PRP Treatment
- utkuerdemozer
- May 8
- 7 min read
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a natural treatment method prepared from the patient's own blood. Our blood contains three main types of cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are responsible for tissue repair and play a key role in the healing process. In PRP treatment, platelets are separated and concentrated through a special process, resulting in a plasma that contains 3 to 7 times more platelets than normal.
This concentrated solution is then injected into the injured area to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. The reason for this effect is that platelets contain growth factors that activate the body's own repair mechanisms.
In orthopedics, PRP is widely used to treat conditions such as muscle strains, tendon tears, ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and knee osteoarthritis. Since it does not require surgery or involve foreign substances, PRP is considered a safe and effective option to reduce pain, support healing, and improve quality of life.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a regenerative treatment prepared from a patient’s own blood and contains no medication or foreign substances.
The procedure involves drawing the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets (the cells responsible for blood clotting), and injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the area that needs healing.
Blood has four main components:
Plasma: The liquid portion of the blood, composed of about 90% water.
Red blood cells: Responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
White blood cells: Play a vital role in fighting infections.
Platelets: Aid in blood clotting and initiate the healing process by releasing growth factors and proteins called cytokines at the injury site.
PRP is made of plasma and a high concentration of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood. When injected into a damaged area, it delivers growth factors and healing proteins directly to the tissue, supporting natural recovery.
What Does PRP Contain?
PRP is composed of plasma and platelet cells, derived entirely from your own blood. It contains no drugs or additives. The growth factors present in PRP that are essential for healing include:
PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)
TGF-B (Transforming Growth Factor Beta)
VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)
CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth Factor)
FGF-2 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 2)
How Is PRP Prepared?
To prepare PRP, a small amount of your blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge—a machine that spins the blood at high speed to separate its components.
Once the red blood cells are removed, the remaining plasma and platelets are collected. This final mixture contains 3 to 5 times more platelets than normal blood.
Here’s how the separation process works:
The centrifuged blood separates into layers. The bottom red layer contains red blood cells and is discarded.
The remaining top layer is divided into three parts:
The top 2/5 has platelet levels similar to whole blood.
The middle 2/5 contains the highest platelet concentration (used most commonly).
The bottom 1/5 may contain white blood cells (leukocytes), and its use depends on the physician's preference.
Depending on whether leukocytes are included in the final product, PRP is classified as:
Leukocyte-rich PRP: Contains more white blood cells and may be preferred in certain conditions.
Leukocyte-poor PRP: Has fewer white blood cells and may reduce inflammation risk in sensitive tissues.
What Is a PRP Injection?
Once the PRP solution is carefully prepared, it is drawn into a syringe and injected into the affected area. The injection is typically guided by ultrasound to ensure precise delivery of the PRP into the target tissue.
How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed?
PRP treatment typically involves 1 to 3 sessions, depending on factors such as the patient’s age, the severity of the injury, and the condition being treated. Your doctor will determine the optimal number of sessions for you.
How Does PRP Work?
PRP therapy works by delivering a concentrated dose of the patient’s own platelets directly into the damaged tissue—whether it's a tendon, ligament, muscle, or joint. These platelets release growth factors that accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
In musculoskeletal conditions, PRP injections stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, reducing inflammation and supporting tissue regeneration.
Specifically, PRP:
Reduces inflammation when injected into joints (anti-inflammatory effect)
Decreases cell death by suppressing pro-apoptotic signals
Enhances extracellular matrix density, supporting stronger connective tissue
How Is a PRP Injection Performed?
After preparation, the PRP is loaded into a syringe. The target area is identified, and under ultrasound guidance, the PRP is injected directly into the tissue.
Using ultrasound during PRP treatment helps ensure accurate placement of the injection, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the therapy.
In orthopedic and sports medicine, PRP is commonly injected into:
Joints
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
PRP Side Effects
PRP treatment is generally safe. Some patients may experience mild side effects such as pain, swelling and bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious complications like infection or bleeding can occur. However, in most instances side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Side Effects
Side Effect | Frequency |
Pain | Common |
Swelling | Common |
Redness | Common |
Infection | Rare |
Bleeding | Rare |
PRP Benefits
Advantages of PRP therapy include:
Very low risk of allergic reaction or transmissible disease, since the patient’s own blood is used
No surgical procedure required
Usually completed in a short time
However, treatment effectiveness and suitability vary depending on individual factors and the specific condition being treated.
