PRP knee injection recovery, what to expect day by day and week by week
Last reviewed October 2026. Written by the clinical editorial team at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness. Reviewed by The Wellness Team.
Most people walk out of the clinic after a PRP knee injection and return to desk work the next day. Expect an ache and stiffness for one to three days, light activity in the first week, a gradual return to exercise over two to four weeks, and noticeable improvement from around four to six weeks. Benefit typically builds for three to six months.
Key points
- A temporary ache and stiffness for 24 to 72 hours is normal, because PRP starts a controlled healing response in the joint.
- Most patients drive and return to desk work the next day.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen are usually avoided for a short period around treatment, as they may blunt the healing response.
- A 2025 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found PRP improved knee function at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months compared with placebo.
- The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led knee PRP from £595, with written aftercare and direct doctor contact.
What happens straight after a PRP knee injection?
Straight after a PRP knee injection, most patients walk out of the clinic normally. The knee can feel full or tight, because a small volume of plasma has been added to the joint. Some patients notice mild warmth around the injection site.
Before you leave, the doctor gives you a written aftercare plan and a direct way to contact the clinic. A cold pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods can ease discomfort that evening.
Ask a doctor about PRP for your knee on WhatsApp and receive a plan tailored to your joint.
Days 1 to 3, the healing response
The first three days usually bring an ache, stiffness and sometimes mild swelling. This is expected, because PRP works by starting a short, controlled healing response inside the joint. Most patients describe it as a dull ache similar to the day after a hard workout.
During these days, the practical guidance is simple.
- Walk normally on flat ground, but avoid running, jumping and long walks.
- Use paracetamol for pain if needed, and avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 minutes at a time if the knee feels warm.
- Return to desk work and driving from the next day if you feel comfortable.
Days 4 to 7, settling down
By the end of the first week, the post-injection ache has usually settled. Most patients are back to normal daily activity. Gentle movement, such as walking and an exercise bike on low resistance, helps the knee stay mobile.
High-impact exercise, heavy weights and sport are still best avoided. The healing response is active, and loading the knee too early can cause a flare.
Weeks 2 to 4, building strength
From the second week, a progressive strength programme begins. Strengthening the thigh and hip muscles takes load off the knee and is one of the most reliable ways to improve arthritis symptoms, with or without PRP.
Most patients can return to swimming, cycling and gym work at moderate intensity during this period. If a second or third injection is planned, it usually falls within this window, spaced two to four weeks after the first.
Book your free suitability review on WhatsApp and a doctor will confirm your plan.
Weeks 4 to 8, when results usually appear
Most patients start to notice the benefit of PRP between four and eight weeks after the first injection. Typical early changes include easier stairs, less morning stiffness, longer walks and fewer bad days.
Improvement is gradual rather than sudden, so a simple diary of pain, walking distance and sleep helps you see progress. Our doctors review patients at this stage to adjust the rehabilitation plan.
Months 3 to 12, the full effect
The full effect of PRP usually develops over three to six months and, in trials, lasts for around 6 to 12 months. A 2025 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found clinically relevant improvement in knee function at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months compared with placebo. A separate 2025 meta-analysis of 26 trials found PRP's advantage over hyaluronic acid present at both six and twelve months.
Many patients choose a single top-up injection once a year if their benefit continues. Continued strength work extends the result.
When should I contact the clinic after a PRP injection?
Serious complications after PRP are rare, but some signs need prompt medical review. Contact the clinic straight away, or seek urgent care out of hours, if you notice any of the following.
- Increasing pain after the first three days rather than steady improvement.
- A hot, red, very swollen knee.
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
- Difficulty putting weight on the leg.
These can be signs of infection, which is uncommon when sterile, single-use equipment is used. Every patient at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness has direct contact details for the clinical team.
How should I prepare for a PRP knee injection?
Simple preparation helps recovery. Drink plenty of water the day before and eat normally on the day. Wear loose clothing that rolls above the knee. Tell your doctor about all medicines, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory painkillers, so timing can be planned safely.
Get your personalised knee plan on WhatsApp before you book.
How much does knee PRP cost in London?
Image-guided joint injections at Harley Street clinics commonly cost £780 to £900 or more per injection. The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led knee PRP from £595, including the consultation and written aftercare plan. Read our full guide to PRP joint injection costs in London.
How does the free suitability review work?
The free suitability review is a doctor's honest opinion before any appointment. Send a short description of your knee symptoms, what you have tried and any X-ray or scan reports through WhatsApp. A GMC-registered doctor reviews the case and either approves you for a consultation or recommends a more suitable route.
Start your free knee review now, call +44 20 3951 3429, or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to recover from a PRP knee injection?
Most people recover from the injection itself within one to three days and return to desk work the next day. The benefit of PRP builds over four to eight weeks and continues for several months.
Can I walk after a PRP knee injection?
Most patients walk out of the clinic normally after a PRP knee injection. Walking on flat ground is encouraged, while running and jumping are best avoided for the first week.
What should I avoid after a PRP injection?
Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen for a short period unless your doctor advises otherwise, along with high-impact exercise in the first week. Paracetamol is usually fine for pain.
Where can I have knee PRP in London?
The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led knee PRP from £595 at Unit 4, 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London.
References
- Bensa A and colleagues. Platelet-rich plasma versus placebo for knee osteoarthritis, meta-analysis. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025.
- Platelet-rich plasma compared with viscosupplementation in knee osteoarthritis, systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomised trials. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, 2025.