Is PRP Therapy Safe? What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Joint and Soft Tissue Pain Relief

PRP therapy is a non-surgical regenerative treatment used to relieve joint pain, repair soft tissues, and improve mobility. At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington (IOW), we use PRP to help patients move better without relying on pain medications or facing surgery.

This article explains what PRP is, how it works, who it helps, and what risks (like blood clots or side effects) you should know about before moving forward.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is created by taking a small sample of your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting that concentrate into the area of pain or injury.

Platelets contain growth factors that support healing. When injected into joints, ligaments, or tendons, PRP may:

• Reduce inflammation

• Stimulate tissue repair

• Improve mobility and function

We use image-guided injections to ensure accuracy and safety with every PRP treatment.

Conditions PRP Therapy Can Help

PRP can be used for a wide range of orthopedic and soft tissue conditions. It’s often recommended for people who want to avoid surgery or reduce dependence on medications.

PRP is commonly used to treat:

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Shoulder injuries like rotator cuff strains

• Hip and SI joint pain

• Tendon injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis)

• Spine-related pain

Explore more conditions we treat with PRP on our joint and spine care page.

Is PRP Therapy Safe?

Yes—when performed by a qualified, board-certified provider, PRP is considered a safe, low-risk procedure. Since the material comes from your own blood, the risk of rejection or severe reaction is extremely low.

That said, some temporary side effects can occur, such as:

• Mild pain or soreness at the injection site

• Swelling or bruising

• Temporary stiffness

We guide every patient through pre- and post-care instructions to help minimize discomfort and maximize healing.

Can PRP Therapy Cause Blood Clots?

This is a common concern, especially among patients with clotting conditions. Because PRP is made from your own blood and does not include foreign additives, it generally does not increase clot risk in healthy individuals.

However, if you have a history of:

• Blood clots

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Bleeding disorders

Then a detailed review of your medical history is essential. At IOW, we’ll talk with you about your health, medications (especially blood thinners), and whether PRP is the right fit.

For a deep dive on this topic, visit our dedicated blog: The Truth About PRP Injections and What to Expect Long-Term

What We Do at IOW to Reduce Risk

• Image guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) for exact needle placement

• Sterile techniques to prevent infection

• Custom PRP concentrations matched to your condition and tissue type

• Pre-treatment planning including medication review and health optimization

These protocols are part of our commitment to precision medicine and patient-first care.

Who is a Good Candidate for PRP?

PRP therapy may be a great option if you:

• Want to avoid or delay joint surgery

• Are dealing with mild to moderate joint degeneration

• Have chronic pain not relieved by conservative treatments

• Are recovering from a sports or overuse injury

If you’re unsure, we offer free discovery calls to discuss your symptoms and whether regenerative treatment might help.

PRP as Part of a Holistic Plan

At IOW, we don’t treat symptoms in isolation. We look at your full health picture, which may include:

• Diagnostic imaging to understand the root cause

• Precision diagnostics to ensure targeted treatment

• Additional options like stem cell therapy, prolotherapy, or nutritional counseling for a complete recovery plan

We also help patients prepare for recovery. Check out our guide to the top supplements for healing after orthopedic procedures.

How to Prepare for PRP Therapy

To get the best results from PRP therapy, here are a few steps we recommend:

Before Treatment:

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for 7-10 days

• Stay well-hydrated and eat a balanced diet

• Review all medications with your provider

After Treatment:

• Expect mild soreness for a few days

• Use cold packs as directed

• Avoid high-impact activities until cleared by your doctor

• Attend follow-up visits to monitor progress

We’ll guide you every step of the way so you know what to expect and how to get the most from your treatment.

The Bottom Line: PRP Is Safe When Performed by Experts

While no treatment is completely risk-free, PRP therapy has a strong safety profile and continues to be a popular regenerative option for joint pain, tendon injuries, and early arthritis.

If you’re considering PRP therapy in Bellevue or the Seattle area, our team at IOW is here to help. We bring medical expertise, advanced diagnostics, and a commitment to non-surgical solutions to every patient we see.

Schedule your consultation or give us a call at (425) 326-1665 to learn more about PRP therapy and whether it’s right for your condition.