Considering a PRP knee injection for early knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative meniscal tear, or chronic patellar tendinopathy? This page describes, in a strictly informational way, what PRP is, who it is for, how the procedure is performed, and what to expect during recovery — without reproducing fee figures. Cost questions are covered on the pricing page.
What is PRP?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a concentrated fraction of the patient's own blood, prepared in the office from a simple venous draw. The resulting concentrate carries a high density of platelets, which release growth factors locally at the injection site (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, IGF-1).
The biological rationale behind PRP is to concentrate the repair signals already present in the blood at the site where the tissue struggles to heal on its own (articular cartilage, degenerative meniscus, tendon). The effect is described as regenerative rather than purely symptomatic: the goal is to stimulate the local biological response, not only to mask pain. The clinical response varies with the indication, the stage of the pathology, the concentrate preparation, and the patient's general health.
This article does not reproduce fee ranges — the exact breakdown of costs (consultation, blood draw, centrifugation, ultrasound-guided injection, follow-up visit) is presented on the pricing page.
Who is a Candidate?
A PRP knee injection is considered during a specialized consultation, after a focused clinical exam and, when needed, complementary imaging (standard X-ray, MRI, musculoskeletal ultrasound). Common indications include:
- Early to moderate knee osteoarthritis — grade I to III on X-ray (Kellgren-Lawrence classification), in a patient who remains symptomatic despite a supervised exercise program and the first conservative measures.
- Degenerative meniscal tear — in a patient for whom surgery is not the first option, or where surgery is contraindicated or undesired.
- Chronic patellar tendinopathy — refractory to a structured rehabilitation program, without an acute tendon rupture.
- Post-traumatic follow-up — in a patient who remains symptomatic after a sprain or joint trauma, without an immediate surgical indication.
The decision to offer PRP is individualized. The physician evaluates the indication, clinical profile, comorbidities (diabetes, inflammatory conditions, anticoagulant use, smoking), and functional goals. PRP is part of the therapeutic toolkit described on the PRP service page, alongside other ultrasound-guided injections (cortisone, viscosupplementation) and rehabilitation programs.
What the Procedure Involves
The protocol varies slightly between practitioners, but follows a common five-block sequence. Details on the first-visit context are covered in the first sports medicine visit article.
- Clinical check (5-10 min) — confirmation of the indication, review of the history and medications, informed consent, verification that no local contraindication is present (skin infection, active lesion).
- Venous blood draw (5 min) — a small volume of blood is drawn from the patient's arm, under the same conditions as a standard blood test.
- Centrifugation (10-15 min) — the tube is centrifuged in the office to separate the blood fractions and isolate the concentrated platelet fraction.
- Ultrasound-guided injection (10-15 min) — the concentrate is reinjected at the targeted site (intra-articular, peritendinous, or periligamentous depending on the indication) under ultrasound guidance, to reach the anatomic target with precision.
- Short observation and instructions (10 min) — brief monitoring, progressive loading instructions, and follow-up scheduling.
The full procedure, from check-in to discharge, typically fits into a specialized visit (~45-60 min), but may be performed during a dedicated follow-up visit if the indication has already been established.
Expected Recovery
Recovery after a PRP knee injection generally follows the profile below, which may vary depending on the indication, the patient's age, and overall health:
- First 24 hours — return to light activity (walking, desk work), local ice as needed, no sports loading.
- 48 to 72 hours — local discomfort decreases, gradual return to normal daily activities.
- First week — no high-impact sports, no intense loading; a gentle exercise program may be maintained.
- Second week and beyond — progressive return to high-impact sports, depending on clinical response and initial indication.
- Typical follow-up — control visit scheduled at 6-8 weeks to evaluate clinical response and discuss next steps.
The full clinical response may take several weeks to manifest, as the locally released growth factors exert their biological effect. A second injection may be discussed at the follow-up visit depending on response.
FAQ — PRP Knee Injection
How much does a PRP knee injection cost?
This page is strictly informational and does not reproduce figures. The exact breakdown of fees per act (specialized consultation, blood draw, centrifugation, ultrasound-guided injection, follow-up visit) is presented on the pricing page. For coverage questions, check your supplemental insurance plan and the applicable reimbursement percentage under paramedical or specialty-medicine categories.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for a PRP knee injection?
Candidacy is evaluated during a specialized consultation. The physician reviews the clinical indication (knee osteoarthritis, degenerative meniscal tear, tendinopathy), the stage of the pathology, prior conservative treatment attempts, comorbidities, and functional goals. PRP is part of the toolkit described on the PRP service page, alongside other therapeutic options.
Is the injection painful?
The injection itself is performed under ultrasound guidance, after local anesthesia at the entry point. Post-procedure discomfort is generally mild and limited to the first 24 to 72 hours (a sense of pressure, light local swelling). Most patients return to their normal daily activities the next day, avoiding intense sports loading during the first week.
How many injections are needed?
The number of injections varies with the indication and clinical response. Several protocols involve one to three injections spaced a few weeks apart; in other indications a single injection is sufficient. The need for an additional injection is evaluated at the follow-up visit, typically at 6-8 weeks. The schedule and cost of a multi-injection protocol are detailed on the pricing page.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information on PRP, indications, the procedure, and expected recovery is general in nature and reflects current practice in sports medicine; it does not replace an individual professional evaluation. The indication, candidacy, and appropriateness of the procedure must be discussed with a qualified physician during a specialized consultation. In case of doubt or red flags (acute pain, joint block, signs of infection, deformity), consult a qualified physician promptly or present to the emergency department.
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