Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced regenerative treatment used to accelerate healing in muscle, tendon, and joint injuries.
At London Bridge Sports Medicine (LBSM), our sports medicine specialists use PRP to support natural tissue repair, reduce pain, and help athletes and active individuals return to sport sooner. This evidence-based approach is trusted by professionals and recreational athletes alike to enhance recovery and performance.
PRP uses a small sample of your own blood. We spin it in a medical centrifuge to concentrate the platelets (tiny cells carrying natural growth factors) and inject that concentrate into the painful or injured area to support the body’s repair process.
PRP is most often used for tendons (e.g., tennis elbow, plantar fascia) and early knee osteoarthritis. Often 2 or 3 injections of PRP are given, spaced weeks apart to improve the effect.
Which PRP systems do we use?
- Arthrex ACP (our main clinic system).
Arthrex ACP produces a leukocyte-poor (“LP”) PRP – a cleaner, “golden” plasma with very low red and white blood cells.
Patients typically find this more comfortable with less post-injection irritation, which is why we use it for most tendon and joint injections across our clinics.
- Zimmer Biomet GPS III (used when larger volumes or a different profile is needed).
GPS III processes a larger blood sample and can yield a higher-dose PRP, often with more of the naturally occurring white cells (leukocyte-rich, “LR”).
We consider this when we need bigger volumes (for larger joints or surgical augmentation) or when a stronger initial biological stimulus is desired. We’ll discuss what the right choice for you.
This treatment is currently only available at London Independent Clinic.
In plain English: ACP is our go-to for comfort and consistency; GPS III is a “bigger tool” for specific cases.
The decision is tailored to your diagnosis, goals and tolerance of post-injection soreness.
What are the different types of PRP?
Although it’s all “your blood”, PRP can be prepared in slightly different ways. We’ll explain which version we recommend for your condition.
Platelet dose (how concentrated it is)
After spinning, platelets may be near normal (“1×”) or several times higher (“3 -6×”). More isn’t automatically better; many conditions respond well to modest doses.
White blood cells (leukocytes)
- LP-PRP (leukocyte-poor) removes most white/red cells; often chosen for joints and superficial tendons to reduce flare. (This is the default profile from our Arthrex ACP system.)
- LR-PRP (leukocyte-rich) retains more white cells for a stronger early inflammatory “kick-start”; sometimes used for stubborn mid-substance tendons or bone–tendon healing. (GPS III can provide this profile when clinically indicated.)
Where PRP commonly helps (evidence at a glance)
PRP is not a quick fix. Compared with steroid, it’s usually slower to start, but more durable at 6 -12 months when used for the right problem.
- Knee osteoarthritis (mild – moderate).
Multiple modern studies show PRP improves pain and function more than placebo and often more than hyaluronic acid at 6 – 12 months. LP and LR perform similarly overall; comfort and flare-avoidance matter in the choice.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
Steroid often helps for a few weeks, but pooled trials show PRP works better by 6 -12 months for pain and function.
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain).
Once simple measures fail, PRP tends to outperform steroid at medium/long-term follow-up.
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (gluteal tendinopathy)
PRP can outlast steroid when exercise alone hasn’t helped.
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Mixed results overall; some newer trials show better 1-year pain scores with PRP versus needle-only approaches. We decide case-by-case alongside a proper rehab plan.
- Shoulder – during rotator cuff repair (surgical augmentation)
Adding PRP at surgery can reduce re-tear rates in several reviews (everyday symptom gains are smaller). This is done in theatre rather than in the clinic.
PRP may also be suitable for other conditions such as hip osteoarthritis.
We can discuss the latest evidence and suitability for the injection during our consultation.
Where PRP often does not help (or is inconsistent)
- Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
Multiple analyses show no clear advantage over placebo or good exercise-based care.
- Acute muscle strains (e.g., hamstring).
High-quality trials show no reliable speed-up in return to sport; a few small studies suggest a minor gain. Overall, not routinely recommended.
- Simple ankle sprains.
Evidence is limited/mixed; routine PRP isn’t supported (there may be a separate role in certain cartilage lesions of the talus).
- Very advanced “bone-on-bone” osteoarthritis (KL grade 4)
Responses are less predictable than in earlier disease; expectations should be cautious.
- Complete, non-repairable tendon tears.
PRP cannot “knit” a fully torn tendon back together; surgery or other pathways are usually needed.
Safety and UK guidance
PRP uses your own blood, so allergic reactions are very rare. The commonest effects are achy soreness for 24–72 hours, temporary swelling and bruising. Serious infection is very uncommon (similar to other injections).
