PRP Injection for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Partial Tears in London: A Complete FAQ Patient Guide

Key takeaways

• PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections are a regenerative, non surgical option for rotator cuff tendinopathy and suitable partial thickness tears, especially when physiotherapy alone and cortisone injections have not resolved symptoms.

• PRP uses your own blood to deliver a high concentration of healing growth factors directly to the injured tendon.

• Results are gradual. Most patients improve over 4 to 12 weeks, particularly when PRP is combined with the right rehabilitation plan.

• Ultrasound diagnosis and ultrasound guided injection improve accuracy and outcomes.

• PRP is not appropriate for full thickness tears or large retracted tears, where surgery may be needed.

My experience receiving a PRP injection for my rotator cuff was great. Dr Alnaib was kind, knowledgeable, and clinically skilled. He answered all my questions and made sure I'm comfortable. It's early days but I'm pleased with the results of the treatment so far. Highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial tears are among the most common causes of shoulder pain we see in London. Symptoms often include aching down the upper arm, pain lifting overhead, difficulty reaching behind your back, weakness in the gym, or disturbed sleep when lying on the affected side. If you want a refresher on the wider causes of shoulder pain and how we assess them, you may find our guide on rotator cuff tears helpful.

Most patients improve with a structured physiotherapy programme. But in some, pain persists or keeps flaring up despite doing the right things. If you are in that group, PRP the evidence-supported next step you need. It sits in the space between “keep waiting and rehabbing” and “consider surgery”, making it appealing for active adults who want to get back to sport, work, and normal sleep without unnecessary delay.

What is PRP and how does it help rotator cuff injuries?

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. A small amount of your blood is taken and put in a special tube(s), then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. Platelets and plasma contain growth factors that help regulate inflammation and support tissue repair. The PRP is then injected into the damaged part of the rotator cuff tendon or, when appropriate, the inflamed subacromial bursa, under ultrasound guidance.

Unlike steroid injections, which mainly reduce inflammation and pain in the short term, PRP aims to improve the quality of the tendon environment and encourage healing. That is why PRP is often chosen for chronic tendinopathy or partial tears that have not responded to rehab.

You can read more about how PRP works for tendon conditions on our dedicated PRP page: PRP injections for tendinopathy

If you are specifically looking at PRP for shoulder pain in general, this related post may be useful too: PRP injections for shoulder pain

Which shoulder problems respond best to PRP?

PRP works best for rotator cuff issues that are painful and stubborn but not severe enough to require surgery. This typically includes:

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy that has not responded to a proper strength and load programme.

• Partial thickness tears, especially small to moderate tears without significant tendon retraction.

• Subacromial bursitis or impingement patterns driven by tendon overload.

PRP is less likely to help if a scan shows:

• A full thickness tear.

• A large or retracted tear.

• Advanced tendon degeneration with major weakness.

In those cases, PRP may still provide symptom relief, but the priority may be a surgical opinion.

What to expect during your appointment for PRP injection for Rotator Cuff pain

At ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic, PRP is delivered through a one-stop, doctor led process. If you already have imaging, we review it carefully. If not, we often perform a diagnostic ultrasound on the day to confirm the exact pain driver. This step is important because shoulder pain can mimic rotator cuff tears when the bursa, biceps tendon, AC joint, or neck are actually responsible.

Learn more about the value of diagnostic scanning here:Private musculoskeletal ultrasound in London

Once PRP is agreed:

• We take a small blood sample from your arm.

• The PRP is prepared in clinic.

• The injection is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement into the injured tendon or subacromial space.

If you want more detail on why ultrasound guidance matters, see:Ultrasound guided injection: what, how and why

Most patients feel pressure or a quick sharp ache during the injection. It is normal to feel a flare of soreness for 24 to 72 hours afterwards. This is part of the healing response PRP is designed to stimulate.

