Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

What is a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a regenerative therapy that involves isolating and concentrating platelets from a patient’s own blood, then injecting this platelet-rich solution back into targeted areas of the body. Platelets are a key component of blood and are essential for blood clotting, but they also release growth factors and proteins that support cell repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the healing of soft tissue and bone.

To prepare PRP, a small volume of the patient’s blood is drawn and processed using a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer from other components such as red blood cells and plasma. This concentrated PRP is then carefully injected into the area requiring treatment — whether it’s a tendon injury, osteoarthritic joint, or part of the skin — depending on the clinical indication.

Overall, PRP injections offer a minimally invasive option for those seeking to reduce inflammation, enhance healing and pain relief, especially in conditions related to musculoskeletal injuries, joint pain, and inflammation.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Singapore
A Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a treatment that uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to promote healing and tissue repair.

How does a platelet-rich plasma injection work?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Procedure Singapore
A PRP injection works by drawing blood, separating the platelets through centrifugation, extracting the platelet-rich layer, and injecting it into the injured area to support healing.

PRP injections support the body’s natural healing process by delivering a concentrated dose of platelets and growth factors directly into the affected area. These growth factors play a vital role in repairing damaged tissues, reducing inflammation, and encouraging regeneration. The entire process is straightforward, minimally invasive, and typically completed within a single clinic visit.

  • Blood collection and preparation — a small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, usually from the arm. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the different components of the blood. The goal is to isolate the layer that contains a high concentration of platelets.
  • Concentration of platelets — once separated, the platelet-rich portion is collected. This concentrated solution contains significantly more platelets than what is normally found in blood, along with a high level of growth factors and proteins involved in healing.
  • Targeted injection — the PRP is then injected into the area requiring treatment — such as a joint, tendon, or section of the skin — using image guidance where necessary to ensure precision.
  • Activation and healing — once injected, the platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, cell regeneration, and new blood vessel formation. This process supports the body’s own ability to heal and recover from injury or degeneration.

What are the benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection?

PRP injections offer a number of potential benefits, particularly for individuals seeking non-surgical options to manage pain, enhance recovery, or improve skin and hair concerns. Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, it is generally well-tolerated and carries a low risk of adverse reactions.

Key benefits of PRP injections include:

  • Accelerated tissue healing — supports faster recovery from injuries affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
  • Reduction in pain and inflammation — helps decrease pain and swelling in chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendinopathies.
  • Minimally invasive — offers a non-surgical approach with minimal downtime or disruption to daily activities.
  • Improved skin quality — stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity in aesthetic treatments.
  • Hair regrowth support — used in scalp treatments to encourage hair follicle activity and reduce thinning in individuals with certain types of hair loss.
  • Personalised and natural — uses the patient’s own biological material, which minimises the risk of allergic reactions or immune response.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection for Orthopaedic Conditions Singapore

What injuries can a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection treat?

PRP injections are widely used in sports medicine and orthopaedics to aid recovery from soft tissue injuries and joint-related conditions. By delivering a high concentration of healing components directly to the site of damage, PRP helps reduce inflammation, encourage tissue repair, and support long-term function.

Common injuries and conditions treated with PRP include:

  • Tendon injuries — including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), and Achilles tendinitis, where chronic strain leads to inflammation or degeneration.
  • Ligament injuries — particularly in the knee and ankle, PRP can support healing in partially torn ligaments such as the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
  • Muscle strains or tears — used in the treatment of hamstring, quadriceps, and calf muscle injuries, especially in athletes seeking a faster return to activity.
  • Joint pain and osteoarthritis — most commonly used in the knee, PRP can help reduce pain and stiffness in early to moderate osteoarthritis by supporting cartilage health and joint lubrication.
  • Rotator cuff injuries — including partial tears or tendinopathy in the shoulder, where PRP may enhance repair and relieve pain.
  • Plantar fasciitis — in cases where conventional treatments have failed, PRP may be used to reduce heel pain and promote healing in the plantar fascia

PRP may also be considered for other musculoskeletal conditions depending on the patient’s needs and response to previous treatments.

What are the side effects of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection?

PRP injections are considered safe for most people since the treatment uses the patient’s own blood. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects — most of which are mild and temporary.

Possible side effects include:

  • Localised pain or discomfort — some soreness at the injection site is common and usually settles within a few days.
  • Swelling or bruising — mild swelling or bruising may occur around the area where the PRP was injected.
  • Temporary stiffness — some individuals may experience stiffness or a feeling of tightness in the treated area.
  • Infection — though rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site, as with any injection-based procedure.
  • No immediate improvement — results are not instant and may take several weeks to become noticeable, depending on the condition being treated.

At Apicare, we take every precaution to ensure a safe and comfortable experience, from sterile preparation techniques to post-injection care, to minimise the risk of side effects and support your recovery.

What should I expect after my platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection session?

Following a PRP injection, it is normal to experience mild soreness, swelling, or a sensation of tightness at the injection site for a day or two. These effects are usually short-lived and can be managed with rest and simple measures like applying ice.

While some individuals report early relief, the effects of PRP are typically gradual. Because the treatment works by stimulating natural healing, improvements may become noticeable over several weeks, with continued progress over the following months. In some cases, a series of injections may be recommended for optimal results.

Most patients can resume light activities within a day or two, although strenuous exercise or impact on the treated area should be avoided temporarily, based on your doctor’s advice. A tailored recovery plan will be provided to guide you through the healing process safely.

How long does it take for a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to work?

PRP injections do not produce immediate effects, as the treatment relies on the body’s natural healing processes. Most patients begin to notice improvement within 2 to 6 weeks after the injection, with continued progress over the following 2 to 6 months.

The exact timeline varies depending on the condition being treated, the severity of the issue, and individual healing response. In some cases — especially for chronic injuries or hair restoration — more than one session may be needed to achieve the desired outcome.

How long do the effects of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection last?

The effects of a PRP injection can last anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the area treated, the underlying condition, and the individual’s lifestyle and overall health. In joint or tendon treatments, many patients experience sustained pain relief and improved function for several months, while in aesthetic or hair loss applications, maintenance sessions may be advised every 6 to 12 months to preserve results.

Our doctor will assess your progress and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your response to the initial injection.

Summary

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a safe and minimally invasive treatment that uses the healing potential of your own blood to support recovery, reduce pain, and restore function in a range of medical and aesthetic conditions. By delivering concentrated platelets directly to the targeted area, PRP promotes natural tissue repair and regeneration over time. It is well tolerated by most individuals, with only mild and temporary side effects. Results typically build gradually, with effects lasting several months or more depending on the condition treated.

If you’re exploring non-surgical options for joint pain, injury recovery, or aesthetic concerns, schedule a consultation with us for a detailed diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

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