Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use concentrated platelets from your blood to promote healing and reduce inflammation, particularly for conditions like tendinopathy or mild osteoarthritis. The treatment involves drawing your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the affected area.
There may be mild discomfort during the injection, and temporary pain or swelling can occur at the injection site.
PRP injections can be effective for reducing pain and promoting healing, especially when combined with other treatments like physiotherapy. The effectiveness can vary depending on the condition and the patient’s response.
PRP injections are generally considered safe because they use your own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission. However, as with any medical procedure, some side effects can occur. The most common is mild pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site, usually lasting a few days. This reaction reflects the body’s inflammatory response to the concentrated platelets and is part of the normal healing process. Applying a cold pack and resting the joint often helps relieve discomfort. Less commonly, patients may experience temporary bruising, slight bleeding, or irritation of surrounding tissues. Serious complications such as infection, nerve injury, or prolonged inflammation are rare, especially when the procedure is performed under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance. It is essential to follow post-injection care instructions carefully to minimise risk. You should contact your doctor if you notice increased redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or severe pain, as these may indicate infection or another issue requiring medical review. Most side effects are short-lived and resolve without long-term consequences. Discussing any concerns with your orthopaedic specialist before treatment can help you understand potential risks in relation to your personal health circumstances. Overall, PRP therapy has a favourable safety profile, particularly when performed by an experienced clinician.
Following a PRP injection for hip pain, certain short-term restrictions are important to help protect the treated area and maximise healing. For the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, patients are usually encouraged to rest and avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping, or heavy lifting. While normal walking and gentle movement are typically safe, excessive strain on the hip can aggravate discomfort and potentially interfere with the intended biological response of the injected plasma. Your doctor may suggest avoiding anti-inflammatory medications during this period as they can reduce platelet activity. You should also refrain from using heat packs or deep tissue massage near the injection site for several days. If there is mild swelling or tenderness, a cold compress applied intermittently can help. Depending on your individual situation, your orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist may recommend light stretching or range-of-motion exercises after a few days to maintain flexibility. Most people can gradually return to their usual routine within a week, but this varies depending on pain levels and underlying conditions. It is essential to follow the post-procedure plan provided by your specialist, which may include scheduled reviews or physiotherapy sessions. Overdoing activity too soon can sometimes worsen symptoms or delay recovery. Maintaining realistic expectations and following medical advice gives the hip joint the best opportunity to benefit from the PRP treatment. If you notice increased swelling, redness, or severe pain, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly for review.
After a PRP injection, mild soreness or stiffness in the hip is quite common, particularly in the first few days. These symptoms are typically temporary and part of the normal healing response. While many people instinctively reach for painkillers, it’s important to use medications appropriately after PRP therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are generally discouraged for about one to two weeks before and after the injection. This is because these medications can interfere with the platelet activity that PRP relies on to stimulate tissue repair. Instead, simple pain relief such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) is usually recommended if discomfort occurs. Applying a cold pack for short periods may also help ease soreness and reduce swelling. Always confirm with your doctor which medications are suitable for you, especially if you have underlying medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, heart disease, or kidney issues. Your treating team will provide specific post-injection care instructions, including advice on when you can safely resume anti-inflammatory medication if needed. Avoiding unnecessary or prolonged use of painkillers can support the best outcome from your PRP therapy. If pain becomes severe or persists beyond a few days, contact your treating specialist to rule out any other issues such as infection or excessive inflammation. Most people find the initial discomfort manageable and short-lived, and it usually settles without strong medication.
For some patients, PRP therapy can provide meaningful relief from hip pain and may delay or reduce the need for surgery, particularly in early stages of osteoarthritis or tendon injuries. By delivering concentrated platelets to the affected area, PRP aims to support natural tissue healing and decrease inflammation. This can improve pain and function, allowing people to maintain daily activities more comfortably. However, it’s important to recognise that PRP does not reverse advanced joint damage or structural deformity. In severe arthritis or when cartilage loss is significant, the benefits of PRP are usually temporary and may not prevent the eventual need for hip replacement or other surgical options. The role of PRP is best seen as part of a broader, evidence-based management plan that may include physiotherapy, exercise, weight management, and activity modification. Many patients find that combining these approaches helps them postpone surgery and maintain quality of life longer. Your orthopaedic surgeon can assess whether PRP is a suitable alternative in your specific case, based on imaging findings and overall joint health. A realistic conversation about expected outcomes is essential. While PRP may reduce symptoms and improve function, it should not be viewed as a guaranteed substitute for surgery when structural correction is required.
