Regenerative Joint Treatment in San Francisco
Knee, hip, shoulder or another joint — SVF cell therapy and PRP, starting with a free assessment of your scans
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?
Your blood provides platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and a small sample of adipose tissue provides the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). In regenerative joint treatment this material goes into the affected joint by injection, helping to reduce pain and inflammation and to support the tissues inside it.
The option is aimed at patients with joint pain who wish to avoid or postpone surgery, or who have only been offered a replacement. The chance of a lasting effect is best at an early stage, which the doctor checks on 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
Large and small joints can be treated; the doctor settles the joint, the method and the injection count after checking your scans
Elbow
Pain after overload or sports strain, worn surfaces of the joint
Hand and wrist joints
Stiff, painful small joints in the fingers and wrist
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.
The usual reason to choose it: more pronounced changes in the joint and the goal of a longer-lasting effect.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
Your blood, in a small amount, is used to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors. This plasma is injected into the joint to help calm inflammation and support tissue 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
The doctor assesses the joint in person and reviews X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, then decides if you are a candidate for the procedure. Scans you have can be sent before the 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
Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
Centrifugation divides the sample into layers, so the stromal vascular fraction can be isolated and then mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
With ultrasound guiding the needle, the prepared material is injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.
Follow-up
Afterwards there are no crutches and no hospital stay, and the doctor keeps in touch to follow how the joint is responding.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor assesses the joint in person and reviews X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, then decides if you are a candidate for the procedure. Scans you have can be sent before the 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
Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
Centrifugation divides the sample into layers, so the stromal vascular fraction can be isolated and then mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
With ultrasound guiding the needle, the prepared material is injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.
Follow-up
Afterwards there are no crutches and no hospital stay, and the doctor keeps in touch to follow how the joint is responding.
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
A doctor decides whether the treatment suits you after examining you and reviewing 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: fever, a cold or the flu, inflammation of the skin over 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 the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two; the puncture sites are covered with small dressings. During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Over the first month the pain usually eases, over about three months mobility and activity improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts differs 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. The doctor gives you individual advice on exercise and load for the first weeks.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Treatment without surgery: we work to save your own joint rather than replace it
Your own tissue
Only material from your own blood and adipose tissue is used, with no donor or synthetic components
No crutches
Instead of incisions, punctures under local anaesthetic, and no long rehabilitation afterwards
Second opinion
Send X-rays, MRI or medical reports for an independent assessment by a doctor at no cost
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
Because the joint, the stage of the condition and the method all affect the cost, the doctor states it 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?
With both methods the tissue is your own, so the chance of rejection or an allergic reaction is very low. Any injection can bring temporary pain, swelling or bruising, and infection is rare. The doctor talks you through the risks in your case at the consultation.
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?
It is not carried out if you have cancer, an acute infection or a blood clotting disorder, if you are pregnant, or during a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. The doctor checks this at the consultation.
Can coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) be managed without surgery?
At an early stage, combining PRP or SVF injections with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can reduce pain and help movement. When the joint is already badly damaged, replacement may be more realistic, and the doctor will say so honestly after seeing your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
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.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
Replacement means major surgery, a long rehabilitation, risks including infection and implants that may eventually have to be redone. When changes are early or moderate, trying to preserve your own joint first often makes sense.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
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.
How soon can I return to normal life?
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.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
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.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in San Francisco step by step
The earlier the stage, the better the chance of a lasting effect. That is why patients from San Francisco start with a review of their X-rays or MRI: the doctor assesses the joint and tells you honestly whether SVF or PRP is likely to help or whether another option is more realistic.
Before the procedure, the doctor tells you which tests are needed. If you already have X-rays, MRI or ultrasound results, patients from San Francisco can send them in advance and receive a preliminary answer on whether the treatment could suit them.
Joint treatment in San Francisco: price at consultation, free scan review, own tissue only. Leave your name and phone number, or message us in any messenger.
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