Which Conditions Is PRP Used For?
Knee joint: Osteoarthritis; ligament injuries (especially medial and lateral collateral ligament tears); meniscus tears; cartilage injuries; patellar tendinitis; quadriceps tendinitis
Shoulder joint: Rotator cuff tears; supraspinatus tendinosis; biceps tendinosis; SLAP tears; shoulder osteoarthritis
Elbow joint: Tennis elbow; golfer’s elbow; intra-articular cartilage problems
Hip joint: Osteoarthritis; labral tears
Ankle joint: Ligament tears; cartilage issues
Muscle tears: Hamstring, quadriceps, calf tears common in sports
Delayed fracture healing
Before and After PRP
Before Treatment
The patient typically fasts for a few days before blood draw
Blood-thinning medications should be stopped
During Treatment
The injection site is prepared under sterile conditions
Local anesthesia may be applied
After Treatment
The patient should rest and protect the injection area
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Post-PRP Knee Injection Care: What to Watch Out For
After receiving a PRP injection in the knee, patients should pay special attention to their activity and recovery routine. For the first few days, it's essential to rest and avoid overloading the knee. If there is any noticeable increase in pain or swelling around the injection site, you should contact your doctor immediately. Following post-treatment instructions is key to a successful recovery.
Important Aftercare Instructions
Do not allow water to touch the injection area for the first 24 hours.
Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Take any medications prescribed by your doctor as instructed.
PRP Knee Injection Cost in 2025
The cost of PRP therapy for the knee in 2025 can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, the materials used, and the number of sessions needed.
While PRP treatment may be more expensive than other options, it often provides superior long-term results, reducing pain and improving knee function—leading to a better quality of life.
PRP Knee Therapy Clinics
Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer Clinic offers an expert approach to PRP knee therapy. Our goal is to improve patient function and quality of life through personalized treatment plans. The clinic is equipped with modern infrastructure and a highly professional medical team.
For more information about PRP knee therapy or to book an appointment, feel free to contact us through our communication channels.
PRP Knee Treatment Reviews: What Patients Say
Patient reviews are incredibly helpful for those considering PRP knee treatment. Real-life experiences provide valuable insights into the procedure, healing process, and overall effectiveness.
Here Are a Few Testimonials from Our Patients:
Mehmet A. (Knee Pain & Limited Mobility):"I had been struggling with knee pain for a long time, making movement difficult. After my doctor recommended PRP therapy, I began treatment. I noticed significant relief even after the first session. Now, I can walk more comfortably and perform daily activities with ease."
Ayşe K. (Osteoarthritis):"I had been dealing with knee osteoarthritis for years. After a detailed consultation about PRP therapy, I decided to go ahead. The professional approach during the entire treatment process gave me confidence. Today, my pain has significantly reduced, and my knee mobility has greatly improved."
Selim T. (Sports Injury):"As a professional athlete, a knee injury was threatening my career. Thanks to the PRP treatment performed by my doctor, the healing process accelerated, and I was able to return to my previous performance level. I'm truly grateful for the care and support during treatment."
These testimonials are shared with the goal of informing patients and supporting the physician's role in public education.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy
What is PRP and what does it do?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It accelerates healing and promotes tissue regeneration.
Does PRP really work?
Yes. PRP has been shown to be an effective treatment for many orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
How much does PRP treatment cost?
While PRP may be more expensive than other options, it often delivers long-term results that justify the cost.
How many PRP sessions are needed?
It varies depending on the patient’s condition, but typically 1 to 3 sessions are recommended.
Conclusion
PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that promotes the body’s natural healing process. It involves drawing a patient’s own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting this solution into the injured area.
Most PRP treatment plans involve 1 to 3 sessions, depending on the condition. PRP injections use the body’s own repair mechanisms to improve musculoskeletal problems.
Possible side effects may include mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
Although PRP therapy may cost more than other treatment options, its long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment for many patients.
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