The duration of symptom relief after PRP injection can vary considerably between individuals. For many people with mild to moderate hip pain, benefits may last from six months up to a year, while others experience improvement for a shorter period. The longevity of relief depends on factors such as the severity of joint degeneration, the cause of pain, and the patient’s activity level and overall health. Because PRP encourages biological repair rather than simply numbing pain, the effects can be longer lasting than some temporary injections like corticosteroids. However, the results are not permanent, especially if the underlying condition continues to progress. Some patients choose to repeat PRP therapy periodically—perhaps once or twice a year—if they experience good relief and wish to maintain mobility without moving to surgical options too soon. Your orthopaedic specialist will review your response and help determine whether repeat treatment is appropriate. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following physiotherapy advice can also help prolong the benefits. It’s important to have realistic expectations: PRP can provide worthwhile symptom relief and functional improvement but is not a cure for advanced arthritis. Regular monitoring ensures that ongoing management remains safe and effective for your individual circumstances.
The number of PRP injections a person can have for hip pain varies depending on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms, and how the body responds to treatment. Most patients start with a series of one to three injections spaced several weeks apart. This allows the joint and surrounding tissues time to respond to the platelet-rich plasma, which contains natural growth factors that may assist in healing and reducing inflammation. Some individuals experience noticeable improvement after just one treatment, while others may benefit from additional sessions to achieve longer-lasting relief. Because PRP uses your own blood, it is generally well tolerated, but there are limits to how often it can be done safely. Clinicians usually recommend waiting at least four to six weeks between injections to monitor progress and assess whether further treatment is necessary. If symptoms persist after a full course, your specialist may discuss other evidence-based options such as physiotherapy, activity modification, or, in some cases, surgical intervention. It’s important to have an open discussion with your treating orthopaedic surgeon about realistic expectations and whether further injections are appropriate. Ongoing PRP treatment should always be guided by a medical professional familiar with your medical history, imaging findings, and overall hip health. Regular review appointments ensure that the injections remain safe and clinically justified rather than repetitive or unnecessary.
The number of PRP injections required for hip pain varies between individuals. Some patients notice significant relief after a single treatment, while others may benefit from a series of two or three injections spaced several weeks apart. The frequency depends on the underlying cause of pain—whether it’s early osteoarthritis, tendon irritation, or a soft tissue strain—as well as how well your body responds to the initial therapy. In general, most treatment protocols involve assessing results after the first injection before deciding on further sessions. Your orthopaedic surgeon will consider symptom changes, physical examination findings, and any follow-up imaging when recommending additional treatments. Because PRP aims to stimulate natural repair processes rather than simply mask pain, improvements tend to occur gradually over time. If after two or three injections the response is minimal, your doctor may discuss other non-surgical or surgical options better suited to your condition. It’s important to remember that PRP is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Repeating injections unnecessarily offers no additional benefit and may only increase costs or discomfort. A tailored plan based on your clinical progress ensures treatment remains safe and evidence-based. Most specialists recommend a review after several months to determine whether the benefits are lasting or if further intervention is warranted. Open communication with your treating doctor about your goals and symptoms will help guide the best approach.
The response to PRP therapy is usually gradual rather than immediate. Because the treatment relies on the body’s natural healing mechanisms, noticeable improvement can take several weeks to develop. Many patients start to experience some reduction in pain or stiffness after two to six weeks, though this varies depending on the severity of the underlying condition and individual healing rates. The injected platelets release growth factors that encourage tissue repair and reduce inflammation within the joint. This biological process takes time, and the benefits often continue to build for several months after the injection. Some people may require a short course of physiotherapy alongside PRP to optimise recovery and strengthen supporting muscles. It’s important not to judge the effectiveness too early or compare your progress directly with others, as results can differ widely. Factors such as age, general health, and the degree of joint damage all influence the outcome. While a few patients report early improvement, others notice changes more gradually as pain levels decrease and mobility improves. Maintaining realistic expectations helps ensure satisfaction with the treatment process. If symptoms have not improved after a few months, your orthopaedic surgeon may review your case to determine whether additional PRP sessions or alternative therapies are appropriate. Consistent follow-up and adherence to post-treatment advice give the best chance of success.
Recovery time after a PRP injection into the hip can vary widely from person to person. Generally, light activity such as walking or gentle stretching is permitted almost immediately, while more demanding movements are restricted for the first few days. Most people return to desk work or non-physical duties within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. However, strenuous exercise, running, or sports involving twisting and impact should be avoided for at least one to two weeks, depending on your comfort and your surgeon’s advice. The goal is to allow the platelet-rich plasma time to interact with the tissues and stimulate repair without being disrupted by excessive stress on the joint. As discomfort settles, a gradual increase in activity is encouraged. Your physiotherapist may introduce strengthening and stability exercises to support long-term hip health. It’s important not to rush the process; returning too quickly to full activity can lead to flare-ups or re-injury. Your doctor will usually reassess your progress after two to four weeks and guide you on when it’s safe to resume more vigorous physical activity or sport. Every patient’s recovery timeline is different, influenced by factors such as the severity of the condition, age, general health, and adherence to post-treatment care. Patience is key—PRP aims to promote biological healing, and that process takes time. Many people find that by respecting these recommendations, they experience steadier improvement in mobility and comfort over the following weeks.