What is PRP knee treatment? How is it performed?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 30 seconds

What you need to know about PRP knee treatment

Knee pain often appears as a problem that slows down the rhythm of daily life without being immediately noticed. That ache felt while climbing stairs, the stiffness experienced when getting out of bed in the morning, or the difficulty in taking the first steps after sitting for a long time… What may initially seem like a minor discomfort can, over time, significantly affect our quality of daily life.

When you finally decide to get rid of this pain, the idea of surgery can be intimidating. It is precisely at this point that PRP knee treatment emerges as a non-surgical option. In this article, we address the most frequently asked questions about PRP knee treatment step by step, starting with what PRP knee treatment is. If you are curious about the details of this treatment, this article is for you.

What is PRP knee treatment?

PRP knee treatment is a regenerative treatment method applied by injecting platelet-rich plasma, obtained from the person’s own blood, into the knee joint. As is known, platelets play a very important role in blood clotting and wound healing in our body. The platelet-rich plasma injected during PRP plays an important role in the body’s natural healing mechanisms through these properties.

Therefore, the main purpose of PRP application for the knee is to support the self-repair process of damaged tissues in the knee joint. Since it is not a surgical procedure, does not involve any incisions, and uses the body’s own resources, PRP knee treatment has become increasingly preferred in recent years for problems such as knee pain and osteoarthritis.

Who is PRP knee treatment suitable for?

This treatment method is particularly suitable for individuals in the early and middle stages when knee pain complaints begin to appear. It may also offer a supportive option for those who do not require surgery or who wish to postpone surgical intervention. However, it should be remembered that it may not be suitable for everyone with knee pain.

In response to the question of who PRP knee treatment is suitable for, we can list the following:

• People with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
• Those with problems due to wear in the knee ligaments or meniscus
• Individuals who want to support the recovery process after sports injuries
• People who have had knee pain for a long time but are hesitant about surgery
• Those looking for a supportive method in addition to physical therapy

What are the benefits of PRP knee treatment?

When it comes to the benefits of PRP knee treatment, perhaps the most important advantage is that this application activates the body’s own healing potential.

The platelet-rich plasma delivered into the knee joint during treatment supports the tissue repair process and may also help reduce pain and movement restriction.

PRP applications performed regularly and in suitable patients can help individuals move more comfortably in their daily activities. In addition, the fact that it is a non-surgical method stands out as an important factor in why many people prefer this treatment.

How is PRP applied to the knee?

One of the most important questions for many patients during the research phase is how PRP is applied to the knee. Especially for those who do not want surgery-like interventions, the fact that the procedure is not complex can also be a factor in the decision-making process.

PRP application consists of several stages and is usually completed within a short period of time. Before the procedure, the patient’s own blood is drawn and processed using a special technique to obtain platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is then injected into the knee joint.

The application process generally proceeds with the following steps:

• Taking a small amount of blood from the patient
• Separating the blood in a centrifuge device to obtain PRP
• Sterilizing the knee area
• Injecting the PRP into the knee joint using an appropriate technique
• A short rest period after the procedure

Is the PRP injection painful?

The pain caused by the PRP injection during the procedure is generally at a tolerable level. A slight stinging or pressure sensation may be felt during the injection. In some individuals, short-term tenderness may persist after the procedure.

However, for people with a low pain threshold and in other necessary situations, local anesthesia can be applied to increase comfort during the procedure.

How many sessions does PRP knee treatment require?

The number of sessions may vary depending on the person’s general health condition and the specific knee problem.

For PRP knee treatment, a single session is usually sufficient. However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend several sessions. Sessions are generally planned at specific intervals, and the treatment process is shaped according to the individual’s response to treatment. Therefore, the exact number of sessions is usually determined after the initial examination.

What is the recovery process like after knee PRP?

The recovery process after knee PRP is generally fast, and patients can return to their daily lives in a short time. In the first few days, there may be mild pain, stiffness, or sensitivity in the knee. This is usually temporary and decreases with rest. The effects of PRP are generally not felt immediately but noticed gradually over the course of weeks.

What should be considered after PRP application to the knee?

To support the recovery process after the application, certain points must be paid attention to. During this period, avoiding activities that strain the knee joint is important for the effectiveness of the treatment.

The points to consider after PRP application to the knee can be listed as follows:

• Avoid heavy exercise for the first 24–48 hours
• Do not overload the knee area
• Rest for the period recommended by your doctor
• Do not use painkillers, especially certain anti-inflammatory medications, unless necessary
• Do not miss your follow-up appointments

What are the side effects of PRP application to the knee?

Since the content used in PRP application to the knee is obtained from the person’s own blood, the risk of allergic reactions is significantly reduced. Nevertheless, as with any injection procedure, some mild side effects may occur.

The most common conditions are temporary pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. In rare cases, there may be a risk of infection; however, when performed under sterile healthcare facility conditions, the likelihood of these risks occurring is quite low.