Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Patient Information
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be considered as part of an individual treatment plan following medical assessment. Its suitability depends on the patient's diagnosis, medical history and individual circumstances. The treating physician will determine whether this option is appropriate.
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What is PRP and how is it prepared?
Platelet-rich plasma, usually shortened to PRP, is a preparation made from a small sample of the patient's own blood. Blood is made up of red cells, white cells, platelets and a liquid called plasma. Platelets are small cell fragments that contain a range of proteins, including growth factors. In PRP, the plasma has been processed so that it contains a higher concentration of platelets than normal blood.
Because PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood, no donor blood or synthetic material is added to it. As with any injection, there can be side effects such as temporary soreness, swelling or bruising at the injection site, and these are explained before any procedure.
How it is given
A small blood sample is taken from the arm, in the same way as a routine blood test. The sample is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins it at high speed so that its components separate into layers. The platelet-rich plasma layer is then drawn off and prepared for injection.
The preparation is injected into the area agreed with the doctor. Where appropriate, ultrasound guidance may be used to help with placement. An appointment usually takes around 30 minutes in total, including the blood sample, the processing and the injection.
Whether PRP is considered at all, and if so how and how often, is decided by the treating doctor for each patient individually.
Conditions we assess
Our doctors assess patients with musculoskeletal complaints in the following areas. You can read more about each one on its own page.
- Knee pain: including knee osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament problems
- Shoulder pain: including frozen shoulder and rotator cuff problems
- Hip pain: including hip joint degeneration and tendon problems around the hip
- Back pain: including disc-related and other spinal complaints
- Elbow pain: including tennis elbow and golfer's elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis)
- Neck pain: including neck stiffness and degenerative changes in the neck
- Foot and ankle pain: including tendon, ligament and sports-related complaints
- Hand and wrist pain: including tendon problems and early degenerative joint changes
An assessment does not mean that PRP will be suggested. Suitability is always determined through an individual medical consultation.
What happens at the consultation
The first step is a free video consultation with a doctor. During this conversation the doctor reviews your symptoms, how long they have been present, your medical history, the medication you currently take and any previous treatments.
If you have imaging such as an MRI scan, or reports from earlier investigations, the doctor will look at these too. An up-to-date scan is often useful for the assessment, and MRI scanning can be arranged locally through a partner imaging provider if needed.
At the end of the assessment the doctor explains the options considered appropriate for your situation. These may or may not include PRP. Other approaches may be more suitable, and you are free to take time to consider any recommendation before deciding.
Preparing for your appointment
A few practical points help the doctor assess your situation:
- Bring or send any recent imaging and medical reports relating to the area concerned.
- Tell the doctor about all medicines you take. They will advise whether any changes are needed before or after PRP.
- Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the prescribing doctor.
Your doctor will give you any specific instructions before the appointment.
After the appointment
You go home the same day. The injected area may feel sore or tender for a few days, and some swelling or bruising can occur.
A short period of rest for the treated area is usually advised for the first 24 to 48 hours, and intense physical activity is usually avoided for several days. You receive individual aftercare advice on the day, as needs differ between patients and areas treated.
If PRP is part of your treatment plan, follow-up is arranged with your doctor so your situation can be reviewed and any further steps agreed.
Who PRP may not be suitable for
Suitability is always decided by the treating doctor after an individual medical assessment. PRP may not be appropriate in situations such as:
- Certain blood disorders.
- Active infection at or near the injection site.
- Taking specific medications.
- Where the cause of the symptoms has not yet been properly investigated.
These points are reviewed during the assessment. If PRP is not appropriate, the doctor will explain why and discuss other options.
Possible side effects
As with any injection, side effects can occur. The most common are temporary soreness, tenderness, swelling or bruising at the injection site. These usually settle on their own.
Rarely, infection can occur at the injection site. Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
All possible side effects are explained by the doctor before any procedure, and you are told who to contact if you have concerns afterwards.
What does the research say?
Research on PRP is ongoing and the evidence differs between conditions. The treating doctor will explain what is known for your specific situation during the consultation.
PRP for hair and skin
Information about PRP applied to the scalp is available on our PRP for hair loss page.
Information about PRP applied to the face and skin is available on our PRP facial page.
Where we see patients
We see patients from Marbella and across the Costa del Sol, including Málaga, Gibraltar, Fuengirola, Estepona, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Sotogrande.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment
Important Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Suitability for any procedure varies between individuals and can only be decided after an individual medical assessment. This information is not intended to replace appropriate medical care or surgical consultation where indicated. Always consult a qualified doctor.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arvin Yarollahi, Specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. Last reviewed .
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