What is a PRP injection?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. A small sample of your own blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which carry growth factors involved in healing. The concentrate is then injected into the painful tendon or joint.
Because it comes from your own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction to the injected material. Here it is always placed under ultrasound guidance, after a diagnostic scan.
What can PRP treat?
PRP is most often used for tendon problems, such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and patellar or Achilles tendinopathy, and for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It is not suitable for large tendon tears that need surgery, or for severe, bone-on-bone arthritis.
Does PRP work?
For many people it does, particularly for tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and mild to moderate knee arthritis, where studies show benefit that can last longer than steroid. Results vary, and it does not help everyone. Your consultant gives you an honest view of your chances after the scan.
Is PRP better than a steroid injection?
They do different jobs. Steroid calms inflammation quickly but the effect can wear off, and it is avoided in some tendons. PRP works more slowly, aiming to support healing, and in some conditions the benefit lasts longer. If you need fast relief, steroid is usually the better first choice; if steroid has not lasted, PRP is often considered.
How long does PRP take to work?
PRP works gradually. Most people notice improvement from about four to six weeks, with the benefit building for up to three months. The first few days can be more sore than before the injection, which is a normal part of the response.
How many PRP injections will I need?
Many people need one. For some conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis, a course of two or three injections a few weeks apart may be advised. Your consultant tells you after the scan, and you only book further injections if they are needed.
Does a PRP injection hurt?
The blood sample feels like a routine blood test. The injection itself is done under local anaesthetic, so you feel a sting and then pressure. The area is often sore and stiff for two to three days afterwards, which settles with rest, ice and paracetamol.
What should I do after a PRP injection?
Rest the area for 48 hours, then build back up gradually as your consultant advises: a structured loading plan helps PRP work. Avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory painkillers for a week, as they may blunt the healing response. Paracetamol and a cold pack are fine.
Who should not have PRP?
PRP is not suitable if you have a blood or platelet disorder, an active infection or cancer, or are on certain blood thinners. It is not usually given during pregnancy. Tell us about your medical history when you book and we will advise.
Is PRP available on the NHS?
PRP is not routinely offered on the NHS for most musculoskeletal conditions. Privately, you can be scanned and treated by a consultant in one visit, usually within days.
How much does a PRP injection cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a PRP injection is £545, all fees inclusive, for any joint or tendon: the consultant assessment, diagnostic ultrasound, the blood sample and preparation, the guided injection and your written report. If a course is advised, each further injection is £545.
What happens if I don’t need an injection?
We will never give you an injection you do not need. Every appointment starts with a diagnostic ultrasound of your tendon or joint, and if your consultant decides an injection is not the right treatment, it simply does not go ahead. You are charged our standard diagnostic ultrasound rate, not the treatment price.
You still leave with a clear plan: physiotherapy, a different treatment, an MRI, or a referral to the right specialist, with your report and images on your secure portal.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an ultrasound-guided tendon or joint injection in London directly, online or by phone: no GP letter and no waiting list. If you are searching for tendon or joint injections near me in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
Prices are published before you book and are all fees inclusive: the consultant assessment, the diagnostic ultrasound, the guided injection, local anaesthetic and your written report. Insured patients should check with their insurer and bring an authorisation number if their policy requires one.
Will I get a report?
Yes. Your consultant explains the scan findings and the treatment in the room, and a written report with your images is published to your secure patient portal, usually the same day, ready to share with your GP, physiotherapist or surgeon.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Usually, yes: there is no sedation or general anaesthetic. The local anaesthetic can leave the area numb for a few hours, so if the injection is in your right leg or foot, or the joint feels weak, it is sensible to arrange a lift or take public transport.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Your report and images can be shared with your NHS GP or consultant, and if anything needs onward NHS care, your consultant writes to your GP so you re-enter the pathway with a diagnosis already in hand.
