Are PRP Injections an Effective Treatment for Your Tendon Pain?
- Mustafa Alnaib
- Oct 21, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 11
If you have recently experienced a tendon injury, you may be exploring treatment options to aid in your recovery. One approach is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. In this blog, we explain the effectiveness of PRP injections for tendon tears or tendinopathy and whether this treatment could be the solution you've been seeking.
🗨️"I had my booster PRP injection after 6 weeks from my first injection. The first one healed me around 60% for my ankle issues. The booster has made a huge difference and I felt pain free after 48 hours of complete rest. I am following the physio excercise programme and I am so relieved to walk, and get back to my normal life routine pain free. I highly recommend Dr Mustafa with his professional knowledge and experienced skills." - AG - Verified patient🙏🏼
Understanding PRP Injections
It is important to have a thorough understanding of PRP injections. This procedure involves the extraction of a small blood sample, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. Subsequently, the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the affected area to facilitate the healing process. The growth factors contained in platelets enhance tissue repair and regeneration, rendering PRP injections a potentially effective treatment for a range of injuries, such as tendon tears. If you are interested in PRP therapy, you should consult a doctor to determine if it's suitable for your condition and to understand its potential benefits and limitations.
Preparation of PRP
PRP is prepared through a meticulous process to extract and concentrate platelets from your own blood. The following steps outline the preparation of PRP:
Collection of Blood: A sample of blood is drawn using a sterile technique.
Centrifugation: The collected blood is then placed in a centrifuge machine, which spins at high speeds to separate the components of blood based on density. This procedure may be repeated with different speeds depending on the condition being treated.
Separation of Layers: The centrifugation process results in the separation of the blood into distinct layers, with the platelet-rich plasma being isolated in the middle layer.
Extraction: The platelet-rich plasma layer is carefully extracted from the tube using a sterile syringe or pipette.
Activation: In some cases, the PRP may be activated using calcium chloride or another activating agent to release growth factors from the platelets. Also, depending on the type of PRP required to treat the condition, the collection tube may contain a special separator gel.
Final Product: The final product obtained after preparation is a concentrated solution of platelets suspended in plasma, ready to be injected.
Injecting PRP Technique
After your PRP has been prepared, the doctor will proceed with the injection process. Here is what you can expect:
Sterilisation: The injection site will be cleaned thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
Anaesthesia: In some cases, a local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area before the injection.
Injection under ultrasound guidance: Using a fine needle, the doctor will carefully inject the PRP into the targeted area. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure during this process. Ultrasound is used to visualise the needle for an accurate injection.
Post-Injection Care: After the injection, the doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the injection site and what activities to avoid.
It is important to follow any post-injection guidelines provided by your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome from your PRP treatment.
Efficacy in Tendon Repair
Research on the efficacy of PRP injections for tendon injuries has shown promising results. Studies indicate that PRP may enhance the healing process by reducing inflammation, promoting collagen production, and improving blood flow to the injured tendon. This regenerative approach aims to accelerate recovery and potentially restore function to the affected tendon significantly.
Moreover, PRP injections are considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, with minimal risk of adverse effects since the plasma is derived from the patient's blood, reducing the likelihood of rejection or allergic reactions.
What Does The Medical Evidence Show Regarding PRP Injections For Tendon Problems (pain and tendinopathy)?
PRP has been explored as a treatment for chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT), a condition that causes pain and swelling above the Achilles tendon. Research shows that PRP injections can significantly reduce pain and improve tendon function, particularly at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Improvements in tendon thickness were also observed at 12 weeks. Overall, PRP has shown promise as an effective option for reducing discomfort and promoting functional recovery in patients with chronic AT.
PRP has been studied as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis (LE), commonly known as tennis elbow. Research indicates that while corticosteroid injections may provide better short-term pain relief and functional improvement, PRP offers superior long-term benefits. Patients treated with PRP experience better pain relief and functional recovery after six months, with improvements in both pain scores and elbow performance measures. PRP is thus a promising option for long-term management of LE, offering sustained pain reduction and functional improvement.
Is PRP Injection Right for Your Tendon Pain?
While PRP injections offer a promising solution for tendon problems, it's essential to consult with a doctor to determine whether this treatment aligns with your specific condition and overall health status. Factors such as the extent of the tendon injury, your medical history, and any pre-existing conditions will influence the suitability of PRP injections.
Remember, the journey to recovery is unique for each individual, and the right treatment approach can make a significant difference in your healing process. Whether you are an athlete recovering from a sports-related tendon tear or an individual dealing with chronic tendon pain, consider the potential benefits of PRP injections and book an appointment online at ACTIVATE.
Frequently asked questions
What are PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections?
PRP injections use a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote healing. A small blood sample is processed to isolate platelet-rich plasma, which is then injected into the injured area to deliver growth factors that may support tissue repair.
How is PRP prepared?
Blood is collected and centrifuged to separate its components; the platelet-rich middle layer is extracted and prepared for injection. Some protocols activate the PRP or use separator gels and may use one or more centrifugation steps depending on the desired PRP type.
What conditions can PRP help with?
PRP has been used for a range of musculoskeletal problems including tendon tears and chronic tendinopathy (for example Achilles tendinopathy and lateral epicondylitis). It is considered as an option when conservative measures have not fully resolved pain or dysfunction.
How effective is PRP for tendon pain and tendinopathy?
Research and clinical experience show promising results: many patients report reduced pain and improved function after PRP, with measurable improvements often seen at 6–12 weeks. For conditions like tennis elbow, PRP may offer superior long-term benefit compared with steroid injections, though short-term relief can be better with steroids.
How many PRP injections will I need?
The number of injections varies by condition and clinical protocol; many patients receive a single injection while others may have a booster at 4–12 weeks. Your clinician will recommend a schedule based on the injury severity, response to the first injection and your rehabilitation plan.
What happens during a PRP injection appointment?
The injection site is cleaned and sometimes numbed with a local anaesthetic; PRP is then injected into the target area, usually under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. After the procedure you’ll receive post-injection advice about activity, rehabilitation and follow-up. You should not take anti-inflammatories after PRP injection.
Are PRP injections safe?
PRP is autologous (from your own blood), which reduces risks of allergic reaction or rejection and is generally considered safe and minimally invasive. Common transient effects include local pain or swelling; infection and other serious complications are rare with proper sterile technique.
Who may not be suitable for PRP treatment?
PRP may not be appropriate for people with certain blood disorders and active infections. Suitability also depends on the specific tendon pathology and overall health. A clinician assessment and medical history review are required to determine if PRP is appropriate for you.
How should I prepare for a PRP injection and what about recovery?
Follow your clinician’s instructions; common advice includes avoiding NSAIDs around the injection (per your clinician’s guidance) and arranging to rest the treated area briefly. A progressive physiotherapy programme is usually recommended after PRP to optimise recovery and long-term function.
When can I expect to feel improvement after PRP?
Clinical improvements are often reported around 6–12 weeks, with some conditions (like tennis elbow) showing continued benefit at six months. Individual responses vary: some patients report earlier symptom relief while others need longer rehabilitation to see meaningful changes.
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.