Quick Facts

What Are PRP Injections for Knees?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medical treatment that uses a concentrated preparation of the patient's own blood to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain within the knee joint.

Blood contains platelets, small cells that carry a high concentration of growth factors responsible for tissue healing and cellular regeneration. In PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patient, processed to isolate and concentrate these platelets, and injected directly into the affected area of the knee. The concentrated growth factors accelerate the natural repair process in ways that the body cannot achieve on its own at the injury site.

Because PRP is derived entirely from the patient's own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is exceptionally low. It is not a foreign substance; it is a refined, amplified version of the body's existing healing capability.

How Does PRP Work?

The process relies on a piece of equipment called a centrifuge, and the science is straightforward:

Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. When whole blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed, these components separate by density. The resulting upper layer platelet-rich plasma contains a platelet concentration between 5 and 10 times higher than normal blood.

When this concentrated PRP is injected into the knee joint or the surrounding soft tissue, the growth factors it carries initiate a targeted biological response:

1. PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration
2. TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta) supports cartilage repair and reduces inflammatory activity
3. VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) promotes the formation of new blood vessels to improve nutrient delivery to damaged tissue
4. EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) accelerates cellular repair and tissue remodelling

The combined effect is a reduction in inflammation, relief of pain, and measurable improvement in joint function over the weeks and months following treatment.

Conditions Treated with PRP Knee Injections

PRP knee injections are clinically indicated for a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the knee joint and surrounding structures:

PRP is not a replacement for surgical intervention in cases of complete ligament rupture or severe structural damage. Your specialist will confirm during the consultation whether PRP is the appropriate course of treatment for your specific diagnosis.

PRP Injections in Other Areas

While this page focuses on knee treatment, PRP injections are applied across a range of other musculoskeletal and aesthetic concerns:

1. Hip and shoulder joints for arthritis and rotator cuff injuries
2. Elbow for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and golfer's elbow
3. Ankle and foot for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
4. Spine for facet joint pain and disc-related conditions
5. Scalp for androgenic hair loss in both men and women
6. Skin and face for collagen stimulation, fine lines, and post-acne scarring

Cost of PRP Injections for Knees in Abu Dhabi

The starting cost of PRP knee injections in Abu Dhabi is 3,000 AED per session. The total cost of your treatment plan depends on the number of sessions required, which is determined by the severity and nature of your condition.

Most patients with mild to moderate knee conditions benefit from a single session, while more advanced or chronic cases may require two to three sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Your specialist will recommend the appropriate protocol at the consultation. All costs are confirmed before any treatment begins.

Who Is the Right Candidate?

PRP knee injections are suitable for adults experiencing knee pain or reduced function who meet the following criteria:

1. You are experiencing knee pain from osteoarthritis, tendonitis, a sports injury, or a soft tissue condition
2. Conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories, or cortisone injections have not provided adequate relief
3. You want to avoid or delay surgical intervention
4. You are in good general health with no active systemic infections
5. You do not have a bleeding disorder or platelet dysfunction
6. You are not taking anticoagulant medications that cannot be paused
7. You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
8. Your platelet count is within a normal range, confirmed by a pre-treatment blood test if required

PRP is not suitable if you have active cancer, sepsis, or an infection at or near the injection site.

How to Prepare for Your PRP Session

Preparation is straightforward. Following these steps will ensure the best possible concentration of platelets and reduce the risk of complications:

1. Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydration directly affects blood volume and platelet yield
2. Maintain a balanced diet in the week before treatment; avoid skipping meals on the day of your session
3. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and similar NSAIDs, for at least one week before treatment, as these reduce platelet function
4. Discontinue systemic corticosteroids as directed by your specialist before treatment
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 48 hours before your session
6. Inform your specialist if you have a current infection, a low platelet count, an allergy to local anaesthetic, or are taking blood-thinning medications

What to Expect During Your Session

The full procedure takes between 45 and 60 minutes from start to finish. It is performed under local anaesthetic and is well-tolerated by most patients.

Aftercare and Recovery

Recovery from PRP knee injections is minimal, though the following guidelines apply in the days after treatment:

1. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen and aspirin, for at least 48 hours after treatment, as they can counteract the inflammatory response that PRP relies on to initiate healing
2. Refrain from smoking and alcohol for at least 48 hours post-treatment
3. Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercise for 48 to 72 hours
4. Light walking is encouraged from day one to maintain joint circulation
5. Some localised pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee are normal in the first 3 to 5 days. This is a sign that the healing response is active
6. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area if discomfort is significant; do not apply heat
7. Contact your clinic if pain is severe, escalating, or accompanied by fever

Most patients return to light daily activities within 1 to 2 days and resume normal physical activity within 1 to 2 weeks, guided by their specialist.

Results: What to Expect

PRP works through a biological process; results are not immediate and develop progressively over weeks and months as tissue repair takes place.

Clinical studies report meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement in 70 to 80% of patients treated with PRP for knee osteoarthritis. Results are not permanent a maintenance session may be recommended at 12 to 18 months, depending on how the joint responds.

Benefits of PRP Knee Injections

1. Non-surgical and non-invasive, no incisions, no general anaesthesia, no hospital admission
2. Uses the patient's own blood, with no risk of allergic reaction or rejection
3. Targets the biological cause of pain and degeneration, not just the symptoms
4. Reduces inflammation and supports cartilage preservation in arthritic joints
5. Promotes genuine tissue repair rather than masking pain temporarily
6. Can delay or reduce the need for surgical intervention
7. Minimal downtime, most patients return to light activity within 48 hours
8. Suitable for a wide range of knee conditions in a single treatment approach
9. Can be repeated safely if a follow-up session is needed

Why Choose Us for PRP Knee Injections in Abu Dhabi?

Precision matters in PRP treatment. The platelet concentration, injection technique, and accuracy of placement directly affect outcomes. Our clinic delivers PRP with clinical rigour and a patient-specific approach.