You notice it on the stairs first. Then it’s getting out of the car, or the stiffness that sets in after a long meeting. You’ve tried rest, pills and maybe a cortisone shot, and the pain keeps coming back. Sound familiar?
If you’re researching plasma therapy for knee pain, you probably want two answers: what it is, and whether it’s worth it. We’ll answer both.
What Is PRP Treatment for Knee Pain?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It’s a regenerative treatment made from your own blood. We draw a small sample and process it to separate and concentrate the platelets, the blood components that kick-start your body’s natural tissue response. We then inject that concentrate into the knee. At our Oakville clinic, PRP joint injections are physician-led and ultrasound-guided for accuracy.
How Plasma Injections for Knee Pain Work
Platelets carry hundreds of proteins, including growth factors. Once injected, these growth factors are designed to support three processes:
- Tissue support: Designed to support collagen production in ligaments, tendons and cartilage
- Inflammation control: helping reduce the local inflammation behind chronic knee pain
- Blood flow: supporting circulation that brings oxygen and nutrients to the joint
Traditional treatments like painkillers and cortisone mainly mask symptoms. Plasma therapy for the knee aims to address the underlying factors that keep the joint painful.
Why Platelet Concentration Matters
Some studies suggest higher platelet concentration may influence outcomes, though results vary by condition and protocol. At Peak Health VIP, our protocol delivers 15 to 18 billion platelets per treatment, with 12 to 15 times the concentration and 4 times the volume of a traditional PRP kit.
We also prepare the knee first. Think of a lawn: you pull the weeds, fertilize and water the soil, then plant the seed. Shockwave therapy, prolotherapy and nerve release prepare the tissue. Then we deliver ultrasound-guided PRP to the exact spot that needs it.
What Happens on the Day of Your PRP Knee Injection?
PRP is the final step of your plan, not the first. Dietary preparation starts the week before your first visit, and your first visit focuses on preparing the knee. Roughly two weeks later, your PRP appointment usually looks like this:
- Blood draw: we take a small sample of blood from your arm.
- Processing: your blood is spun in a centrifuge on-site to separate and concentrate the platelets.
- Numbing: a local anaesthetic is used to make the injection more comfortable.
- Fluid removal, if needed: if your knee is swollen, excess fluid may be drained first.
- Ultrasound-guided injection: Dr. Hawass uses real-time ultrasound to deliver the PRP into the joint and the surrounding tendons and ligaments.
Because your blood is processed during the visit, plan to spend longer at the clinic than you would for a quick injection.
Does PRP Really Work on Knees?
For the right patient, PRP may help reduce pain and improve function. PRP may be most suitable for early to moderate knee osteoarthritis and patellar tendinopathy, and may be considered for some minor meniscus tears and ligament sprains. Results vary from person to person.
PRP is not for everyone. It is generally less likely to help severe, bone-on-bone arthritis, and we’ll tell you so at your assessment, even if it means recommending a different treatment path. We decide suitability in person, using a physical exam, dynamic ultrasound and lab work.
Chronic inflammation and hormone imbalances can also affect how your tissues respond, so our VIP Biohacking Method looks at gut health and hormones alongside the joint.
What the Research Says
The evidence on PRP for knee osteoarthritis is mixed, and you deserve the full picture:
- Some trials show benefits. A 2020 meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials found PRP improved pain and function more than hyaluronic acid at 6 and 12 months (Tang et al., Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research). A 2021 review found PRP outperformed corticosteroid injections for pain, stiffness and function at 3, 6 and 9 months (McLarnon and Heron, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders).
- Other trials show no benefit. A 2021 trial of 288 patients found no meaningful difference in pain between PRP and a saline placebo at 12 months (Bennell et al., JAMA).
- Why results vary: PRP is not standardized. Platelet counts, volume and injection technique differ widely between studies and clinics. Partly for this reason, the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation recommend against using PRP for knee osteoarthritis in their current guideline.
This variability is why we use a consistent, documented protocol with defined platelet counts, and why we only recommend PRP when your assessment suggests it’s a good fit.
