Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to promote healing in injured or degenerative tissues. By concentrating platelets, which are blood components rich in growth factors, PRP stimulates repair and reduces inflammation in areas such as the knee, shoulder or elbow.

Unlike conventional treatments that focus mainly on relieving symptoms, PRP works at a cellular level to encourage the body’s natural healing response. It enhances tissue regeneration, supports collagen production and improves blood supply to the affected area. These are all key elements for long-term recovery. Because the plasma is derived from your own blood, the treatment carries minimal risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

This minimally invasive procedure is performed in the clinic and requires little downtime, making it suitable for individuals seeking a natural, low-risk approach to managing pain or injury. 

How is Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) made?

The treatment is entirely natural. It used components drawn directly from your own blood to stimulate healing. The preparation process is simple, sterile and completed on the same day as your treatment. It entails:

How does Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) work?

PRP works by enhancing the body’s own repair mechanisms at a cellular level. Platelets, which are best known for helping blood clot, also release a variety of bioactive proteins and growth factors that play a key role in tissue regeneration.

When these concentrated platelets are injected into an injured area, they release signals that attract stem cells and other repair cells to the site of damage. These cells then begin rebuilding and strengthening the affected tissue. Growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) stimulate new cell formation, collagen remodelling and improved blood vessel growth, which together enhance tissue strength and flexibility.

Beyond stimulating repair, PRP also helps reduce local inflammation, which is a major contributor to chronic pain and delayed healing. By modulating inflammatory pathways, PRP can relieve discomfort while creating a healthier environment for tissue recovery.

This dual effect, reducing inflammation while actively promoting regeneration, makes PRP a valuable treatment as it helps to restore mobility and function over time.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Therapy

There are several practical advantages that treatment offers. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Improved function and mobility
• Lower risk of allergic reactions
• May delay or reduce the need for surgery
• Minimally invasive with little downtime
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Targets the underlying tissue
• Complements other therapies, such as physiotherapy and targeted rehabilitation

What conditions can Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) treat?

PRP therapy is widely used in Singapore for both medical and aesthetic purposes. While it is popularly known for hair restoration and skin rejuvenation, it is also used to treat joint and tendon injuries, such as:

Shoulder injuries

• Frozen shoulder – characterised by stiffness and restricted movement from inflammation of the shoulder capsule.
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy – degeneration or irritation of the shoulder tendons, often resulting in pain during lifting or rotation.

Elbow injuries

• Golfer’s elbow – caused by an overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow.
• Tennis elbow – results from repetitive strain on the outer elbow tendons, commonly seen in racket or gripping activities.

Knee injuries

• Knee osteoarthritis (OA) – a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage wears down, causing stiffness, pain and reduced mobility.
• Meniscus tears – damage to the cushioning cartilage in the knee, often due to twisting movements or sports injuries.
• Ligament injuries – sprains or tears in ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or the medial collateral ligament (MCL), that lead to instability and swelling.

Foot and Heel injuries

• Achilles tendon injuries – the Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel bone and overuse, tight calf muscles or sudden bursts of activity can cause inflammation or partial tears.
• Plantar fasciitis – involves inflammation of the thick tissue under the foot, causing sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest.

Who is a good candidate for Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Treatment?

PRP treatment is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The best candidates are those whose injuries are biologically active and amenable to regenerative approaches, as well as those who are prepared to follow a rehabilitation plan.

Factors of a good candidate

• Focal tendon or ligament injuries – localised tendonosis or partial tears where stimulation or repair can restore tendon health.

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis – early degenerative changes where tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation may improve pain and function.

• Recent injuries with viable tissue – when the damaged area still has the capacity to respond to growth factors, PRP has a better chance of helping.

• Committed to rehabilitation – patients willing to follow physiotherapy and activity guidance maximise the benefits of PRP.

Factors that make someone less suitable

• Advanced joint destruction – severe end-stage arthritis with major loss of cartilage typically responds poorly to PRP alone and often needs surgical options.

