What to Expect During A PRP Injection Treatment
The entire appointment typically takes about 75 to 90 minutes. Here’s what each step looks like.
Before Your Visit
Preparation starts before you walk through the door. The most important instruction: stop taking anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) for at least 5 to 7 days before your appointment. Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your visit. Good hydration makes the blood draw easier and may support a better quality blood sample. Eat a normal meal before your appointment, arriving with food in your system helps prevent lightheadedness.
Step 1: The Blood Draw
The visit begins just like a routine blood test. A moderate amount of blood, typically about 60 to 120 mL (roughly 4 to 8 tablespoons) is drawn from a vein in your arm, usually at the inside of the elbow. This is the same type of blood draw you’d experience at any lab visit. It takes just a couple of minutes.
Step 2: PRP Processing
Once drawn, your blood goes into a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speed to separate it into layers based on density. Think of it like a salad dressing that’s been shaken up: when it sits still, the oil rises to the top and the vinegar sinks to the bottom. The centrifuge does the same thing to your blood, but much faster.
- First spin — the “soft spin”: Your blood is placed in a centrifuge that spins at high speed. This initial spin separates the heavy red blood cells and white blood cells from the lighter plasma and platelets. After this spin, the red blood cells pack down to the bottom, and the upper layer containing plasma and platelets is carefully drawn off to be spun a second time.
- Second spin — the “hard spin”: That collected platelet and plasma layer is then spun again, this time at a faster speed for a longer amount of time. This second pass concentrates the platelets even further, separating the platelet-rich portion from the platelet-poor plasma above it. The result is a dense platelet pellet that can be reconstituted into a highly concentrated PRP treatment (up to 15 to 20 times baseline the normal platelet concentration found in your blood).
Why go through two spins? The double-spin method yields a significantly higher platelet concentration than a single spin, which means more growth factors and signaling proteins delivered to the treatment site. The entire processing step takes about 45 minutes. During this time, you’re simply resting comfortably in the waiting room.
Step 3: The Ultrasound-Guided Injection
This is where precision matters most. Rather than injecting blindly based on landmarks alone, your provider uses a real-time ultrasound to visualize exactly where the needle needs to go. The ultrasound probe is placed on the skin near the treatment area. This creates a live image on a screen showing your joint, tendon, or other tissue in real time. Your provider can see the needle as it advances, guiding it precisely to the damaged area whether that’s inside a joint, into a degenerative tendon, or around an inflamed structure.
Ultrasound guidance ensures the PRP is delivered exactly where it’s needed. Studies show that even experienced clinicians can miss the target with blind injections, especially in smaller or deeper structures. With ultrasound, your provider can confirm accurate placement before delivering the PRP, maximizing the chance that those concentrated growth factors reach the tissue that needs them most. The injection itself takes only a minute or two. Depending on the area being treated and your provider’s approach, a local numbing agent may be used to minimize discomfort.
After the Injection
Once the PRP is delivered, you’ll rest briefly in the office. Here’s what to expect in the hours and days that follow:
- First 48 hours: Some soreness, swelling, or achiness at the injection site is completely normal and actually expected. PRP works by stimulating your body’s healing response, which involves a controlled inflammatory process. This is the treatment working, not a complication. Ice can be used for comfort, and acetaminophen is fine for pain relief.
- What to avoid: Do not take anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for at least 2 weeks after the injection and ideally longer. These medications suppress the very inflammation that PRP is designed to harness. This is one of the most important instructions for a successful outcome.
- Activity: Avoid heavy or repetitive stress on the treated area for about 48 hours. After that, gentle movement is encouraged. Most protocols recommend beginning light stretching within the first week and gradual strengthening within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Return to full activity: For most patients, a return to full activity or sports happens around 4 to 6 weeks after the injection, depending on the condition being treated and individual healing response.
- When to expect results: PRP is not an instant fix. Because it works by stimulating biological repair, improvement is gradual. Many patients begin noticing changes around 3 to 6 weeks, with continued improvement over 3 to 6 months. Some conditions may benefit from a series of 2 to 3 injections spaced several weeks apart.
If you think PRP might be right for you, the next step is a consultation where we can evaluate your specific condition, review your imaging, and determine whether PRP is a good fit for your goals. We’re here to answer any remaining questions and help you make an informed decision about your care.
Ready to find out if PRP is right for you? Opdahl Chiropractic & Regenerative Medicine offers a full spectrum of care from chiropractic and massage therapy to cutting-edge regenerative injection therapies like PRP all under one roof. Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward getting back to the life you love.