Ultrasound Guided PRP injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge regenerative treatment using your own blood’s healing properties to treat chronic pain and injuries. We extract platelets from your blood sample, concentrate them 5-10 times, and inject them precisely into injured tissues using ultrasound guidance for maximum accuracy.

PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and promote regeneration. Ideal for joint pain (knee, shoulder, hip, ankle), tendon injuries (Achilles, rotator cuff, tennis elbow), osteoarthritis, and sports injuries.

Unlike cortisone which provides temporary relief, PRP promotes actual tissue healing and regeneration. Our consultant radiologists are experts in ultrasound-guided injection techniques, ensuring treatment reaches exactly the right location.

Popular among athletes and active individuals in Essex seeking natural pain relief without surgery.

What is PRP? PRP = Platelet-Rich Plasma

The Science:

• Extracted from your own blood (autologous)
• Contains concentrated growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β, EGF)
• Platelets release bioactive proteins
• Stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration
• Promotes collagen synthesis
• Enhances healing cascade
• 100% natural – no synthetic drugs

Conditions We Treat:

Joint Pain & Arthritis:

• Knee osteoarthritis (most common)
• Shoulder arthritis
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Ankle arthritis
• Hand/finger arthritis
• Facet joint pain (spine)

Tendon Injuries (Tendinopathy):

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder)
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Achilles tendinitis
• Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (wrist/thumb)
• Gluteal tendinopathy (hip)

Ligament Injuries:

• Partial ligament tears
• Chronic sprains (ankle, knee)
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries

Muscle Injuries:

• Chronic muscle strains
• Partial muscle tears
• Delayed healing injuries

The PRP Treatment Process:

Step 1: Blood Draw (5 minutes)

• 20-60ml blood taken from arm (similar to blood test)
• Uses special PRP collection tubes
• Contains anticoagulant to prevent clotting

Step 2: Centrifugation (15 minutes)

• Blood spun in specialized centrifuge
• Separates components by density
• Red blood cells sink to bottom
• Platelet-rich plasma rises to top
• Concentration achieved: 5-10x normal

Step 3: PRP Extraction

• Platelet-rich layer carefully extracted
• Activated to release growth factors
• Prepared for injection
• Quality checked

Step 4: Ultrasound-Guided Injection (10-15 minutes)

• Area cleaned and sterilized
• Local anaesthetic given (optional)
• Real-time ultrasound visualization
• Precise needle placement into target tissue
• PRP slowly injected
• Multiple injection points if needed

Why Ultrasound Guidance is Essential:

Precision Targeting: ✅ See exactly where needle goes ✅ Target specific damaged tissue ✅ Avoid nerves and blood vessels ✅ Ensure PRP reaches pathology ✅ Document accurate placement

Better Outcomes:

• Studies show 30-40% better results with ultrasound guidance
• Blind injections often miss target
• Reduces complications
• Uses minimal PRP volume efficiently

Benefits of PRP Therapy:

Natural Healing:

• Uses your own cells (no rejection)
• No synthetic drugs or steroids
• Minimal side effects
• Stimulates body’s own repair

Long-Lasting Results:

• Not just masking pain
• Actual tissue regeneration
• Effects last 6-18 months or longer
• Some patients experience permanent improvement

Avoid or Delay Surgery:

• Non-surgical alternative
• Try before joint replacement
• May eliminate need for operation
• Less invasive than surgery

Rapid Recovery:

• Return to normal activities quickly
• Minimal downtime (2-3 days rest)
• No hospitalization
• Drive yourself home

Safe Profile:

• Very low complication rate
• No drug interactions
• Can be repeated safely
• Suitable for most patients

Timeline for Results:

Week 0-2: Inflammatory Phase

• Mild pain/swelling at injection site (normal)
• Growth factors activate healing
• Rest and ice recommended
• Avoid anti-inflammatories (let PRP work)

Week 2-4: Proliferation Phase

• New tissue formation begins
• Gradual pain reduction starts
• Collagen synthesis increases

Week 6-8: Maturation Phase

• Noticeable improvement
• Pain significantly reduced
• Function improving
• Can increase activity

Month 3-6: Peak Effect

• Maximum benefit achieved
• Tissue remodeling complete
• Most patients very satisfied
• Long-term improvement

Number of Treatments:

• Single injection: Often sufficient for mild-moderate issues
• 2-3 injections: Recommended for severe pathology or large joints
• Interval: 4-6 weeks between injections
• Booster: May benefit after 6-12 months if needed

Who is a Good Candidate:

Ideal Patients:

• Chronic pain (>3 months) unresponsive to conservative treatment
• Want to avoid surgery
• Active individuals wanting to return to sport
• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis (before bone-on-bone)
• Partial tendon tears
• Athletes with overuse injuries

Less Suitable:

• Acute injuries (<6 weeks old)
• Complete tendon ruptures (need surgery)
• Severe arthritis (bone-on-bone, grade 4)
• Active infection
• Cancer
• Blood disorders

Pre-Treatment Guidelines:

2 Weeks Before:

• Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Stop aspirin if possible (consult doctor)
• Continue other medications

1 Week Before:

• Avoid alcohol
• Stay well hydrated
• Good nutrition (aids platelet quality)

Day of Treatment:

• Eat light breakfast
• Drink plenty of water
• Bring shorts for lower limb injections

Post-Treatment Care:

First 48 Hours:

• Rest the treated area
• Ice application (15 mins, 3-4x daily)
• Avoid anti-inflammatories (paracetamol okay)
• Expect mild soreness (good sign – healing response)
• Elevate if lower limb

Week 1:

• Gentle range of motion
• No strenuous activity
• No sports or heavy lifting
• Continue ice if needed

Week 2-6:

• Gradually increase activity
• Start physiotherapy if recommended
• Listen to your body
• Swimming and cycling often okay

After 6 Weeks:

• Return to full activity as tolerated
• Resume sports gradually
• Continue strengthening exercises

What NOT to Do:

• ❌ No NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for 2 weeks
• ❌ No cortisone injections for 3 months
• ❌ No smoking (impairs healing)
• ❌ No excessive alcohol

Side Effects (Rare):

• Pain at injection site (common, temporary, 1-3 days)
• Swelling and stiffness (normal healing response)
• Bruising (occasional)
• Infection (very rare, <0.1%)
• No allergic reactions (your own cells)

Success Rates:

• Knee osteoarthritis: 70-80% improvement
• Tennis elbow: 80-90% success
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy: 70-85% improvement
• Plantar fasciitis: 75-85% success
• Achilles tendinopathy: 70-80% improvement

Evidence Base:

• Over 3000 published studies
• Proven effective in meta-analyses
• Recommended by sports medicine guidelines
• Used by elite athletes worldwide
• FDA approved in many countries

For Athletes:

• Accelerates return to sport
• Strengthens tissues for future injury prevention
• Legal in professional sports (WADA approved)
• Used by Premier League footballers, NBA players, Olympic athletes