PRP recovery timeline and expected results

PRP is not an instant fix. It works gradually, with recovery looking something like this:

First 48 hoursExpect soreness and stiffness. Keep the shoulder gently moving. Use ice and simple pain relief if needed. We usually advise avoiding anti inflammatory tablets unless we recommend them, as they may reduce the intended PRP inflammatory response.

Weeks 1 to 3Pain begins to settle. Night pain often improves first. Rehab focuses on restoring comfortable movement and starting controlled strengthening.

Weeks 4 to 8This is where most people feel meaningful improvement. Strength work progresses, especially rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser loading.

Weeks 8 to 12The longer-term benefit becomes clearer. If PRP is going to work well for you, this is typically the period where you recognise a real difference in function and tolerance.

Why choose a PRP specialist in London?

PRP outcomes depend on three things: correct diagnosis, accurate delivery, and the right rehab plan.

• Specialist diagnosis ensures PRP is used for the right shoulder problem in the first place.

• Ultrasound guided delivery ensures the PRP reaches the exact injured tendon fibres.

• Rehab integration ensures the tendon is progressively loaded to remodel properly.

Our London services are designed around this model with doctor led care and on-site ultrasound. You can explore our clinic approach here:Clinic services: doctor led injections and ultrasound

For London convenience, patients often attend either:Kensington London joint clinicorHarley Street joint clinic

You can also see real patient experiences here: Testimonials

If you have been told you have rotator cuff tendinopathy or a partial tear, and symptoms are not improving despite good physiotherapy, PRP may be the next sensible step. A single specialist appointment can confirm the diagnosis, review your imaging, and tell you honestly whether PRP is right for your shoulder.

You can book directly here: Book online

Or contact the team for advice: Contact us

For transparency on fees: Prices for injections and ultrasound in London and Kent

Comprehensive FAQ

What symptoms suggest PRP may help?

Persistent shoulder pain lasting more than 6 to 12 weeks, pain with overhead activity or lifting, night pain, and a confirmed diagnosis of tendinopathy or partial tear.

When should PRP be considered over physiotherapy or steroid injections?

When a proper rehab plan has not produced lasting improvement, or when steroid injections are not suitable or have only given short-term relief.

Can PRP help partial rotator cuff tears heal?

Yes in many cases, particularly small to moderate partial tears. PRP can reduce pain and support tendon repair potential when combined with strengthening.

Is PRP painful?

Discomfort is usually mild to moderate. A short flare for a few days is common and expected.

How many injections do I need?

Many patients do well with one injection. Some benefit from a second if progress plateaus.

How soon will I feel improvement?

Typically after 2 to 4 weeks, with clearer benefit by 6 to 12 weeks.

Can PRP replace surgery?

Sometimes, especially for tendinopathy and partial tears. It is not a substitute for surgery in full thickness or retracted tears.

What is the success rate?

Success varies by tear size, tendon quality, PRP type, and rehab compliance. Your scan findings and clinical exam help predict likely benefit.

Is PRP safe?

Yes. Because PRP comes from your own blood, reactions are rare. Temporary soreness is the most common side effect.

Can I drive or work after PRP?

Most patients drive the next day and return to desk work quickly. Avoid heavy lifting for about a week unless advised otherwise.

Can PRP be combined with physiotherapy?

It should be. PRP works best when paired with a progressive tendon loading programme.

Is ultrasound guidance important?

Yes. It improves accuracy and ensures PRP is delivered to the correct tendon fibres.

How much does PRP cost in London?

Prices vary by clinic and PRP preparation method. See our current fees here:PRP and injection prices

How do I choose the right PRP clinic?

Look for doctor led assessment, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound guided delivery, transparent pricing, and a clear rehabilitation pathway.

📅 Book your appointment online - 📞 Call: +447369222132 - 📧 Email: alnaib@mskclinic.co.uk

About the Author: Dr. Mustafa Alnaib MBChB, MRCS, MSc, FEBOT is an orthopaedic surgeon, musculoskeletal doctor and Clinic Director at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent & London