Non-surgical regenerative therapy at Jaslok Hospital to heal damaged tissues, reduce pain, and restore function naturally

Advanced Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Fast-Track Your Recovery Naturally

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an advanced regenerative treatment that taps into your body’s natural healing potential. Using a small sample of your own blood, PRP therapy concentrates the platelets cells that are rich in growth factors and essential proteins to promote tissue repair and regeneration.

While platelets are often associated with blood clotting, their true power lies in their ability to release a wide variety of bioactive molecules. These molecules work like chemical messengers, signaling your body to send healing cells to the site of injury, repair damaged tissues, and grow healthy new ones.

At Jaslok Hospital’s Restorative & Regenerative Medicine Department, PRP is prepared in a dedicated sterile environment using state-of-the-art centrifuge system. This ensures a high concentration of platelets for optimal healing and safety.

This treatment is particularly valuable for patients seeking non-surgical treatment for chronic joint pain, ligament injuries, and tendon inflammation.

Who Can Benefit from PRP Treatment?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is most beneficial for patients dealing with chronic joint pain, degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, and soft tissue injuries that haven’t responded well to conventional treatments. PRP works by delivering concentrated healing factors directly to the affected area, often using ultrasound-guided PRP injections for better precision and effectiveness.

PRP is commonly used for:

1. Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Small Joints)

PRP is widely used for managing osteoarthritis by promoting joint healing and slowing degeneration. Injecting PRP into affected joints helps:

  • Reduce pain and morning stiffness
  • Improve joint lubrication and shock absorption
  • Slow cartilage wear-and-tear over time

Patients often notice better mobility and reduced reliance on painkillers within a few weeks.

2. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

These overuse injuries affect tendons around the elbow due to repetitive motion or strain. PRP therapy helps:

  • Heal microtears in the tendon
  • Decrease local inflammation
  • Improve grip strength and elbow function

Often preferred over steroids for long-term relief without side effects.

3. Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

PRP is used to treat chronic inflammation in the plantar fascia, especially when conventional treatments fail. It helps:

  • Relieve stabbing pain near the heel
  • Repair tissue tears at the fascia origin
  • Improve walking comfort and endurance

Athletes and those with long-standing heel pain see faster recovery.

plantar fascia

4. Tendo Achilles Tendinopathy

This condition involves inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon. PRP therapy promotes healing by:

  • Stimulating tendon cell regeneration
  • Reducing pain and stiffness in the heel
  • Enhancing flexibility and mobility

It’s beneficial for runners and those with repeated strain on the tendon.

5. Bursitis (Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Elbow)

PRP targets inflamed bursae in joints where fluid buildup causes pain and reduced movement. It helps:

  • Decrease inflammation in the affected bursa
  • Prevent recurrence of swelling and stiffness
  • Improve joint flexibility and comfort

Ideal for those with persistent joint irritation.

6. Rotator Cuff Tears

PRP injections are helpful for treating partial tears in the shoulder’s rotator cuff, a common source of chronic pain. It works to:

  • Promote tendon healing
  • Improve shoulder range of motion
  • Reduce inflammation around the joint

A good alternative for patients not ready for surgical intervention.

7. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For patients with compression of the median nerve in the wrist, PRP offers a non-surgical treatment option. It helps:

  • Decrease inflammation around the nerve
  • Relieve pain, tingling, and numbness
  • Improve wrist function and grip strength

Suitable for early to moderate stages, especially when conservative therapy fails.

8. Sports Injuries (Hamstring, Groin, Muscle Tears)

PRP is commonly used in athletes for faster healing of muscle tears, sprains, or strains. It helps:

  • Regenerate muscle fibers
  • Shorten recovery time
  • Reduce need for anti-inflammatory drugs

Enables a quicker and safer return to training or competition.

9. ACL Tears (Partial/Non-Surgical Cases)

PRP is effective in managing partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), especially when surgery isn’t the first choice. It helps:

  • Speed up tissue repair and collagen formation
  • Improve knee stability
  • Support physical rehab and quicker return to activity

Often used post-injury to enhance healing alongside physiotherapy.

10. Pain from Intervertebral Disc, Facet Joint, and SI Joint Degeneration

PRP is increasingly used in treating degenerative spinal conditions causing chronic back pain. It works to:

  • Modulate inflammation in discs, facet joints, or sacroiliac (SI) joints
  • Improve mobility and reduce stiffness
  • Provide long-term relief without systemic medications

Patients often find it helpful when back pain limits daily activity and function. 

These procedures are generally performed in major Operation theatre.*

How is PRP Prepared and Administered?