In the UK, national guidance classifies PRP for knee osteoarthritis and tendinopathy as acceptable with “special arrangements” – meaning we provide clear consent and audit outcomes because techniques vary between clinics.
Who is PRP suitable for?
- You may benefit: if you have a stubborn tendon problem or mild – moderate knee OA that has not improved with a good rehabilitation plan and activity modification.
- You may not be a candidate: if you have a bleeding disorder, active infection, certain cancers, are pregnant, or are on specific blood-thinning medication (we’ll review this with you).
- Funding: Insurer coverage varies, but PRP is increasingly being covered by insurances in UK for the indications listed above.
What to expect on the day
- Consultation & consent – We confirm your diagnosis, explain options and answer questions.
2) Blood draw & processing (10–15 minutes) – 15–60 mL of blood is spun to prepare the PRP profile best suited to your condition
For many of our clinics we book you in 30 minutes before you consultation for the blood taking with a nurse.
3) Injection
- Skin is cleaned thoroughly.
- Ultrasound guidance is always used to ensure accuracy.
- Unfortunately, no local anaesthetic can be used at the injection site due to de-activation of PRP.
- Should there be significant pain, the overlying skin and tissue can be anaesthetised, but not the tendon or joint where the PRP is injected.
- For tendons, we often use gentle “peppering” of the tender fibres to stimulate healing while spreading the PRP.
4) Aftercare
- Expect soreness for a couple of days; simple pain relief is fine (avoid anti-inflammatory tablets for a week).
- Relative rest 48 hours, then a graded rehab plan with a physiotherapist we will refer you to.
- Many patients need 1–2 sessions for tendons; 2–3 for knee OA, spaced 2–4 weeks apart.
FAQs
How quickly will I feel a difference?
Most people notice change gradually over 6–12 weeks. Steroid often acts quicker, but tends to wear off sooner in tendons.
Which type of PRP will I get?
We match the type to the tissue and your goals: typically LP-PRP via Arthrex ACP for joints and superficial tendons; GPS III is considered for cases needing larger volume or an LR profile.
Is PRP safe with my medications?
We’ll review your medicines. You’ll usually pause anti-inflammatory tablets around the injection because they affect platelet function.
Will I need time off sport or work?
Plan 48 hours of relative rest, then a graded return. Racquet or impact sports typically resume from 3–4 weeks, guided by your clinician.
Thinking about PRP?
If you’d like to know whether PRP is suitable for your condition, and which approach we’d recommend – please get in touch. We’ll talk you through all your so you can make an informed choice.
PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma) Injections – UK Nationally Quoted Risks & Incidence
| Complication | Estimated UK Incidence / Risk | Comments / Sources |
| Infection (septic arthritis / soft-tissue infection) | Very rare – approx. 1 in 10,000–50,000 | – Incidence similar or slightly lower than steroid injections because PRP uses autologous blood. – Rare case reports only. Sources: BOA, BSR guidance, UK audit data. |
| Post-injection pain or inflammatory “flare” | Common – 10–30% | – Pain, swelling, or warmth for 24–72 h; part of an inflammatory healing response. – Usually self-limiting, managed with ice/analgesia. |
| Bleeding / bruising at site | Common – 5–10% | – Mild, temporary; higher risk if on antiplatelets/anticoagulants. |
| Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction | Extremely rare (<1 in 100,000) | – Because PRP is autologous (from patient’s own blood), allergic reaction to PRP itself is almost impossible; occasionally related to local anaesthetic or antiseptic. |
| Nerve injury / numbness | Very rare – <1 in 10,000 | – Unintended needle contact; image guidance reduces risk. |
| Tendon or ligament injury | Very rare – <1 in 10,000 | – Reported rarely; proper technique and correct plane of injection mitigate risk. |
| Vasovagal reaction (fainting, dizziness) | Occasional – 1–2% | – Common transient event with any injection or blood draw. |
| Skin discolouration (bruising, hyperpigmentation) | Uncommon – <1–2% | – Usually temporary. |
| Post-procedure stiffness or swelling | Common – 10–25% | – Especially in joints; resolves within 1–3 days. |
| Failure of treatment / no improvement | Variable – up to 40–50% depending on condition and protocol | – Represents natural variability of response, not a procedural “complication.” |
Key UK Reference Sources
- Alsousou, J., Keene, D.J., Harrison, P. et al. (2019) Platelet-rich plasma injection for adults with acute Achilles tendon rupture: the PATH-2 RCT. Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation, 6(12), Chapter 2. Southampton: NIHR Journals Library.
- Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital – A patients guide to PRP injections.