• Active infection – local or systemic infections are a contraindication until the infection is fully treated.

• Bleeding or platelet disorders – low platelet counts, clotting problems or certain blood diseases can reduce PRP effectiveness or increase the risk.

• Certain medications – long-term anticoagulants or drugs that affect platelet function may require review and specialist input before proceeding.

• Uncontrolled medical conditions – poorly controlled diabetes or other systemic illnesses may impair healing and reduce treatment benefits.

• Unrealistic expectations – patients seeking immediate or guaranteed cure for longstanding, severe damage are unlikely to be satisfied as PRP offers potential improvements, not certainty.

What to expect during Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Treatment?

The procedure is straightforward and well-tolerated by most patients. It is performed in a controlled clinical setting, with every step carefully monitored to ensure safety and comfort.

Generally, it consists of the following steps:

• Pre-procedure consultation – you will confirm the treatment plan, review recent imaging and medications and sign a consent form. The clinician will mark the treatment site and explain any immediate precautions.

• Preparation and comfort measures – the treatment area is cleaned and draped. A local anaesthetic may be applied at the skin entry point to reduce discomfort during the injection.

• Blood draw – a small amount of blood is taken from your arm. The volume depends on the treatment area, which Dr James Tan will advise before the treatment.

• Processing the sample – the blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets. This takes around 10 to 15 minutes and is performed in a sterile manner.

• Brief observation – after the treatment, you will be observed for a short period to ensure there are no immediate reactions. Our clinicians will offer aftercare instructions and answer any questions that you may have.

• Discharge – most patients go home the same day. You will receive written guidance on rest, medications and follow-up.

Aftercare and recovery after Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Treatment

Following the treatment, it is important to adhere to aftercare tips. This ensures that the PRP works as intended and reduces the chance of complications. Dr James Tan may advise the following:

• Immediate rest – rest the treated area for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid heavy loading, impact or strenuous exercise during this period.

• Manage discomfort – mild soreness or swelling at the injection site is common for 48 to 72 hours. Ice and painkillers can help ease discomfort. Applying ice and taking painkillers can help ease discomfort. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if possible, as they may blunt the biological effects of PRP.

• Activity progression – begin gentle range-of-motion and light strengthening exercises as advised. This usually begins a few days to a week after the treatment. Afterwards, gradually increase the intensity under professional guidance.

• Physiotherapy – structured rehabilitation is central to long-term success. A therapist will typically design a staged programme to restore strength, neuromuscular control and functional movement. 

• Monitoring and review – you will have a review appointment at 4 to 8 weeks to assess response and decide whether further sessions are needed.

• When to seek urgent care – excessive swelling, sudden fever, increasing pain or signs of infection around the injection site warrant prompt medical attention.

What results can you expect?

The primary aim of the treatment is to reduce symptoms and support tissue repair. But the outcomes vary by condition and individual factors. However, many patients report initial changes in the 4 to 6 weeks, with progressive gains over 3 to 6 months as tissue remodelling occurs. Maximal benefit may take longer in older patients or where tissue damage is extensive.

How many sessions are typically needed?

The number and spacing of sessions are tailored to several elements, such as:

• The severity of your condition
• Your age
• Existing or underlying comorbidities
• Baseline platelet quality
• How you respond to the first treatment

But generally, many protocols use 1 to 3 injections, commonly spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Single injections may suffice for some problems, while tendon conditions or more stubborn injuries sometimes benefit from a short series.

Summary

PRP therapy offers a natural and minimally invasive way to support the body’s own healing process. By using your own platelets to repair damaged tissues, it can help restore mobility, reduce pain and improve long-term joint and tendon health.

If you have been struggling with persistent pain or slow recovery from an injury, it may be time to explore whether PRP therapy is right for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr James Tan to discuss your condition and find out how this regenerative approach can support your recovery journey.