1. Blood Collection from the Patient

The process begins with drawing a small quantity of your own blood, usually around 25 mls under sterile conditions using tubes that contain anticoagulants to prevent clotting. Since the PRP is autologous meaning it comes from your own body; there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

2. Separation Using High-Speed Centrifugation

The collected blood is then processed in a specialized, hospital-grade centrifuge. This machine spins the blood at high speeds for approximately 15 minutes. The purpose of centrifugation is to separate its components; red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The platelet-rich layer, which is packed with healing growth factors, is carefully extracted for use. This step is crucial to ensuring a high concentration of platelets, which enhances the therapeutic effect.

3. Injection Into the Affected Area Using Sterile Technique

Once the PRP is ready, it is injected directly into the targeted area whether that’s a joint, tendon, ligament, or muscle; depending on the condition being treated. In many cases, the injection is guided using high-resolution ultrasound to ensure precise delivery of PRP to the site of injury or inflammation. This maximizes the regenerative benefit. The procedure is performed under strict sterile precautions to minimize any risk of infection.

 

This method of preparation and administration is entirely non-surgical and outpatient-based, making it ideal for patients who want natural, targeted healing without hospitalisation or lengthy recovery.

Proven Results: Why Patients Prefer PRP Over Steroid Injections

Patients with chronic joint pain, tendon injuries, and arthritis often ask if PRP treatment actually works. Clinical evidence and patient experience both say yes.

1. Long-Lasting Pain Relief Without Strong Painkillers

PRP therapy offers more sustained pain relief compared to steroid injections. Unlike steroids that may wear off quickly or lose effectiveness over time, PRP works by activating your body’s own healing response.

2. Strongest Evidence for PRP in Knee Osteoarthritis and Tennis Elbow

There is high-quality, level 1 clinical evidence supporting the use of PRP injections for:

  • Knee Osteoarthritis: Studies show PRP reduces pain, improves joint function, and delays the need for surgery
  • Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): PRP offers better outcomes than steroids for long-term relief

3. Effective in Other Common Pain Conditions

Moderate to strong evidence also supports PRP’s role in:

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Especially in chronic cases unresponsive to physiotherapy
  • Patellar Tendinopathy (Runner’s Knee)
  • Bursitis, Ligament Injuries, Tendon Inflammation: PRP helps calm inflammation and stimulate tissue repair

4. A New Option for Spine-Related Pain

For patients struggling with chronic low back pain due to disc degeneration, lumbar facet joint arthritis, or sacroiliac joint inflammation, PRP is emerging as a safe, non-surgical treatment. 

 

If you’re searching for an alternative to steroid shots or long-term pain medications, PRP could be the natural, effective option you’ve been looking for.

Case Example:

 

One patient with chronic bilateral knee osteoarthritis for over five years did not respond to medications or physiotherapy. She underwent three monthly intra-articular PRP sessions and experienced significant and lasting pain relief. At her last follow up, more than two years later, she continued to perform daily activities like walking and climbing stairs with comfort and without needing pain medication.

Consult With Expert Doctors

FAQ's

What is PRP therapy and how does it work?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses a concentrated form of your own blood platelets to promote healing in injured tissues, joints, and ligaments. It works by releasing growth factors that trigger tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Is PRP effective for knee pain and arthritis?

Yes. PRP has shown excellent results in reducing knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It helps slow cartilage damage, improve joint function, and reduce the need for painkillers or surgery.

How long does PRP treatment take to show results?

Most patients start noticing improvement within 2 to 4 weeks after the injection. The full benefit usually appears by 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the condition treated.

Is PRP better than steroid injections?

In many cases, yes. PRP offers longer-lasting relief without the side effects associated with steroids, like bone thinning or increased joint damage over time.

How many PRP sessions are needed?

Typically, 1 to 3 sessions are advised depending on the severity and type of injury. Your doctor will customise the treatment plan based on your condition.

Is PRP therapy painful?

Most patients feel only mild discomfort during the injection. Local anaesthesia may be used to reduce pain during the procedure.

Are there any side effects of PRP therapy?

Since PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions is very low. Minor swelling or soreness at the injection site may occur, but these usually subside within a day or two.

Can PRP be used for sports injuries?

Yes. PRP is widely used to treat sports-related issues like tennis elbow, ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, and plantar fasciitis. It helps athletes recover faster and return to training.

Is PRP approved and safe?

PRP is widely used and supported by clinical research for several conditions. When done by trained specialists in a sterile setup, it is considered safe and effective.

Prerequisites prior to PRP therapy:

  • Check CBC with Platelet count
  • Stop antiplatelet for an appropriate time depending on the exact drug
  • No NSAID drug 2 weeks before and after the procedure.