Chronic tendon injuries, such as tennis elbow or wrist tendonitis, often struggle to heal due to limited blood supply. PRP injections deliver concentrated growth factors directly to the injury site, accelerating tissue repair and reducing pain. The therapy enhances the body’s natural healing ability, improving long-term outcomes for these persistent conditions.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

Dr Jacqueline Tan
MBBS (SG) | MRCS (Edin) | MMed (Surgery) | FAMS (Hand Surgery)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a regenerative therapy specifically used to support recovery and manage conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and nerves.
The treatment utilises the patient’s blood to isolate platelet-rich plasma, which contains growth factors that aid in tissue repair. This non-surgical procedure is integrated into care plans for chronic injuries, degenerative conditions, and post-surgical healing to promote functional recovery and reduce inflammation.


Indications and Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is applied to manage a range of hand, wrist, and nerve conditions. It offers targeted healing and recovery benefits for the following:
Tendon Injuries
Ligament Sprains
Partial ligament injuries, such as central wrist ligament tears, benefit from PRP therapy, which promotes regeneration of ligament fibres and helps stabilise the joint. This approach improves strength and functionality while reducing recovery time compared to natural healing alone.
Osteoarthritis of the Hand and Wrist
In degenerative joint conditions like thumb base arthritis, PRP helps reduce inflammation and swelling while supporting cartilage repair. This not only alleviates symptoms such as pain and stiffness but also preserves joint mobility and delays the progression of arthritis.
Post-Surgical Healing
Following surgeries, such as tendon repairs or nerve decompressions, PRP can enhance the recovery process by improving tissue regeneration, minimising scar tissue formation, and speeding up functional restoration. Its application is particularly useful for delicate or poorly vascularised structures.
Chronic Inflammation and Hard-to-Heal Areas
PRP therapy’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for conditions involving ongoing swelling or discomfort, such as arthritis or tendonitis. It also supports healing in tissues with limited blood supply, like tendons and ligaments, making it ideal for complex or slow-healing injuries.
Non-Surgical Treatment Option
PRP injections involve no incisions or prolonged downtime, providing a minimally invasive alternative for patients who wish to manage their conditions conservatively or complement other therapies.
Preparing for the Procedure
Medical Assessment
A thorough medical evaluation ensures the patient’s suitability for PRP therapy. This includes a detailed history of the hand, wrist, or nerve condition, as well as any previous treatments or surgeries. Blood tests may be conducted to confirm platelet levels and overall health.
Medication Adjustments
Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners, may need to be temporarily discontinued before the procedure. These medications can interfere with platelet function and reduce the effectiveness of the therapy.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Patients are advised to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours before the procedure. These measures enhance platelet quality, ensuring the best possible concentration of growth factors in the PRP.
Step-by-Step PRP Procedure
Blood Collection
A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, typically from a vein in the arm, using sterile techniques. This step takes only a few minutes.
Centrifugation
The collected blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the components. This process concentrates the platelets and growth factors in the plasma, creating the PRP solution.
Injection Preparation
The prepared PRP is loaded into a syringe for administration. If necessary, a local anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort during the injection process.
Guided Injection
The PRP solution is injected directly into the targeted area, such as a tendon, ligament, or joint. Ultrasound guidance is often used to ensure precise delivery of the PRP to the intended site.
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Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Immediate Care
Patients may experience mild swelling, discomfort, or bruising at the injection site. Applying ice packs can help reduce these symptoms. Pain relief medications, if needed, should be limited to those approved by the healthcare provider to avoid interfering with the PRP’s effects.
Recovery Process
Physical activity involving the treated hand or wrist should be limited for a few days to allow the PRP to work effectively. Gradual improvements, including reduced pain and increased mobility, may be observed within weeks, though full results may take longer.
Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits are necessary to assess the response to treatment, monitor progress, and plan any additional PRP sessions if required.
Potential Risks and Complications
While PRP therapy is generally well-tolerated, potential risks include temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site. Rare complications, such as infection or irritation, may occur. Proper procedural techniques and patient assessment help minimise these risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can results be expected?
Improvements may begin within a few weeks, with significant benefits often becoming evident over the course of months as tissue healing progresses.
Is PRP suitable for all conditions?
PRP is most effective for conditions involving soft tissue damage, inflammation, or degeneration. It is not recommended for individuals with platelet disorders, active infections, or poorly controlled chronic illnesses.
How many PRP sessions are required?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy. Multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart, may be recommended for optimal results.

Dr Jacqueline Tan
MBBS (SG)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Surgery)
FAMS (Hand Surgery)
Dr. Jacqueline Tan is a hand surgeon in Singapore with over 18 years of experience in managing hand, wrist, and nerve conditions. Formerly the Head of Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery at Singapore General Hospital, she has continued to contribute significantly to her profession.
- Director of Micro-Reconstruction Service and the Director of Peripheral Nerve and Paralytic Upper Limb Service
- Upon the completion of her training as a hand surgeon in Singapore, Dr Tan was awarded the prestigious Health Manpower Development Plan scholarship by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
- Completed a one-year advanced fellowship in Taiwan under the tutelage of internationally-acclaimed Hand and Orthopedic Microsurgeon – Professor Yuan-Kun Tu
- Dr Tan’s field of expertise is in early and late brachial plexus reconstruction, peripheral nerve disorders, reconstructive microsurgery of the extremities and wrist disorders.
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Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital
38 Irrawaddy Road #07-42
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