Does PRP Hurt?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a treatment that uses a concentration of platelets from your own blood to help heal injuries like tendon pain, arthritis, or ligament damage. Doctors draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a machine to separate the platelets, and then inject the PRP into the sore area to speed up healing.
Many people wonder about the pain because any injection can sting. The good news is that PRP usually causes only mild discomfort. Right after the shot, you might feel a quick pinch from the needle, similar to getting a vaccine or drawing blood. Some patients report tenderness or soreness at the spot for a day or two, like a bruise after a workout. This happens because the platelets kickstart your body’s repair process, which can make the area a bit inflamed at first.
The pain is often described as mild and short-lived. It peaks around 48 hours after the injection and fades within a few days for most people. In fact, this discomfort is seen as a sign that healing is starting, not a problem. Compared to surgery or even steroid shots, PRP has fewer risks and side effects. There’s no cutting involved, so recovery is quick, and since it’s your own blood, your body rarely reacts badly to it.
To manage any soreness, doctors often suggest over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, but not strong drugs like ibuprofen that might slow healing. Rest the area and avoid ice right away, as it can reduce blood flow needed for repair. Some clinics use ultrasound to guide the needle precisely, which helps make the injection smoother.
Not everyone feels the same amount of pain. Factors like the injection spot (knees or tendons might ache more than joints), your pain tolerance, and the doctor’s skill play a role. Studies and patient reports show PRP effectively cuts long-term pain for conditions like tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, or knee arthritis, often without ongoing hurt.
Overall, while PRP isn’t completely painless, the brief discomfort is worth it for many who get lasting relief from chronic issues.
Sources
https://www.totalorthosportsmed.com/prp-injections-for-chronic-tendon-pain/
https://www.regenesiss.co.uk/side-effects-of-prp-injections/
https://www.drfootpain.com/platelet-rich-plasma
https://www.northflboneandjoint.com/posts/three-reasons-to-consider-platelet-rich-plasma-prp
https://www.nyuhs.org/platelet-rich-plasma-prp-injection
https://www.lanierpain.com/platelet-rich-plasma-knee.php
https://www.pbsportsmed.com/orthopaedics/platelet-rich-plasma
https://www.14streetmedical.com/blog/prp-therapy-14-street-medical-pc-regenerate-your-cells-reduce-pain-and-heal-naturally
