Non-Surgical Joint Treatment in Johannesburg
Regenerative SVF and PRP injections for knees, hips, shoulders and other joints, with your scans checked free beforehand
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 treatment of the joints relies on material taken from your own body: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) prepared from blood, and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from a small sample of adipose tissue. This material is injected into the problem joint to ease pain and inflammation and to support the tissues within it.
It is an option for people with joint pain who want to avoid or postpone surgery, or who have been told that joint replacement is the only choice. The earlier the stage of the condition, the better the chance of a lasting effect — the doctor assesses this from your scans.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Both large and small joints are treated; the joint, the method and the number of injections are chosen by the doctor once your scans are reviewed
Elbow
Sports strain or overuse pain and worn-down joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Pain and stiffness affecting the small finger and wrist joints
Knee
Cartilage wear, meniscus issues, pain after walking and on stairs
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Worn joint and surrounding tendons, pain when lifting the arm
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
A small sample of your adipose tissue is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a mix of cells involved in tissue repair. Combined with your own plasma, it is injected into the affected joint.
Doctors tend to choose it when the joint shows more pronounced changes and a more durable effect is wanted.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
A little of your blood is enough to separate platelet-rich plasma full of growth factors. Injected into the joint, it calms inflammation and improves conditions for tissue repair.
It can be a course of injections on its own or be combined with SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines your joint, looks at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure is right for you. Scans you already have can be sent ahead of the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, and it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
With local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue (around 30 ml) is taken via a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh — without stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
A centrifuge splits the sample into layers. From these, the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and blended with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The finished material is injected into the affected joint itself, guided by ultrasound so that it lands precisely.
Follow-up
You need neither crutches nor a hospital stay. The doctor remains in contact afterwards and watches how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines your joint, looks at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure is right for you. Scans you already have can be sent ahead of the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, and it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
With local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue (around 30 ml) is taken via a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh — without stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
A centrifuge splits the sample into layers. From these, the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and blended with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The finished material is injected into the affected joint itself, guided by ultrasound so that it lands precisely.
Follow-up
You need neither crutches nor a hospital stay. The doctor remains in contact afterwards and watches how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
You come back for follow-up visits so the doctor can see how the joint responds and refine the plan. Pain usually settles over the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the effect is complete over around six months.
Conditions we treat
Only after an examination and a review of your scans does the doctor decide whether the treatment suits you
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: inflamed skin over the treatment joint, fever, a cold or flu
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
The majority of people are discharged the same day and resume normal daily activity within a day or two; the puncture sites are simply covered with small dressings. Expect the joint to ache somewhat more in the first week — that reaction is normal. Pain usually eases in the first month, mobility and activity improve over roughly three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. The duration varies from person to person and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors; no one can promise a fixed result. Individual advice on exercise and load for the first weeks comes from your doctor.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
The goal is your own joint kept, not replaced, through treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
No donor or synthetic material: only your own blood and adipose tissue are used
No crutches
Local anaesthetic, punctures instead of incisions, and 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 stay in touch after the procedure and follow the result, not just the day of the injection
Joint treatment prices
Pricing depends on the joint, the condition's stage and the method; you learn it from the doctor 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?
PRP is a platelet-rich plasma produced from your blood, and SVF is a fraction of cells isolated from a small sample of adipose tissue. They have different modes of action and are often combined to enhance the regenerative effect in the joint.
Is the treatment safe?
The tissue comes from you in both methods, so the risk of rejection or allergy is very low. As after any injection, temporary pain, swelling or bruising are possible; infection is rare. At the consultation, the doctor explains the risks that apply to you.
How long does the effect last?
It varies between patients. After PRP the effect commonly lasts from several months to about a year, and after SVF possibly longer. Because duration depends on the stage of the condition and your body, nobody can promise a fixed result.
Who should not have the procedure?
We do not perform the procedure in cases of cancer, acute infection, blood clotting disorders, pregnancy or a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. The doctor checks all of this at the consultation.
Can I treat hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) without surgery?
When the condition is at an early stage, injections of PRP or SVF alongside exercise therapy and physiotherapy can ease pain and improve mobility. With a badly damaged joint, replacement may be the realistic option, and the doctor will be honest about this after seeing your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
SVF therapy at early stages (1–2) may be considered to support blood flow to the femoral head and push back the need for joint replacement. Later stages generally need surgery.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
A replacement is major surgery: rehabilitation is long, there are risks such as infection, and the implant may eventually need redoing. If changes are early or moderate, it often makes sense to try saving your own joint first.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes. Send us your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports; a doctor will review them free of charge and tell you whether the procedure could suit you and what else might be 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.
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Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in Johannesburg: what you should know
Joint pain does not always mean surgery. In Johannesburg, many people with early or moderate changes in the knee, hip or shoulder first try to preserve their own joint. SVF and PRP injections aim to reduce pain and inflammation and to slow further wear of the cartilage.
PRP can be given as a course of injections or together with SVF. The number of injections and the method are chosen individually for each patient from Johannesburg after the examination and scan review.
The cost of joint treatment depends on the joint, the stage of the condition and the method, so the price is set at the consultation. The initial consultation and review of your scans are free for patients from Johannesburg. Leave your name and phone number, and a coordinator will contact you.
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