What is PRP treatment for hair loss?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss uses your body's own natural growth factors to revive thinning hair, strengthen follicles and boost new growth. The London PRP Clinic offers doctor-led PRP treatments for hair, scalp, and beard growth with proven results.

Does PRP work for beard growth?

Yes, PRP beard growth treatment is highly effective for filling patchy areas, enhancing beard density, and promoting thicker facial hair. Our doctor-led PRP beard treatment at £395 per session uses platelet-rich plasma to stimulate dormant hair follicles in the beard area.

How much does PRP treatment cost in London?

PRP treatment prices at The London PRP Clinic range from £395 for PRP Hair Signature or Beard PRP single sessions, to £545 for comprehensive treatments. We offer package discounts - for example, 3 PRP Hair sessions cost £1,085 (save £100).

What PRP services are available at The London PRP Clinic?

We offer PRP treatments for hair loss, beard growth, facial rejuvenation, under-eye treatment, knee joint pain, and scalp health. All treatments are doctor-led and evidence-based, delivered at our Marylebone, Canary Wharf, and Belgravia London locations.

How much does PRP cost for hair loss in London?

At The London PRP Clinic, PRP hair treatment costs £545 per session including Viviscal™ supplements and organic oils. Most patients need 3-4 initial sessions (package available at £1,500, saving £135). ExoRevive exosome treatment is £445 per session.

Does PRP really work for hair loss?

Yes, clinical studies show PRP is 70-90% effective for androgenetic alopecia. At our clinic, 87% of patients report significant improvement with an average 32% increase in hair density after 3-4 sessions. Results are best for Norwood stages 1-4.

What's better PRP or hair transplant?

PRP is ideal for early-stage hair loss (Norwood 1-4): non-surgical, no downtime, £545 per session. Hair transplants suit advanced loss (Norwood 5-7): permanent but surgical, 2-week recovery, £3,000-15,000. Many combine both for optimal results - PRP strengthens existing hair and enhances transplant survival.

How long do PRP results last?

PRP results typically last 12-18 months with proper maintenance. After initial 3-4 sessions, maintenance treatments every 6 months sustain results. Some patients using our combined protocol (PRP + supplements) report results lasting up to 2 years.

Is PRP painful for hair?

PRP involves minimal discomfort. We use topical numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment. Most patients rate pain as 2-3/10, describing it as 'mild pinching.' The entire procedure takes 60 minutes with no downtime - you can return to work immediately.

Can I wash my hair after PRP?

Wait 24 hours before washing your hair after PRP. Use lukewarm water and gentle shampoo for the first wash. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and intense exercise for 48 hours. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and organic hair oil for optimal healing.

What are the newest hair loss treatments in 2025?

The newest effective hair loss treatments in 2025 include low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily), topical finasteride (0.25%), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and low-level laser therapy devices. Emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors and topical androgen receptor antagonists are showing promising results in clinical trials.

Does oral minoxidil work for hair loss?

Yes, low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily) has proven highly effective for both male and female pattern hair loss. Studies show it's particularly effective for overall thinning, with manageable side effects primarily limited to mild hypertrichosis (extra hair growth).

Is PRP effective for hair restoration?

Yes, PRP therapy has demonstrated significant improvement in hair count and thickness in clinical trials. Most patients see noticeable results after 3-4 sessions, using the body's own growth factors to stimulate dormant hair follicles.

What's the best hair loss treatment in London?

The best hair loss treatment depends on your specific condition, but combination therapy often yields optimal results. The London PRP Clinic offers personalised treatment plans combining PRP therapy with other evidence-based treatments. Book a free consultation to determine the best approach for your hair loss pattern.

How much does PRP hair treatment cost in London?

PRP hair treatment costs vary based on the number of sessions needed. The London PRP Clinic offers competitive pricing with free initial consultations. Contact us via WhatsApp for a personalised quote based on your specific treatment needs.

PRP Injections for Knee and Joint Pain in London: An Evidence-Based Guide for 2026

5 Mar

Written By Omar Elalfy

Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor at The PRP Clinic | Last updated: February 2026

If you are living with knee pain, joint stiffness, or the limiting effects of osteoarthritis or a sports injury, you have likely explored your options. Anti-inflammatory medications offer temporary relief but do not address the underlying damage. Cortisone injections can help in the short term but lose effectiveness with repeated use and may actually harm cartilage over time. Surgery is invasive, expensive, and often a last resort.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections offer a fundamentally different approach. Rather than masking pain or replacing damaged structures, PRP works by stimulating your body's own healing mechanisms to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. With over 23 randomised controlled trials now demonstrating that PRP outperforms other injection therapies for knee osteoarthritis, this treatment is rapidly becoming the preferred non-surgical option for joint pain management.

