PRP Knee Injections in Singapore
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a viable treatment option for various knee conditions. If you are looking for a non-surgical approach to address knee pain, promote healing after an injury, or potentially delay the need for more invasive procedures, PRP injections may be worth considering. At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, our specialists have extensive experience with PRP therapy and can provide expert guidance and personalised treatment plans to help you achieve the most ideal outcome.
What Are PRP Knee Injections?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that utilises your body’s natural healing capabilities to promote tissue repair and regeneration. It involves extracting a small sample of your blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets – the cells responsible for clotting and wound healing. These platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. In this concentrated form, the platelets are carefully injected into the affected area of the knee, jumpstarting the healing process and promoting natural tissue repair.
This approach is particularly valuable in orthopaedic care, where it is used to address various knee conditions, including ligament and muscle injuries. PRP therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, harnessing your body’s own healing mechanisms to alleviate pain and restore function.
Benefits of PRP Treatment for Knee Conditions
PRP treatment offers a range of potential benefits for individuals with knee pain or injuries. It is a versatile therapy that can address various conditions, providing pain relief and promoting natural healing. Here are some key benefits of PRP treatment:
Pain relief:
PRP injections can effectively reduce pain associated with conditions like ligament injuries and muscle tears.
Reduced inflammation:
By restoring lubrication in the joint, these injections can improve knee joint movement and flexibility.
Tissue regeneration:
PRP stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues in the knee.
Non-surgical option:
PRP therapy provides a non-surgical alternative for patients who are looking to avoid or delay more invasive procedures.
Conditions Treated with PRP Knee Injections
PRP therapy is a versatile treatment option that can be used to address a variety of knee conditions. These include:
Osteoarthritis of the knee:
PRP has been shown to help reduce pain and improve function in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Meniscus tears and damage:
For certain types of meniscus tears or damage involving the menisco-capsular ligaments, PRP can promote healing and regeneration of the meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee.
Muscle and ligament injuries:
PRP can accelerate the healing of injured tendons and ligaments in the knee. This includes injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), where PRP may be used to enhance healing in cases that may not require ACL reconstruction surgery, as well as injuries to other ligaments and tendons like the patellar tendon.
The PRP Knee Injection Procedure
A PRP knee injection procedure in our centre in Singapore typically involves the following steps:
1. Blood collection:
A small sample of your blood will be drawn.
2. PRP preparation:
Your blood will be placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components. Through this process, the platelets are collected and concentrated to anywhere from 8 to 15 times their normal concentration.
3. Prepare the injection site:
The skin around your knee will be cleaned and sterilised. By manual palpation, our doctor will be able to precisely locate the ideal injection site within your knee joint.
4. Numb the area:
A local anesthetic will be injected into your knee joint to numb the area and minimise discomfort during the procedure.
5. Injection:
The prepared PRP will be carefully injected into your knee joint.
The entire procedure typically takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
PRP Knee Injection Recovery and Results
After your PRP knee injection, it is important to understand the expected recovery process and timeline for results. While individual experiences can vary, here is a general overview to guide you:
3 to 7 days:
In the first 3 to 7 days following your injection, you might experience some swelling and mild discomfort, particularly if you received a joint injection. For muscle and ligament injections, the initial discomfort may last for 5 to 7 days. This is a normal part of the healing process as your body responds to the PRP and initiates tissue repair.
1 to 2 months:
The improvement in your knee pain and mobility will be gradual and continue over 1 to 2 months. It may take up to 1 to 2 months to experience the full benefits of PRP therapy as your tissues regenerate and heal.
Individualised recovery:
It is important to remember that the more severe your knee injury or condition, the longer the potential recovery time may be. Your individual healing process will also play a role in your overall recovery timeline.
PRP treatments can also be repeated several times for the same condition. Each time it is done, there will usually be an incremental improvement.
Our knee specialist will provide you with personalised guidance on your expected recovery and any specific precautions you should take.
RP Knee Injection Post-Injection Care
After your PRP injection, you will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks to allow the tissue to start healing. Our doctor will likely recommend physiotherapy or self-rehabilitative exercises to help you maximise the benefits of PRP therapy. Physiotherapy exercises can strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve your range of motion, and promote overall joint function.
The recovery period after a PRP knee injection is typically relatively short, with many patients able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks. While individual experiences vary, PRP can offer several potential long-term benefits, including pain relief, improved joint function, and a possible reduction in the need for more invasive treatments.
Choosing the Right Specialist for PRP Treatment
When considering PRP treatment for your knee, it is crucial to consult with experienced orthopaedic specialists in Singapore who have a deep understanding of PRP therapies and knee conditions.
At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, we have extensive expertise in PRP therapies and are committed to providing patient-centric care. Our specialists will carefully evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment goals, and develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs. We prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout the entire process, ensuring you receive the highest quality care and achieve the most ideal outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Knee Injections
What is the cost of PRP knee injections in Singapore?
The cost of PRP knee injections in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of your condition or the number of injections required. It is best to consult with our orthopaedic specialist to discuss your individual needs and get a personalised quote for the procedure.
How many PRP treatments are typically needed?
The number of PRP treatments needed can vary depending on your specific condition and how your body responds to the therapy. Some individuals may only require a single injection, while others may benefit from a series of injections spaced a few weeks apart. Your doctor will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Are PRP injections painful?
You may experience some discomfort during and after the PRP injection, but it is generally well-tolerated. A local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site, minimising any pain during the procedure. Some soreness and mild swelling are common after the injection, but these usually subside within a few days.
Is PRP covered by insurance or Medisave?
Insurance coverage and Medisave claimability for PRP injections can vary depending on your specific policy and whether you require any associated treatment. It is advisable to check with your insurer and our clinic to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.