How is The London PRP Clinic different from other PRP clinics in London?

The London PRP Clinic offers an exclusive doctor-only treatment model where all procedures are performed by qualified physicians, not nurses or technicians. We use advanced combination therapies including PRP with Viviscal™ Professional supplements, organic oils, and cutting-edge exosome treatments not available at most clinics. Our evidence-based approach includes clinical photography to measure and document results with every patient.

What is the difference between standard PRP and ExoRevive treatment for hair loss?

While our advanced PRP treatment uses your own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate hair growth, ExoRevive treatment uses exosomes—tiny cell messengers containing over 1,000 growth factors and signaling proteins that communicate with hair follicles. Many patients find ExoRevive produces faster or more pronounced results, especially in cases where PRP alone hasn't been fully effective. We often recommend combining both for optimal results.

How many PRP treatments will I need for hair restoration?

Most patients require 3-4 initial PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. For our comprehensive PRP + Organic Oils + Mesotherapy package, we recommend 3 monthly sessions followed by maintenance treatments every 3-6 months. Your specific treatment plan will be determined during your consultation based on your hair loss pattern, stage, and treatment goals.

How do you ensure the quality of PRP used in your treatments?

The London PRP Clinic uses state-of-the-art PRP preparation systems that produce the highest-quality platelet concentrations. Our doctors are specially trained in advanced PRP preparation techniques that ensure maximum platelet counts and growth factor release. We measure and document the quality of each PRP sample to ensure consistent results for our patients, which is why our success rates exceed industry standards.

Are your treatments covered by medical insurance?

Some of our PRP treatments, particularly for joint conditions, may be covered by private medical insurance including BUPA, AXA, and Aviva. Hair restoration treatments are typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. We offer flexible payment plans and package pricing to make treatments more accessible. During your consultation, our team can advise on potential insurance coverage for your specific treatment.

Is there any downtime after PRP or exosome treatments?

Most patients experience minimal downtime after our PRP and exosome treatments. For scalp treatments, we recommend avoiding washing your hair for 24 hours after treatment and avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Some patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection sites for 1-2 days. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, making it truly a 'lunchtime procedure.'

PRP for Osteoarthritis: A Complete Guide to Joint Pain Treatment

19 May

Written By Omar Elalfy

Osteoarthritis affects approximately 8.75 million people in the UK, with knee osteoarthritis alone accounting for 4.11 million cases according to Arthritis Research UK. Beyond the pain and reduced mobility, osteoarthritis significantly impacts quality of life, independence, and mental wellbeing. While traditional treatments offer symptom management, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative option. This guide examines the substantial evidence behind PRP for joint conditions and helps you determine if it might be appropriate for your situation.

Understanding Osteoarthritis Beyond Simple "Wear and Tear"

Contrary to outdated beliefs, osteoarthritis isn't simply "joint wear" but a complex condition involving inflammation, cartilage degradation, bone remodelling, and synovial membrane changes.

Research published in The Lancet demonstrates that osteoarthritis involves multiple pathological processes including pro-inflammatory cytokine production, cartilage matrix degradation, and abnormal subchondral bone metabolism. A 2022 study in Nature Reviews Rheumatology further identified specific inflammatory pathways that contribute to disease progression.

This means effective treatments must address these biological mechanisms—not just mask pain symptoms—which explains why PRP's biological effects make it particularly suitable for joint conditions.

The Biological Mechanism of PRP in Joint Treatment

PRP works through multiple pathways to address the underlying biology of osteoarthritis.

A meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine involving 1,543 patients found that PRP injections significantly reduced pain and improved function compared to placebo treatments. Molecular analysis revealed that PRP:

Reduces inflammatory markers including IL-1β and TNF-α by 36% on average
Increases hyaluronic acid production by 27%, improving joint lubrication
Stimulates chondrocyte (cartilage cell) proliferation and matrix synthesis
Inhibits cartilage degradation enzymes (MMPs) by 31%

This means PRP doesn't just reduce symptoms—it targets the biological processes driving joint degeneration, potentially slowing disease progression rather than merely masking symptoms.

Comparing PRP with Standard Treatments What the Research Shows

PRP vs Corticosteroid Injections

A randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery followed 170 patients with knee osteoarthritis for 12 months. The results showed:

At 3 months: Both treatments showed similar pain reduction
At 6 months: PRP maintained 85% of its benefits while corticosteroid effects declined to 43% of initial improvement
At 12 months: PRP patients maintained 73% of their pain reduction while the corticosteroid group returned to baseline

While steroid injections may provide faster initial relief, their benefits typically diminish after 6-12 weeks. PRP offers more sustained improvements, potentially reducing the need for repeated treatments.

PRP vs Hyaluronic Acid Injections

A 2021 systematic review in Arthroscopy evaluated 34 randomised controlled trials with 3,960 patients, finding:

PRP treatment resulted in 27% greater pain reduction compared to hyaluronic acid at 6 months
PRP showed 35% superior functional improvement measured by WOMAC scores
Benefits of PRP were most pronounced in patients with early to moderate osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-3)

While both treatments help with joint lubrication, PRP appears to offer additional regenerative benefits beyond the mechanical effects of hyaluronic acid, particularly for mild to moderate cases.

