s what typically happens leading up to the procedure:
Consultation and Assessment: We assess the affected joint(s) and discuss your pain level, mobility, and overall health to create a customized PRP treatment plan.
Pre-Treatment Instructions: You’ll be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or aspirin) for at least a week before treatment. These can interfere with platelet function, and since PRP relies on platelet activity, it’s essential to let them do their job!
During the PRP Joint Treatment: The Step-by-Step Process
A PRP joint treatment session is relatively straightforward and minimally invasive. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
Blood Draw: First, a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm—similar to a routine blood test. This is usually quick and causes minimal discomfort.
PRP Preparation: Your blood sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from other components. This process takes around 10–15 minutes and produces a concentrated “platelet-rich” plasma that is then ready for injection.
PRP Injection: After prepping the treatment area, the PRP is injected directly into the affected joint. This part of the procedure is relatively quick, and we take every step to ensure your comfort.
Pain Level: Most patients experience minimal discomfort, often describing the feeling as a slight pinch or pressure. However, for more sensitive areas, a local anesthetic may be used to minimize any pain.
The entire treatment process typically lasts about an hour, so you’ll be able to go about your day with minimal disruption.
After PRP Joint Treatment: Recovery and Results
PRP is a minimally invasive treatment, so there’s little to no downtime. However, as your joint begins the healing process, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Immediate Post-Treatment: You may experience mild swelling, warmth, or soreness at the injection site, which is normal and generally subsides within a day or two. These effects are simply signs that the PRP is working, as the growth factors stimulate your body’s natural healing response (Sampson et al., 2020).
Activity Restrictions: While you can resume most daily activities right after treatment, it’s best to avoid high-impact activities like running or heavy lifting for the first 48 hours. Light movement is encouraged, as it promotes blood flow and supports the PRP’s healing effects.
Pain Management: Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or aspirin) for at least a week post-treatment, as they can interfere with the PRP’s inflammatory healing process. Instead, use ice packs or acetaminophen (paracetamol) if you need relief from any lingering discomfort.
Gradual Improvement: Unlike cortisone shots or painkillers, which provide immediate but short-term relief, PRP offers a more gradual improvement. Patients typically start to notice reduced pain and improved mobility within 2 to 6 weeks, with full results developing over 3 to 6 months. The reason for this timeline is that PRP works by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation naturally, so results build up over time (Filardo et al., 2018).
Long-Term Results: How Often Will You Need PRP Joint Treatments?
The longevity of PRP’s effects varies depending on factors like your overall health, activity level, and the severity of your joint condition. Many patients find that a single series of 2 to 3 PRP sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart provides long-lasting relief for several months to a year. For chronic conditions, we may recommend periodic maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months to sustain results (Raeissadat et al., 2019).
Aftercare Tips for PRP Joint Treatment
To maximize the benefits of your PRP treatment, here are some essential aftercare tips:
Stay Active, But Don’t Overdo It: Light exercise, like walking or gentle stretching, can promote circulation and support healing. Avoid high-impact activities until cleared by your specialist.
Follow a Joint-Friendly Diet: Nutrient-rich foods with vitamins C and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants support joint health and collagen production. Consider adding salmon, leafy greens, berries, and nuts to your diet.
Stay Hydrated: Water helps to nourish cartilage, maintain joint lubrication, and flush out toxins. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to support recovery.
Consider Physical Therapy: Depending on your needs, we may recommend a customized physical therapy plan to strengthen the joint and improve mobility. Physical therapy complements PRP by enhancing muscle support around the joint, making it easier to maintain long-term relief.
Why Choose The London PRP Clinic?
At The London PRP Clinic, we are committed to providing top-quality, doctor-led PRP treatments that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and comfort. With our state-of-the-art PRP technology and experienced practitioners, you can feel confident that you’re receiving the highest standard of care. Each treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that your PRP journey is both effective and satisfying.
If you’re ready to explore PRP for joint pain relief, book a consultation with us at The London PRP Clinic. Our team will be here every step of the way, helping you achieve a more comfortable, active, and pain-free life through the natural benefits of PRP therapy.
References
Fitzpatrick, J., Bulsara, M., & Zheng, M. H. (2017). The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of tendinopathy. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(6), 1528-1544.
Sampson, S., Gerhardt, M., & Mandelbaum, B. (2020). Platelet-rich plasma injection grafts for musculoskeletal injuries: A review. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 3(3-4), 165-174.
Filardo, G., Di Matteo, B., Kon, E., et al. (2018). Platelet-rich plasma intra-articular injections for the treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis: from preclinical to clinical evidence. Stem Cells International, 2018, 5046953.
Raeissadat, S. A., Rayegani, S. M., & Babaei-Ghazani, A. (2019). Knee osteoarthritis treatment: Comparing hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma injections. Journal of Pain Research, 12, 1699-1705.
Take the Next Step Toward Joint Relief – Contact The London PRP Clinic today to book your consultation and discover how PRP can help you regain mobility and reduce pain naturally.
