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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood and injected into a painful joint or tendon under ultrasound guidance. It’s an option for some people with knee arthritis or long-standing tendon pain.
Free consultation booked online · Prepared from your own blood · Ultrasound-guided
£500PRP injection
FreeConsultation, booked online
Your ownBlood, prepared on the day
UltrasoundGuidance for accurate placement
What is PRP?
Your blood contains platelets, which help with clotting and release natural growth factors. To make PRP, we take a small sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets into a concentrated layer of plasma.
This plasma is then injected into the painful area. The aim is to support the body’s own healing response. Because it comes from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
Who might consider PRP?
Knee osteoarthritis
For mild to moderate arthritis, particularly when other treatments haven’t helped enough.
Tendon problems
Long-standing tendon pain, such as tennis elbow, alongside an exercise programme.
Avoiding repeat steroids
For people who’d prefer not to keep having cortisone injections.
Spine
PRP for spinal joints and ligaments is available with Dr Azzini, from £1,500, after a free consultation.
Is this right for you?Book a free consultation online to find out if PRP is suitable for you.
We assess the problem, scan it with ultrasound and check PRP is suitable. The consultation is free.
02
Blood sample
We take a small blood sample from your arm, like a routine blood test.
03
Preparing the PRP
Your blood is spun in a centrifuge in the clinic to concentrate the platelets.
04
The injection
The PRP is injected under ultrasound guidance. You can go home straight afterwards.
What does the research say?
The research on PRP for knee arthritis is mixed:
A review of randomised trials found that, on average, PRP improved knee pain and function more than hyaluronic acid injections [2].
However, a large, well-designed trial found that PRP was no better than a placebo (salt-water) injection for knee pain after a year [1].
PRP products and methods vary a lot between studies, which may explain some of the differences. We’ll give you an honest view of whether PRP is likely to help you, and what the alternatives are.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent medical advice if the injected area becomes increasingly hot, red, swollen and painful, or you develop a fever. These can be signs of infection, which is rare but needs prompt treatment.
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Dr Gabriel Azzini
Doctor, Sport & Exercise Medicine
GMC 7689922
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Cortisone injection★★★★★
I recently had an ultrasound guided cortisone injection with Gary… Gary took the time to explain everything clearly before the procedure which really put me at ease, not easy when you’re not a fan of needles! The process itself was essentially pain free.
James T. · 2026 · Google review
Frozen shoulder★★★★★
Gary helped me with my frozen shoulder. He was very thorough, professional and informative. I was given a cortisone injection, which he talked me through. During the procedure he was calming and efficient.
Annette P. · 2026 · Google review
Hyaluronic acid★★★★★
I first saw Gary for a consultation regarding the arthritis in my knees with a view to having a hyaluronic acid injection. Gary was extremely knowledgeable and went through all the options before suggesting which would be the best option for me.
Paula F. · 2025 · Google review
Knee injection★★★★★
My mum had acute knee pain which has been treated at the clinic, she now has much better mobility and positive outlook due to the treatment received. Gary has been so helpful and supportive throughout the consultation and treatment.
Robert C. · 2024 · Google review
Stem cell★★★★★
I cannot thank Gary and Gabriel enough for the stem cell treatment they gave me. When I started my treatment my tendonitis was so bad in my elbows that I couldn’t carry my little children, drive the car or do my day job without getting in severe pain.
The blood test feels like any other. The injection can be uncomfortable for a short time, and the area may ache for a few days afterwards.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Soreness, swelling or bruising for a few days is common, and the pain can briefly feel worse before it improves. As with any injection, there’s a small risk of infection. We explain the risks before you decide.
How many injections will I need?
It depends on the problem. Some people have one injection, others a short course. We’ll advise you at your consultation.
How soon will I notice a difference?
PRP works gradually, so any improvement usually builds over several weeks rather than days. Some people notice little or no change.
Can I take anti-inflammatory painkillers?
We usually advise avoiding anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, for a short time before and after PRP, as they may affect how platelets work. Paracetamol is usually fine. We’ll give you specific advice.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Bennell KL, Paterson KL, Metcalf BR, et al. Effect of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma vs placebo injection on pain and medial tibial cartilage volume in patients with knee osteoarthritis: the RESTORE randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2021;326(20):2021–2030. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.19415
Belk JW, Kraeutler MJ, Houck DA, Goodrich JA, Dragoo JL, McCarty EC. Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med 2021;49(1):249–260. doi:10.1177/0363546520909397
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
