PRP Therapy in Cape TownPlatelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy concentrates your own platelets and growth factors — extracted from a simple blood draw — and injects them precisely at the site of injury. It aims to stimulate and support the body's natural repair process, without the need for surgery.

Response to PRP varies between individuals, and improvement in symptoms is not guaranteed. Whether PRP is suitable for you is decided at your consultation.

1. Step 1

   Assessment and diagnosis

   A formal evaluation and diagnosis, after which an individualised treatment plan is discussed with you.

2. Step 2

   Blood draw

   Blood is drawn from your arm, much like a routine blood test.

3. Step 3

   Preparation

   Your blood is spun in a centrifuge (a machine that separates blood into its parts) to concentrate the platelets. The concentrated platelets are collected in a sterile syringe.

4. Step 4

   Ultrasound-guided injection

   The PRP is injected into the injured tissue while Dr. Ganda watches on ultrasound in real time, so it reaches exactly the right spot.

• Osteoarthritis and joint painRead the knee guide →
• Tendon injuries and long-standing tendon pain (tendinopathy)Read the tendon guide →
• Muscle injuries and tears
• Ligament sprains or tears (e.g. MCL, LCL of the knee)
• Tennis or golfer's elbow (epicondylitis)Read the tendon guide →
• Heel and arch pain (plantar fasciitis)
• Chronic inflammatory soft-tissue conditions

Most patients need a course of three PRP injections, spaced about one week apart, with your progress reviewed at each visit. Injections are combined with an exercise or physiotherapy programme, which is an important part of your recovery.

For joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, the course is completed with one injection of hyaluronic acid — a gel-like substance that lubricates and cushions the joint (sometimes called viscosupplementation).

Your treatment plan is individualised and fully discussed at your first consultation.

PRP is considered a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. Because it is made from your own blood, there is no risk of rejection or of catching a disease from donor products. As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection; this is rare, and strict sterile technique is used to prevent it.

After each injection you may have mild swelling, soreness and stiffness at the injection site. This is expected — it is part of the healing response PRP is designed to trigger — and usually settles within 2–3 days with rest, elevation and ice. Paracetamol (e.g. Panado) is fine for discomfort.

You can return to normal daily activities straight away. Return to strenuous or competitive sport happens gradually, once healing and strengthening have progressed through your rehabilitation programme.

• For the first 48 hours, avoid strenuous activity and sport — such as running, hiking, swimming or dancing — and anything that increases your pain.
• Until your next session, avoid high-load or impact exercise involving the treated area. Walking, daily activities and the rehab exercises prescribed for you are fine.
• You can usually drive afterwards. If your right leg was treated and it is sore, arrange a lift home.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac, Disprin/aspirin) for 1 week before and 2 weeks after each injection, as they can reduce the effect of PRP — unless they have been prescribed to you for another condition.
• Paracetamol (e.g. Panado) is safe to take for pain.