Pain After a PRP Injection? Understanding the PRP Healing Stages

If you’ve recently undergone Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy—or you’re considering it—you may be wondering what comes next. Like any regenerative treatment, healing doesn’t happen overnight. PRP jumpstarts your body’s natural repair process, but understanding the different stages of recovery can help you set realistic expectations and optimize your results. 

Whether you’re managing joint pain, tendon injuries, or another musculoskeletal condition, knowing how your body responds to PRP therapy can empower you to take an active role in your healing journey.

What is PRP? Understanding the PRP Healing Stages and Process

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses the body’s own healing abilities to repair damaged tissues and reduce pain. To do this, a small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injected into the injured area using imaging guidance to stimulate tissue regeneration. The most common areas that PRP is injected into include the hip, shoulder, knee, elbow, spine, and extremities.

One of the most important things to understand about PRP therapy is that healing occurs in three stages. In stage 1, inflammation and soreness are common as the body initiates repair. In stage 2, new tissue forms, reducing pain and improving function. Finally, by stage 3, many patients start to experience significant improvement, though full benefits can take longer.

Stage 1 – Inflammatory Phase (0-7 Days)

When PRP is injected into the injured area, the concentrated platelets release growth factors and signaling proteins that attract cells, such as white blood cells and stem cells. However, because this response mimics the body’s reaction to an acute injury, patients often experience temporary inflammation and discomfort in the first week after PRP treatment. 

Other symptoms commonly noted in this phase of healing include:

• Mild to moderate pain: The treated area may feel sore or achy as the healing process begins.
• Swelling: Increased blood flow and cell activity can cause temporary localized swelling.
• Warmth: The area may feel warm to the touch due to heightened circulation and inflammation.
• Stiffness or reduced mobility: Temporary discomfort may limit movement, especially in joint-related treatments.
• Mild bruising: Some patients develop bruising at the injection site due to needle placement.
• Tenderness to the touch: The treated area may be sensitive as tissue repair is activated.

In most cases, symptoms in this phase are typically mild and resolve within a few days to a week.

Stage 2 – Proliferative Phase (1-4 Weeks)

In the weeks after PRP therapy, or the proliferative phase, platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, collagen production (via fibroblasts), and stem cell activity. For the patient, this means noticeable pain relief and increased function.

During this time, incorporating guided physical therapy can help enhance healing further. When approved by your physician, stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises, and low-impact activities help circulation, prevent stiffness, and support tissue remodeling.

Stage 3 – Remodeling Phase (4-12 Weeks)

Around four weeks post-PRP therapy, the healing process shifts from regeneration to strengthening. The newly formed collagen and repaired tissue begin to mature, becoming more structured and resilient. 

As this continues into the second and third months, inflammation further decreases, and the treated area strengthens, allowing for greater stability and function. By this stage, most patients experience significant—if not complete—pain relief and much-improved mobility and can gradually return to normal activities.

When to Expect Full PRP Therapy Results

Most patients can expect to see the peak benefits of PRP therapy between three and six months after treatment, as tissue regeneration and strengthening continue over time. 

Some signs of complete healing to look for following PRP therapy treatment include:

• Reduced pain and discomfort: Less soreness in the treated area.
• Improved mobility and flexibility: Increased range of motion and ease of movement.
• Stronger, more resilient tissue: Enhanced stability and function in the affected area.
• Decreased inflammation and swelling: Less stiffness and tenderness.
• Increased ability to return to activities: Gradual resumption of daily tasks and physical exercise.

While some conditions respond well to a single PRP injection, others may require multiple treatments for optimal results. Your physician will determine the best PRP therapy treatment plan based on your condition and healing progress.

Trust the Process with Desert Spine and Sports Physicians

PRP therapy is a powerful, natural way to support tissue healing, reduce pain, and restore function. While the recovery process happens in stages, most patients see significant improvement within just weeks of treatment.

If you’re struggling with joint pain, tendon injuries, or another musculoskeletal condition, we invite you to request an appointment with our expert team of board-certified physiatrists. 

Our physiatrists will work closely with you to assess your needs and develop a customized PRP therapy treatment plan that helps you regain mobility and return to the activities you love.