Joint Treatment in Adelaide: Methods and Steps
Cell therapy (SVF) and platelet-rich plasma for knee, hip and shoulder joints and beyond, plus a free look at your scans first
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
What is regenerative
joint treatment?
Regenerative joint treatment uses material from your own body — platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from blood and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from a small sample of adipose tissue. It is injected into the affected joint to reduce pain and inflammation and to support the tissues inside it.
It can help if your joints hurt and you want to put off or avoid surgery, or if you have heard that replacement is your only choice. Chances of a lasting effect are higher at earlier stages of the condition, and your doctor assesses the stage from the scans.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Small joints and large ones alike — your scans guide the doctor's choice of joint, method and number of injections
Elbow
Pain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Small joints of the wrist and fingers that are stiff and sore
Knee
Pain on stairs and after walking, meniscus problems, cartilage wear
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Raising the arm hurts; wear of the joint and the tendons around it
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
To obtain SVF, the stromal vascular fraction, a small amount of your adipose tissue is processed; this cell mix takes part in repairing tissue. It is injected into the affected joint together with plasma from your own blood.
It is usually chosen when the changes in the joint are more pronounced and a longer-lasting effect is the goal.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
From a small blood sample, plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is separated and injected into the joint. It helps ease inflammation and creates a better environment for tissues to repair.
It works either as a stand-alone course of injections or alongside SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
Whether the procedure is for you is decided after the doctor examines the joint and reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound. Any scans you already have can be sent before your visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of blood is drawn from a vein, which is later turned into platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Around 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a single puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh under local anaesthetic, and the site needs no stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is centrifuged and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated from it and mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor places the prepared material precisely by injecting it straight into the affected joint.
Follow-up
There are no crutches and you do not stay in hospital. After the procedure the doctor stays in contact and tracks the joint's response.
Consultation and scan review
Whether the procedure is for you is decided after the doctor examines the joint and reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound. Any scans you already have can be sent before your visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of blood is drawn from a vein, which is later turned into platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Around 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a single puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh under local anaesthetic, and the site needs no stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is centrifuged and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated from it and mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor places the prepared material precisely by injecting it straight into the affected joint.
Follow-up
There are no crutches and you do not stay in hospital. After the procedure the doctor stays in contact and tracks the joint's response.
Follow-up visits
During follow-up visits the doctor checks the joint's response and adapts the plan: pain usually subsides in the first month, movement improves over about three months and the full effect develops over around six months.
Conditions we treat
The decision on whether the treatment suits you is made by a doctor, after an examination and a look at your scans
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: a cold or flu, fever, inflamed skin above the joint to be treated
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
Most people go home on the same day and are back to normal daily activity within a day or two; small dressings cover the puncture sites. In the first week the joint may ache a bit more, which is an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — nobody can promise a fixed result. Your doctor gives individual advice on exercise and load for the first weeks.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Treatment without surgery, aimed at keeping your own joint instead of replacing it
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material is used
No crutches
Punctures instead of incisions, local anaesthetic, no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
A doctor will independently assess your X-rays, MRI or reports free of charge once you send them
Support after the procedure
We follow the result after the procedure and stay in contact, not only on the day of the injection
Joint treatment prices
The joint, the method and the stage of the condition determine the cost, so it is set after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PRP and SVF?
Your blood gives PRP, a platelet-rich plasma, and a small sample of adipose tissue gives SVF, a fraction of cells. Their actions differ, which is why they are often combined for a stronger regenerative effect in the joint.
Is the treatment safe?
Because both methods use your own tissue, the risk of rejection or allergy is very low. As with any injection, there may be temporary pain, swelling or bruising, and infection is rare. At the consultation the doctor explains the risks in your case.
How long does the effect last?
Duration is individual. PRP often works for several months to about a year, while SVF may last longer. It depends on the stage of the condition and your body, which is why no one can promise a fixed result.
Who should not have the procedure?
The procedure is not performed in people with cancer, acute infections or blood clotting disorders, in pregnancy, or during a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. The doctor checks for this at the consultation.
Is treating coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) possible without surgery?
At early stages, pain can be reduced and movement improved with PRP or SVF injections combined with exercise therapy and physiotherapy. Should the joint already be badly damaged, a replacement may be more realistic — the doctor tells you honestly after looking at your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
Replacement is major surgery with long rehabilitation, risks such as infection, and implants that may eventually need to be redone. With early or moderate changes it often makes sense to try to preserve your own joint first.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes — just send whatever X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports you have. The review by a doctor costs nothing, and you learn whether the procedure could suit you and what else is needed.
How soon can I return to normal life?
Usually within a day or two. There are no crutches and no long rehabilitation; the doctor gives you recommendations on load and exercise for the first weeks.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
The doctor first establishes what is causing the pain: PRP is used for shoulder joint and rotator cuff problems, and SVF may be considered for more advanced arthritis of the shoulder. Suitability depends on that cause.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
How SVF and PRP therapy works for Adelaide residents
Regenerative joint treatment uses material from your own body: platelet-rich plasma from blood and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from a small sample of adipose tissue. For patients from Adelaide, it is an option to ease pain and inflammation and support the tissues inside the joint without an operation.
The puncture sites are small and covered with dressings, and no general anaesthetic is used. This is why joint treatment in Adelaide does not require crutches or a long rehabilitation period.
Book a free consultation in Adelaide to find out whether regenerative joint treatment suits you. The doctor names the price after examining the joint and reviewing your scans.
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