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PRP Therapy for Knee Pain: Does It Really Work?

Knee pain is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, especially among athletes, active individuals, and older adults. Whether it’s due to osteoarthritis, ligament injury, or cartilage damage, knee pain can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. While traditional treatments like physiotherapy, pain medications, and even surgery are often prescribed, a newer regenerative approach is gaining attention — Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

But what exactly is PRP therapy? Can it truly help relieve knee pain? Let’s dive deeper.

What is PRP Therapy?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma — a concentration of platelets derived from your own blood. Platelets are rich in growth factors and healing proteins that play a vital role in tissue repair and inflammation control.

The process involves:

  1. Drawing a small amount of your blood.
  2. Spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma rich in platelets.
  3. Injecting the PRP into the injured or painful area — in this case, the knee joint.

Since PRP is made from your own blood, it’s a natural and safe treatment with minimal risk of allergic reactions or side effects.

How Does PRP Help in Knee Pain?

PRP therapy promotes healing at the cellular level. When injected into the knee, it:

  • Reduces inflammation in the joint
  • Stimulates regeneration of cartilage and soft tissue
  • Slows down joint degeneration in osteoarthritis
  • Improves joint lubrication
  • Relieves pain and stiffness
  • Enhances mobility

This makes PRP especially useful in:

  • Early to moderate osteoarthritis
  • Meniscal tears
  • Ligament or tendon injuries
  • Chondromalacia (cartilage softening)
  • Chronic knee pain not responding to conventional treatments

PRP vs. Conventional Knee Treatments

  1. Let’s compare PRP with standard options:

    Treatment

    Focus

    Duration of Relief

    Invasiveness

    Painkillers

    Symptom control

    Short-term

    Non-invasive

    Steroid Injections

    Inflammation control

    Temporary (weeks to months)

    Minimally invasive

    Physiotherapy

    Strength & mobility

    Gradual improvement

    Non-invasive

    Surgery (e.g., knee replacement)

    Structural correction

    Long-term, but major

    Invasive

    PRP Therapy

    Tissue healing & pain relief

    Medium to long-term

    Minimally invasive

    PRP works not just by suppressing symptoms — but by enhancing your body’s own repair mechanisms, especially useful in patients who want to delay or avoid surgery.

What to Expect During PRP Therapy

1. Initial Consultation

Dr. Mukund Agrawal will assess your knee condition through a clinical exam, imaging tests (like MRI or X-rays), and medical history to determine if PRP is right for you.

2. Procedure Day

  • Blood is drawn from your arm.
  • It’s processed in a centrifuge (15–20 minutes).
  • The concentrated PRP is injected into the knee using ultrasound guidance for precision.

3. Post-Procedure

  • Mild pain or swelling may occur for a day or two.
  • You’ll be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  • No hospital admission is required — it’s an OPD procedure.

4. Results

Pain relief typically begins within 2–3 weeks, with full benefits seen over 6–8 weeks. Depending on the condition, 1–3 sessions may be recommended.

Is PRP Therapy Scientifically Backed?

Yes, several studies have shown that PRP can improve symptoms and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries. In many cases, PRP has shown better and longer-lasting results than steroid injections, especially in early-stage arthritis.

However, results may vary based on:

    • Age
    • Severity of the knee condition
    • Overall health
    • Adherence to post-procedure care and physiotherapy

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for PRP?

PRP therapy is best suited for:

  • Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
  • Individuals with knee pain not responding to medication or physio
  • Those wanting to avoid or delay surgery
  • People looking for non-invasive, regenerative solutions

It may not be ideal for:

  • Advanced osteoarthritis with severe bone-on-bone degeneration
  • Patients with blood disorders or active infections

Dr. Mukund Agrawal personally evaluates each case to ensure PRP is used where it has the best chance of success.

Final Thoughts

PRP therapy is not a magic cure, but it offers hope and healing for many suffering from chronic knee pain. By harnessing your body’s natural growth factors, it provides a safer, more organic alternative to drugs or surgery — especially when guided by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon.

At The Joint Replacement Centre by Dr. Mukund Agrawal, PRP therapy is integrated with personalised physiotherapy and lifestyle guidance, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

If knee pain is slowing you down, and you’re looking for a cutting-edge yet natural treatment, PRP might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.