PRP injections are increasingly used for hip and knee pain, but how do they actually work? The science is simpler than you might think, and it uses something your body already makes: your own blood.
What does PRP mean?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Plasma is a natural component of your blood, and it is rich in the platelets that help your body heal. In a PRP injection, that plasma is concentrated and injected around the joint or tendon to make use of its healing properties.
How the procedure works
- A simple blood testA small sample of blood is taken from your arm using a syringe, just like a routine blood test.
- Concentrating the plasmaThe sample goes into a machine that spins it at speed. This centrifuge process isolates and concentrates the plasma from the rest of the blood.
- The injectionThe concentrated plasma is then injected around your joint space or tendon, where it can deliver its benefit.
The entire process takes no longer than around 10 minutes, from blood test to injection.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, uses a concentrated component of your own blood, injected around a joint or tendon to support healing. It is taken from a simple blood test, prepared with a centrifuge, and injected, all in around 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Plasma is a component of your own blood, taken from a simple blood test, then concentrated and injected around the joint or tendon.
How long does a PRP injection take?
The process takes no longer than around 10 minutes.
Is PRP made from my own blood?
Yes. PRP uses plasma extracted from your own blood through a simple blood test, then concentrated using a centrifuge.