PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections: Stimulating Natural Healing for Joint and Soft Tissue Injuries

PRP is a concentrated form of your own blood that contains a high number of platelets; cells rich in growth factors and bioactive proteins essential for healing.

These platelets play a key role in repairing damaged tissue by:

• Stimulating cell growth and tissue regeneration
• Reducing inflammation and pain
• Encouraging new collagen and cartilage formation

As reported by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)¹, PRP is increasingly used in orthopaedics to treat a range of musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative joint conditions, thanks to its natural and autologous healing properties.

While PRP is most commonly used for tendon and joint problems, many patients exploring hip replacements in the UK also use PRP as a non-surgical option to delay more invasive procedures.

PRP is widely used to treat a range of musculoskeletal and degenerative conditions, including:

• Early to moderate osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle)
• Tendon injuries such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendinopathy
• Ligament sprains and soft tissue injuries
• Cartilage degeneration or post-injury joint pain

For patients who require a stronger regenerative response, our specialists may recommend Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) as a next-level option. You can find PRP alongside other non-surgical options on our non-surgical treatments page.

PRP therapy is performed as a day-case, non-surgical procedure and typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish:

1. Blood Collection – A small amount of your blood is drawn from your arm.
2. Centrifugation – The sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer from the rest of the blood.
3. Injection – The concentrated PRP is injected into the target area using ultrasound guidance for precision and safety.

Patients can typically resume light activity the next day, though we recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medication immediately after treatment to allow the body’s natural healing response to take full effect.

Once injected, PRP acts as a biological “booster shot,” enhancing your body’s repair mechanisms:

• Platelets release growth factors that recruit stem cells and stimulate tissue regeneration.
• The treatment reduces inflammation and improves local blood flow.
• Over time, patients often report less pain, improved mobility, and stronger tissue repair.

Clinical research supports PRP’s use in orthopaedics, showing measurable improvement in pain and function for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. For some, this can help delay the need to explore which method of hip replacement is the best or whether surgery is required at all.

Clinical research from British Journal of Sports Medicine² has shown that PRP can significantly improve pain and function in knee osteoarthritis patients for up to one year.

PRP therapy is ideal for patients who want to:

• Delay or avoid joint replacement surgery
• Treat early arthritis, tendon, or ligament damage
• Boost recovery from sports or overuse injuries

Your consultant at Orthopaedic Innovation will assess your joint health, review imaging, and determine whether PRP — or another regenerative option like Lipogems® or BMAC — is most suitable for your condition.