What is a PRP injection for knee pain?

A PRP injection for knee pain uses a small sample of your own blood that has been processed to concentrate platelets. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the knee joint under guidance in an effort to support tissue healing and help reduce pain and stiffness.

Who might be a candidate for PRP knee injections?

PRP may be discussed for adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis or certain causes of chronic knee pain who have not had adequate relief from activity changes, medications, bracing, and physical therapy. Your provider will review imaging, symptoms, and other factors to determine whether PRP is appropriate to consider.

How is the PRP knee injection procedure performed?

The procedure typically involves drawing blood from your arm, processing it in a centrifuge to create PRP, and then injecting that PRP into the knee joint. Local anesthetic and ultrasound or X-ray guidance may be used to improve comfort and accuracy. You can usually go home the same day with specific instructions about activity and follow-up.

What does the evidence say about PRP for knee osteoarthritis?

Studies and meta-analyses suggest that PRP can improve pain and function for some patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with placebo or some other injectables, although results vary and preparation methods differ. Your clinician will review what is known, what remains uncertain, and how PRP compares with standard options such as corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections.

How do I book a consultation for PRP injection for knee pain at Holistiq?

You can request a consultation by contacting Holistiq through the website’s contact or booking options to discuss whether a PRP knee injection is appropriate for you.

PRP Injection for Knee Pain & Injuries

Regenerative Medicine

Natural Healing Without Surgery

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections harness your body’s natural healing power to treat knee pain and injuries without surgery. This innovative therapy has helped over 1,100 patients at Mayo Clinic achieve lasting relief, with 60-70% experiencing at least 50% improvement in pain and function.

What Is PRP Therapy for Knees?

PRP therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to accelerate healing in damaged knee tissues. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the healing platelets, and injecting this powerful solution directly into your knee joint. These concentrated platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and encourage new cell growth—targeting the root cause of your pain rather than masking symptoms.

Knee Conditions We Treat with PRP

Knee Osteoarthritis

PRP injections are highly effective for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, particularly in early stages. Patients experience significant pain reduction and improved function lasting 6-24 weeks, with younger patients and those with early-stage arthritis seeing the most dramatic results. Studies show an average reduction of 8.5 points in WOMAC pain scores at 6 and 12 months.

Chronic Tendon Injuries

Conditions like jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis) respond exceptionally well to PRP therapy. The treatment stimulates healing in these notoriously slow-recovering injuries, decreases pain, and enables faster return to normal activities.

Sports-Related Knee Injuries

Whether you’re an athlete or weekend warrior, PRP offers a non-surgical solution for acute sports injuries and chronic knee conditions. The therapy promotes natural healing while helping you avoid invasive procedures and lengthy recovery times.

Ligament Injuries

PRP accelerates healing in ligament injuries by delivering concentrated growth factors directly to damaged tissues. This approach helps restore stability and function to your knee joint.

The PRP Treatment Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Blood Collection

Your provider draws a small blood sample—similar to a routine blood test. The entire appointment takes 45-75 minutes from start to finish.

Step 2: Platelet Concentration

Your blood is processed in a specialized centrifuge for approximately 30 minutes to separate and concentrate the healing platelets. The optimal therapeutic dose contains 10 billion platelets, with a minimum effective dose of 4 billion platelets.

Step 3: Precise Injection

After cleaning and numbing the treatment area, your provider uses ultrasound guidance to inject the PRP precisely into the damaged tissue. This imaging ensures maximum effectiveness by delivering the healing solution exactly where it’s needed.

Treatment Protocol

While some patients experience significant relief after a single injection, most treatment protocols involve 2-3 injections spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Each successive injection builds upon the previous treatment, progressively enhancing your body’s healing response.

Your Recovery Journey: Week by Week

Week 1: Initial Response Phase

Mild to moderate swelling, stiffness, and soreness are normal as your body responds to treatment. Pain typically peaks at 3-7 out of 10 and lasts 3-5 days. This inflammatory response signals that the platelets are actively recruiting healing cells. Rest and gentle range-of-motion exercises are recommended while avoiding NSAIDs that can interfere with healing.

Weeks 2-4: Early Relief Phase

Inflammation subsides and initial pain relief begins as your body enters the proliferative healing phase. Light activities like walking and cycling are appropriate during this period.

Weeks 4-8: Strengthening Phase

Pain relief typically lasts 6-12 months, with some studies documenting sustained improvements for up to 4 years. If you haven’t experienced relief by 2-3 months, additional treatment approaches may be recommended.

Months 3-6: Peak Results

Long-Term Benefits

Clinical Results You Can Expect

Proven Pain Relief

Clinical studies demonstrate that PRP provides meaningful functional improvement at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with significant pain reduction at 3 and 6 months compared to placebo. Patients report greater ease performing daily activities, increased range of motion, and decreased need for pain medications.

Superior to Traditional Injections

PRP demonstrates superior long-term results compared to corticosteroid injections. While both treatments show comparable results at 3 months, PRP maintains benefits at 12+ months—lasting 6-12 months versus cortisone’s 6-12 weeks. Additionally, PRP promotes actual tissue regeneration through growth factor release, unlike steroids which only provide temporary symptom relief.

High Success Rates

Approximately 60-70% of patients experience at least 50% improvement in pain and function. Success rates are highest in patients with mild to moderate arthritis, younger age, and proper platelet concentration.

Exceptional Safety Profile

Over 1,100 patients have been treated at Mayo Clinic with no serious adverse events. Side effects are mild and short-lived, with infection risk less than 1%. Unlike corticosteroids, PRP causes no systemic side effects.

FAQs

How long does the PRP procedure take?

The complete procedure takes 45-75 minutes, including 30 minutes for blood processing and the injection itself.

Is PRP painful?

You may experience mild to moderate discomfort during injection, followed by soreness for 3-5 days. We numb the area before injection to minimize discomfort.

How many treatments will I need?

Most protocols involve 2-3 injections spaced several weeks apart, though some patients see significant improvement after a single treatment.

When will I notice improvement?

Initial relief typically begins at 2-4 weeks, with most patients noticing improvements within 6-12 weeks. Peak benefits usually occur around 3 months.

How long do results last?

Most patients enjoy 6-12 months of pain relief, with studies showing improvements maintained for up to 4 years in some cases.

Can I take ibuprofen or NSAIDs after treatment?

Ideal candidates have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, chronic tendon injuries, or sports-related knee injuries. Younger patients with early-stage arthritis typically experience the best results

What should I avoid after treatment?

Is PRP better than cortisone shots?

What are the risks?

Am I a good candidate for PRP?

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Movement

Don’t let knee pain keep you from the activities and lifestyle you love. At GoHolistiq, our experienced specialists use advanced PRP therapy to help you achieve lasting relief naturally—without surgery or long recovery times.

Where Does It Hurt? We Can Help.

Holistiq understands that chronic pain can manifest in various ways. Our holistic approach addresses a wide range of conditions throughout your body, helping you find lasting relief. Explore the map below to understand what we treat.