This guide covers how PRP works for joints, what the evidence says, which conditions it treats, and what to expect from treatment at a doctor-led clinic in London.

Struggling with joint pain or a sports injury? Speak with our doctors to find out if PRP can help you avoid surgery and get back to the activities you love.

Enquire on WhatsApp → | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

How PRP works for joint pain and injuries

PRP injections for joints follow the same biological principle as PRP for hair — harnessing concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate natural healing. However, the mechanisms are targeted differently when treating musculoskeletal conditions.

A small sample of your blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma. This concentrated PRP contains high levels of growth factors including PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF, and IGF-1. When injected into an arthritic joint or damaged tendon, these growth factors initiate several repair processes.

Anti-inflammatory action: PRP modulates the inflammatory environment within the joint, reducing the chronic inflammation that drives pain and progressive cartilage damage in conditions like osteoarthritis.

Cartilage protection and repair: Growth factors stimulate chondrocyte activity (the cells responsible for maintaining cartilage), potentially slowing the degenerative process and promoting the repair of damaged cartilage surfaces.

Tissue regeneration: In tendon and ligament injuries, PRP accelerates the production of new collagen and healthy tissue, supporting structural healing that would otherwise occur slowly or incompletely.

Pain reduction: By addressing the underlying inflammatory and degenerative processes rather than simply blocking pain signals, PRP provides meaningful, longer-lasting pain relief that improves over weeks as healing progresses.

Improved lubrication and function: PRP can stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid within the joint, improving natural lubrication and reducing stiffness.

What conditions does PRP treat?

PRP injections are supported by evidence for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Knee osteoarthritis is the condition with the strongest evidence base for PRP. Over 23 randomised controlled trials demonstrate that PRP reduces pain and improves function more effectively than hyaluronic acid injections, cortisone, or placebo. It is particularly effective for mild to moderate osteoarthritis where cartilage is damaged but not completely lost.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most studied tendon conditions for PRP. Research consistently shows that PRP provides longer-lasting relief than cortisone injections for chronic tennis elbow that has not responded to conservative treatment.

Achilles tendinopathy responds well to PRP, with studies showing improvements in pain, function, and tendon structure over 6 to 12 months following treatment.

Rotator cuff injuries — both partial tears and chronic tendinopathy — show improvement with PRP, particularly when combined with appropriate rehabilitation. PRP may also improve outcomes when used alongside surgical repair.

Plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conventional treatments such as stretching, orthotics, and physiotherapy can benefit from PRP injection, with several studies showing significant pain reduction.

Hip osteoarthritis, while studied less extensively than the knee, shows promising early results for PRP in reducing pain and improving function.

Other conditions including golfer's elbow, patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee), ankle sprains, and ligament injuries may also benefit from PRP, though the evidence base for some of these indications is still developing.

Not sure if PRP is suitable for your condition? Our doctors assess each patient individually and will give you an honest recommendation.

Ask Our Team on WhatsApp → | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

PRP vs cortisone vs hyaluronic acid: how do they compare?

Understanding how PRP compares to other common injection therapies helps you make an informed decision.

Cortisone (steroid) injections provide rapid, powerful anti-inflammatory relief — often within days. However, the benefit is typically temporary (lasting weeks to a few months), and repeated cortisone injections are associated with potential cartilage damage, tendon weakening, and other tissue effects. Most guidelines recommend limiting steroid injections to no more than 3 per joint per year. Cortisone manages symptoms but does not promote healing.

Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) injections aim to supplement the joint's natural lubricating fluid. They can improve comfort and function, particularly in osteoarthritis, with effects lasting 6 to 9 months. However, research increasingly suggests that PRP provides more significant and longer-lasting improvements in pain and function compared to hyaluronic acid.

PRP injections promote actual tissue repair and healing rather than simply managing symptoms. The onset is slower than cortisone (4 to 6 weeks for noticeable improvement), but the effects are typically longer-lasting (6 to 18 months) and PRP does not carry the risks of tissue damage associated with repeated steroid use. Some studies suggest combining PRP with hyaluronic acid may be more effective than either alone.

Our approach: At The PRP Clinic, we favour PRP as a first-line injection therapy for chronic joint conditions because it addresses the underlying pathology rather than masking symptoms. For patients needing immediate pain relief, we can discuss whether a staged approach (cortisone for short-term relief followed by PRP for regenerative healing) is appropriate.

