PRP Injection Preparation & What to Expect | Epoch Medical Imaging St Ives
Preparing for your PRP injection at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Step-by-step guide, what to expect, and recovery advice. North Shore specialist injection clinic.
How to Prepare for Your PRP Injection Appointment
Good preparation for your PRP injection appointment helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly and gives you the best chance of a good outcome.
Key preparation steps:
Stop anti-inflammatory medications:
– Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Nurofen), naproxen (Naprosyn), diclofenac, and aspirin (unless prescribed for cardiovascular protection — discuss with your GP) for at least 5 to 7 days before your injection.
– NSAIDs inhibit platelet function and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of PRP treatment.
– Paracetamol is safe to take if needed for pain management before your appointment.
Other preparation:
– Stay well hydrated on the day of your appointment — this makes blood taking easier.
– No fasting is required — eat and drink normally.
– Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated.
– Bring your referral from your GP or sports physician.
– Arrange a driver if you are concerned about driving after the procedure, though most patients can drive themselves home.
What Happens During a PRP Procedure — Step by Step
A PRP procedure at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives is performed by our specialist team in a clinical, comfortable environment. The entire procedure takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Step-by-step process:
1. Blood collection: A small sample of blood (approximately 15 to 60 mL depending on the protocol) is taken from a vein in your arm — the same as a routine blood test. A local anaesthetic may be applied to the skin beforehand if preferred.
2. Centrifugation: Your blood sample is placed in a calibrated centrifuge and spun for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich layer.
3. PRP preparation: The platelet-rich layer is carefully extracted and prepared for injection.
4. Skin preparation and local anaesthetic: The injection site is cleaned with antiseptic. A local anaesthetic injection or topical cream is used to numb the area before the PRP injection.
5. Ultrasound-guided PRP injection: Under real-time ultrasound guidance, our specialist advances the needle precisely to the target tissue and delivers the PRP under direct visualisation.
6. Post-procedure: A small dressing is applied. You will receive written aftercare instructions before leaving.
Is a PRP Injection Painful and How Long Does It Take?
Understanding what to expect in terms of discomfort helps patients prepare mentally and physically for their PRP procedure.
During the procedure:
– Blood collection: Comparable to a standard blood test — brief and well-tolerated by most people.
– Local anaesthetic: A small sting from the local anaesthetic injection, followed by effective numbness of the area within 2 to 5 minutes.
– PRP injection itself: With good local anaesthesia, most patients experience only pressure and mild discomfort during the injection — rather than significant pain.
– The entire procedure from blood collection to completing the injection takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
After the procedure:
– As the local anaesthetic wears off (usually 1 to 3 hours after the procedure), a temporary increase in soreness is expected and normal — this reflects the biological healing response being initiated.
– This post-injection soreness typically peaks in the first 24 to 72 hours and then gradually settles.
– Paracetamol and ice are effective for managing this discomfort. Avoid NSAIDs for at least 2 weeks after the injection.
After Your PRP Injection: Recovery, Activity & Follow-Up
The recovery period after a PRP injection is an important part of the treatment — following guidance carefully helps ensure the best outcome.
Immediately after (day of procedure):
– Rest the treated area for the remainder of the day — avoid strenuous activity.
– Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours to manage soreness.
– Paracetamol can be taken as needed. Avoid NSAIDs for at least 2 weeks.
– Do not drive if the local anaesthetic significantly affects limb strength or coordination — for most upper and lower limb injections this is not a concern, but your treating team will advise.
First 1 to 2 weeks:
– Relative rest from activities that aggravate the treated area.
– Gentle movement and walking are generally fine and encouraged.
– Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy loading, or sport.
From 2 to 4 weeks:
– Your physiotherapist or treating practitioner will guide the reintroduction of progressive loading and rehabilitation exercises.
– This phase of structured rehabilitation is essential for achieving the best long-term outcome from PRP.
Follow-up:
– A clinical review with your GP or sports physician at 6 to 8 weeks to assess your response to treatment is typically recommended.
– If a second PRP injection is planned as part of your protocol, this will be scheduled at the appropriate interval.
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