Regenerative Joint Treatment in Pietermaritzburg

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.

Your own tissue is used in both methods, which keeps the risk of rejection or an allergic reaction very low. Any injection may cause temporary pain, swelling or bruising; infection is rare. The doctor explains your individual risks at the consultation.

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.

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.

At early stages, PRP or SVF injections combined with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can reduce pain and improve movement. If the joint is already badly damaged, replacement may be the more realistic option — the doctor will tell you honestly after seeing your scans.

At stages 1–2, SVF therapy can be considered to help the blood supply to the femoral head and delay joint replacement; at later stages surgery is usually necessary.

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.

Yes. After you send your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports, a doctor reviews them at no cost and tells you whether the procedure could be suitable and what else may be required.

Generally in a day or two. No crutches are needed and there is no long rehabilitation; the doctor tells you how to handle load and exercise during the first weeks.

Problems of the shoulder joint and rotator cuff are treated with PRP, and more advanced shoulder arthritis may call for SVF. It depends on the cause of your pain, which the doctor has to establish first.