How Long Does PRP Last? Timeline, Maintenance, and What Affects Results

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has become one of the most requested regenerative treatments for joint pain, tendon injuries, hair loss, and skin rejuvenation. If you’re considering PRP or recently completed your injections, you’re probably asking the most common question patients have:

How long does PRP actually last? The honest answer: PRP results often last 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated, the injury or condition, your health, and how well you follow your post-treatment plan.

This guide breaks down what longevity really means, what impacts your results, and how to maintain the improvements over time.

What “Longevity” Means in PRP Therapy

When patients ask how long PRP lasts, they’re usually asking about one of these three things:

1. Biological Healing Window

This refers to how long PRP actively stimulates tissue repair. In most orthopedic and tendon cases, PRP drives healing activity for 4 to 12 weeks.

2. Visible or Functional Improvement

This is the part patients care about most:

• Less pain

• Better mobility

These improvements last much longer than the biological window because the tissue that has healed stays healthier.

3. Maintenance Timeline

Even great PRP results eventually fade without upkeep. Maintenance plans help extend results and prevent regression.

How Long PRP Lasts By Treatment Type

Different tissues respond at different speeds and durations. Here are the typical timelines:

PRP for Joints, Tendons and Orthopedic Injuries

Typical duration: 6 to 12 months (sometimes up to 18–24 months)

Best for:

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Hip or shoulder pain

• Patellar or Achilles tendinopathy

• Tennis elbow or partial tendon tears

Why it lasts this long: PRP can improve tissue quality, not just reduce symptoms. Many patients maintain relief for a year or longer, especially when they follow a structured rehab plan.

What Influences How Long PRP Lasts

1. Platelet concentration and PRP quality

Higher-quality PRP (proper spin, correct concentration) drives stronger tissue repair.

2. Injection accuracy

Image-guided injections ensure PRP reaches the exact tissue that needs healing. Placement matters — especially in joints, tendons, and ligaments.

3. Injury severity

Advanced arthritis or large tendon tears respond more slowly and may need more PRP sessions.

4. Age and overall health

Younger patients tend to see longer-lasting results. Chronic inflammation, poor sleep, uncontrolled metabolic issues, and smoking shorten PRP benefits.

5. Physical activity and rehab compliance

For orthopedic cases, movement patterns dictate success. Following a high-quality rehab plan can double the longevity of your results.

6. Lifestyle factors

• Nutrition

• Hydration

• Stress

• Hormone health

These determine how well your body maintains new tissue.

How to Make Your PRP Results Last Longer

There’s a lot you can do to maximize the benefits:

1. Follow your provider’s post-PRP protocol

This often includes:

• Avoiding NSAIDs

• Light movement early on

• Gradual return to loading

• Not rushing into heavy exercise

2. Maintain strength and mobility

Especially for knee, hip, and shoulder PRP.

3. Keep inflammation at healthy (not suppressed) levels

Early inflammation is helpful. Too many anti-inflammatory supplements, medications, or ice can blunt PRP’s effect.

4. Support your tissue long-term

• Sleep

• Protein intake

• Vitamin C + collagen

• Zinc and magnesium

• Omega-3s (after the inflammation window)

5. Plan maintenance strategically

Don’t wait for pain to return full-force. Your PRP results last longer when you maintain them while they’re still working.

When to Repeat PRP or Schedule a Booster

Most patients need occasional tune-ups, especially for chronic orthopedic or hair-related conditions.

You may benefit from a booster if you notice:

• Pain creeping back

• Decline in strength or function

• Return of swelling or stiffness

• Thinning hair after a stable period

• Visible reduction in skin quality

Typical booster timing:

• Joints/Tendons: Every 6–12 months

Your provider will recommend the ideal window based on response, exam, and imaging.

Realistic Expectations: What PRP Can and Can’t Do

PRP is powerful, but not magic.

PRP Can:

• Reduce pain and improve mobility

• Support tendon repair

• Stimulate collagen and hair growth

• Delay or reduce the need for surgery

• Enhance long-term function

PRP Cannot:

• Reverse severe joint degeneration

• Replace full-thickness tendon tears

• Work without proper rehab

• Provide permanent results in most cases

The biggest determinant of long-term success is proper diagnosis, image-guided technique, and a custom recovery plan which is why expertise matters.

FAQ

Q1: How long do PRP results typically last?

Most patients experience 6 to 18 months of improvement depending on treatment area, severity, and lifestyle.

Q2: What factors affect how long PRP lasts?

Age, overall health, rehab, PRP concentration, injection accuracy, and the type of condition treated.

Q3: How many PRP treatments are needed for lasting results?

Most orthopedic use 2–3 initial sessions that can be spaced up to 6 months apart, followed by maintenance on a yearly basis.

Q4: Can lifestyle changes make PRP results last longer?

Yes. Strength training, good sleep, nutrition, hormone balance, and avoiding smoking significantly extend PRP longevity.

Q5: Are PRP results permanent or temporary?

PRP is not permanent but can produce long-lasting changes that delay pain progression or improve tissue quality for months to years.

Q6: How soon should I schedule a follow-up after PRP?

Most providers recommend reassessing at 6–12 weeks to determine whether additional sessions are needed.

Q6: Does age impact PRP longevity?

Yes. Younger patients generally sustain results longer due to stronger healing capacity, but older adults can still achieve meaningful improvement.

Conclusion and Next Steps with IOW

PRP results are reliable, long-lasting, and clinically meaningful when delivered with precision and supported by the right lifestyle and rehab approach. Most patients enjoy 6 to 18 months of improvement depending on what’s treated and how well recovery is managed.

At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington, we focus on diagnostic-first care, image-guided orthobiologic procedures, and personalized follow-ups to help you get the best and longest-lasting results possible.

If you’re exploring whether PRP is right for you or wondering whether it’s time for a follow-up, our team can help you map out your next steps. Schedule a consultation to get a personalized PRP treatment plan.