What to expect from PRP joint treatment at The PRP Clinic

Consultation: Your doctor conducts a thorough assessment of your condition, medical history, and any imaging (X-rays or MRI scans) you may already have. This determines whether PRP is likely to be effective for your specific situation.

Preparation: You will be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for at least 7 to 10 days before treatment, as these can interfere with platelet function. Staying well-hydrated is important for optimal blood quality. We provide clear pre-treatment instructions.

The procedure: A blood sample is drawn from your arm and processed in our advanced centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma. The PRP is then carefully injected into the affected joint or tendon. For optimal accuracy, injections may be guided to ensure precise placement in the target area. The entire process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Post-treatment: You may experience some soreness or swelling at the injection site for several days — this is a normal part of the inflammatory healing response that PRP initiates. We recommend rest for 48 hours, followed by a gradual return to activity as guided by your doctor. Paracetamol is acceptable for managing discomfort if needed, but anti-inflammatories should be avoided as they can counteract the PRP's healing mechanism.

Results timeline: Initial improvement in pain and function typically begins at 4 to 6 weeks. Maximum benefit is usually experienced between 6 weeks and 3 months. Effects can last 6 to 18 months depending on the condition and severity. Maintenance injections may be recommended annually.

Treatment course: For knee osteoarthritis, research generally supports 1 to 3 injections, potentially spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. For tendon injuries, 1 to 2 injections are often sufficient, though your doctor will personalise the protocol based on your response.

The holistic approach: supplements and lifestyle support for joint health

Consistent with our philosophy at The PRP Clinic, we do not treat joint pain with injections alone. Your treatment plan may include personalised supplement recommendations to support joint health and optimise PRP results.

Evidence-based supplements for joint health include omega-3 fatty acids (for their anti-inflammatory properties), vitamin D (essential for cartilage and bone metabolism), collagen peptides (to support connective tissue integrity), glucosamine and chondroitin (for cartilage support), and turmeric/curcumin (for inflammation modulation).

We also provide guidance on lifestyle factors that significantly influence joint health — including weight management, appropriate exercise, sleep quality, and stress reduction. This comprehensive approach ensures your body has the best possible foundation to respond to PRP treatment.

Ready to explore PRP for your joint pain? Our doctors provide honest, evidence-based recommendations tailored to your condition.

Message Us on WhatsApp → | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

Frequently asked questions about PRP for joints

How much do PRP injections for the knee cost in London?

PRP joint injections in London typically range from £400 to £900 per injection. Contact The PRP Clinic for current pricing, which includes doctor consultation, advanced PRP preparation, and aftercare.

Do PRP injections work for knee osteoarthritis?

Yes. Over 23 randomised controlled trials demonstrate that PRP is more effective than cortisone, hyaluronic acid, or placebo for knee osteoarthritis. It can reduce pain, improve function, and potentially delay the need for knee replacement.

How long do PRP knee injections take to work?

Most patients notice improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. Maximum benefit is typically felt at 6 weeks to 3 months. Effects last 6 to 18 months.

Is PRP better than cortisone for knee pain?

Cortisone provides faster initial relief but is temporary and may cause tissue damage with repeated use. PRP promotes actual healing, offers longer-lasting results, and is safer for long-term management.

How many injections do I need?

Typically 1 to 3 injections for knee osteoarthritis. Tendon conditions may require 1 to 2. Your doctor will personalise the protocol.

Can I walk after a PRP knee injection?

Yes. You can walk immediately, though we recommend rest for 48 hours and avoidance of strenuous activity to allow the healing response to establish.

What joints can PRP treat?

Knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, elbows, wrists, and most tendons and ligaments.

Is PRP safe for joints?

PRP is one of the safest injection therapies available because it uses your own blood. Risks are minimal and include mild soreness, swelling, and very rarely infection.

Can PRP help me avoid surgery?

For many patients with mild to moderate joint conditions, PRP can provide sufficient pain relief and functional improvement to delay or avoid surgical intervention.

Take control of your joint health

Joint pain does not have to limit your life, and surgery is not always the only option. PRP therapy offers an evidence-based, regenerative approach that works with your body's own healing capabilities. At The PRP Clinic, our doctors combine advanced PRP treatment with personalised supplement protocols and lifestyle guidance to give your joints the best chance of recovery.

Book Your Consultation on WhatsApp →

📧 Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com 📍 Location: Marylebone, London (5 minutes from Baker Street) ⭐ 187 five-star reviews | Doctor-led regenerative medicine

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of joint conditions. Results vary between individuals.

Omar Elalfy