PRP vs. Cortisone vs. Hyaluronic Acid vs. Surgery
| Cortisone injection | Hyaluronic acid (gel) injection | PRP injection | Knee surgery | |
| How it works | Reduces inflammation and pain | Adds lubrication and cushioning to the joint | Uses your own platelets to support the body’s tissue response | Replaces or removes damaged joint structures |
| When you may notice changes | Within days | Within a few weeks | Often 4 to 6 weeks or more | After several months of rehab |
| How long relief may last | Weeks to a few months | Several months, varies by stage | Studies commonly report 6 to 12 months, longer for some | Many years for most knee replacements |
| Cost and coverage | Usually covered by OHIP | Not covered by OHIP, may be covered by private insurance | Not covered by OHIP or standard insurance | Covered by OHIP, wait times vary |
What to Expect After a PRP Knee Injection
How Painful Is PRP in the Knee?
Many patients describe pressure and brief discomfort during the injection. Mild soreness or stiffness for 1 to 3 days afterward is common.
Can I Walk After a PRP Knee Injection?
Yes. You can typically walk immediately after your injection. Most patients can also drive after a knee injection, but arrange a ride if your knee feels unstable.
How Long Do I Need to Rest My Knee After a PRP Injection?
Plan to avoid strenuous activity for a few days to a week. Walking and light movement are typically ok.
What Should You Avoid After a PRP Knee Injection?
- Strenuous activity in the first week
- High-impact exercise, such as running, jumping and heavy lifting, for the first phase, typically 2 to 3 months
- Anti-inflammatory medication, unless your physician approves it, since it may interfere with the response PRP is meant to trigger
- Skipping ahead in your phased exercise plan
We provide custom, phased exercise plans through a dedicated exercise app.
How Long to Recover From PRP on Knee?
The initial phase lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. Noticeable relief often takes 4 to 6 weeks or more, because growth factors need time to stimulate collagen. Improvement may continue to build over several months.
What Are the Signs That PRP Is Working?
Look for gradual changes, not overnight ones: less pain on the stairs, less morning stiffness, less swelling after activity, and walking or exercising for longer. Many patients notice changes within the first few months, and improvement may continue for 6 to 12 months.
Side Effects of PRP Treatment for the Knee
Because PRP comes from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is low. The most common side effects are temporary:
- Soreness, stiffness or swelling in the knee for 1 to 3 days
- Bruising where we drew blood or gave the injection
- A short-term flare of discomfort as the inflammatory response begins
As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection. Contact the clinic if you notice heat, spreading redness or worsening pain.
PRP Injection on the Knee: How Long Does It Last?
Studies commonly report benefits lasting 6 to 12 months, and some patients experience relief for longer. How long results last depends on your activity level, lifestyle and the stage of your knee condition.
Is PRP Treatment for the Knee Permanent?
No. PRP is designed to support the knee over time, not to stop the ageing process. Patients who respond well may return for a top-up treatment every 1 to 2 years.
How Many Times Can You Do PRP on Your Knee?
A PRP treatment is one injection session. Depending on how severe and long-standing your condition is, your plan may include 1 to 3 PRP treatments spaced several weeks apart. Some patients notice meaningful improvement after one treatment.
Other Areas PRP May Help
The same approach may support other joints and tendons, including:
- Shoulder pain, such as rotator cuff tendinitis
- Hip pain, including early hip arthritis and gluteal tendinopathy
- Ankle and foot pain
- Elbow tendon pain, such as tennis and golfer’s elbow
Find Out If PRP Is Right for Your Knee
PRP works best as part of a complete plan, not a one-off shot. At Peak Health VIP, Dr. Mark Hawass, a physician with over 30 years of clinical experience, and our medical team assess the full picture before recommending treatment.
Your VIP assessment includes a detailed joint review and real-time dynamic ultrasound, so you leave knowing whether PRP is a good fit for your knee pain.
Book your VIP assessment today.
Our treatments are not covered by OHIP or standard insurance plans. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. Results vary.