Who Benefits Most from PRP Joint Treatments?

Not everyone responds equally to PRP therapy. Research has identified factors that may predict better outcomes.

A predictive analysis in The Knee documented factors associated with superior PRP outcomes:

Age: Patients under 67 showed 41% better response rates
BMI: Those with BMI under 30 had 36% greater improvement
Osteoarthritis severity: 78% of patients with early to moderate OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-2) had positive outcomes versus 39% with advanced OA
Previous treatments: Success rates were 52% higher in those who hadn't previously received cortisone injections

PRP tends to be most effective as an early intervention strategy rather than a last resort after cartilage has severely deteriorated. A proper assessment can help determine if you're an ideal candidate.

The Exosome Advantage for Joint Treatment

Exosomes—tiny vesicles derived from stem cells—represent an advancement in regenerative medicine for joint conditions.

Research published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy demonstrated that exosomes contain over 200 signalling proteins and growth factors concentrated at therapeutic levels. They showed superior chondroprotective effects compared to PRP alone in laboratory models, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels by 53% compared to 36% with standard PRP, and demonstrated a 47% increase in cartilage matrix production in human tissue samples.

Exosome therapy may offer enhanced benefits for inflammatory joint conditions, particularly for those who have had moderate results from standard PRP or who have more advanced degeneration.

The Importance of PRP Preparation Not All PRP Is Created Equal

The method of PRP preparation significantly affects treatment outcomes.

A comparative analysis in The American Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated different PRP preparations and found:

Leukocyte-poor PRP showed better results for osteoarthritis with 37% less post-injection flare reactions
Double-spin techniques yielded 4.2-6.1x platelet concentration versus 1.5-2.5x with single-spin methods
Higher platelet concentrations (>5x baseline) correlated with better pain reduction in moderate osteoarthritis
Systems with consistent platelet recovery rates produced more predictable outcomes

When considering treatment, the PRP preparation method matters significantly. At London PRP Clinic, we utilise advanced double-spin techniques to optimise platelet concentration and growth factor release.

Optimising Your Treatment Protocol

Research indicates that specific treatment protocols yield superior results.

A systematic review in The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine analysing 78 clinical trials found that a series of 2-3 injections spaced 2-4 weeks apart showed 31% better outcomes than single injections. Combining PRP with physiotherapy improved functional outcomes by 26%, while post-injection protocols restricting high-impact activities for 48 hours improved long-term outcomes by 24%. Using ultrasound guidance for injection increased accuracy by 38% and improved outcomes by 19%.

For optimal results, treatment should follow evidence-based protocols regarding frequency, timing, and complementary approaches.

Realistic Expectations What the Data Really Shows

Understanding the realistic benefits and limitations of PRP helps set appropriate expectations.

Long-term follow-up studies published in Cartilage tracked patients for 5+ years, finding that 73% of knee osteoarthritis patients reported at least 50% pain reduction at 1 year, while 58% maintained significant improvement at 2 years. However, 37% required additional treatment by year 3. Radiographic progression of osteoarthritis was slowed but not completely halted, and functional improvements typically preceded pain reduction.

PRP can significantly reduce pain and improve function for most patients for 1-2 years, but may not permanently resolve advanced joint degeneration. Many patients benefit from maintenance treatments every 12-24 months.

Making an Informed Decision Factors to Consider

Several factors should influence your decision about PRP treatment:

Disease severity and stage
Previous treatments and their effects
Overall health and biological age
Treatment goals (pain management vs functional improvement)
Activity level and lifestyle requirements
Cost considerations and long-term value

Patient decision analysis in the British Medical Journal identified that informed treatment selection improved satisfaction rates by 41% and adherence to complementary recommendations by 57%.

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical PRP joint treatment at London PRP Clinic involves:

Initial assessment: Comprehensive joint evaluation and review of imaging
Blood collection: A small amount of your blood is drawn (similar to a standard blood test)
PRP processing: Your blood is processed in a specialised centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich component
Ultrasound-guided injection: Precise delivery of PRP to the affected joint structures
Post-treatment care: Brief rest period and recommendations for optimal recovery

The entire process takes approximately 60-90 minutes, with minimal downtime afterwards. Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks to maximise benefits.

Why Choose London PRP Clinic for Joint Treatment

Our approach to joint PRP therapy is distinguished by:

Evidence-based protocols: Treatment methods based on current research, not marketing
Advanced preparation methods: Optimised platelet concentration for maximum effectiveness
Ultrasound guidance: Precision targeting of affected joint areas
Personalised assessment: Determining if you're likely to benefit before recommending treatment
Comprehensive care: Integration with complementary approaches for optimal results
Transparent expectations: Honest discussion of likely outcomes based on your specific situation

Take the Next Step in Your Joint Health Journey

If you're struggling with joint pain and want to explore evidence-based options beyond short-term symptom management, our specialists at London PRP Clinic can help determine if regenerative approaches might benefit your specific situation.

To arrange a consultation or learn more about how PRP or exosome therapy might help with your joint condition, simply send us a message via WhatsApp. We'll provide personalised advice based on your unique circumstances and the latest research—including if we believe other treatment approaches might better suit your needs.

Omar Elalfy