Joint Pain Treatment in Santiago
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 care for joints is based on your own material. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is obtained from blood, and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from a small amount of adipose tissue; the doctor then injects it into the affected joint to reduce pain and inflammation and to support its internal tissues.
For someone with joint pain who wants to avoid surgery or delay it, or who has been told replacement is the only choice, this is worth considering. The doctor reviews your scans to assess the stage — earlier stages give a better chance of a lasting result.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Treatment covers large and small joints, with the joint, the method and the number of injections chosen after the doctor reviews your scans
Elbow
Pain following overuse or sports strain, wear of joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Stiffness and aching in the finger and wrist joints
Knee
Meniscus trouble, worn cartilage, pain when using stairs or after walking
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
Processing a small sample of adipose tissue yields the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a blend of cells that help tissue repair. The doctor combines it with your plasma and injects it into the problem joint.
More marked changes in the joint and the wish for a longer-lasting effect are the usual reasons to choose it.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
A small amount of your blood is processed to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which is then injected into the joint. It helps settle inflammation and gives the tissues better conditions for 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 little blood is drawn from a vein; platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from it later.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Under local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue — roughly 30 ml — is removed through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, with no stitches needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
The centrifuge separates the sample into layers, the stromal vascular fraction is isolated, and it is then mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Under ultrasound guidance, the ready material goes directly into the affected joint, so it can be placed accurately.
Follow-up
The procedure needs no crutches or hospital stay. Afterwards the doctor remains in touch and follows 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 little blood is drawn from a vein; platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from it later.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Under local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue — roughly 30 ml — is removed through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, with no stitches needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
The centrifuge separates the sample into layers, the stromal vascular fraction is isolated, and it is then mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Under ultrasound guidance, the ready material goes directly into the affected joint, so it can be placed accurately.
Follow-up
The procedure needs no crutches or hospital stay. Afterwards the doctor remains in touch and follows the joint's response.
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
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: flu, a cold or fever, and skin inflammation over the joint that will 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
Going home the same day is the norm, and normal daily activity usually resumes within a day or two; small dressings protect the puncture sites. The joint can ache a little more during the first week — this is expected. Pain tends to ease over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. The duration varies from person to person with the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors, so a fixed result cannot be promised. The doctor gives individual guidance on exercise and load for the first weeks.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
No surgery: our work is about keeping your own joint, not swapping it for an implant
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
Send your X-rays, MRI or reports and a doctor will give an independent assessment free of charge
Support after the procedure
Our care goes beyond the day of the injection: we stay in touch and follow the result
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?
PRP comes from your blood and is plasma rich in platelets; SVF is a cellular fraction from a small sample of your adipose tissue. Each works in its own way, and combining them often gives the joint a stronger regenerative effect.
Is the treatment safe?
Both methods rely on your own tissue, so rejection or an allergic reaction is very unlikely. Temporary pain, swelling or bruising can occur as with any injection, and infection is rare. The doctor goes through the risks for 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?
The procedure is ruled out for cancer, acute infections and blood clotting disorders, during pregnancy and during a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. This is checked by the doctor at the consultation.
Is treating coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) possible 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?
When the condition is at an early stage (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay a joint replacement; at later stages surgery is usually required.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
Replacement is major surgery that brings long rehabilitation, risks including infection, and implants that may eventually need redoing. So with early or moderate changes it often makes sense to first try preserving your own joint.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes. Once we receive your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports, a doctor reviews them free of charge and tells you whether the procedure could be right for you and what else may 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?
PRP is an option for rotator cuff and shoulder joint problems, and SVF can be considered for more advanced arthritis of the shoulder. The doctor first pins down the cause of the pain, and suitability depends on it.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in Santiago: what you should know
If you have been told that joint replacement is the only choice, a second opinion is worth getting. In Santiago, you can send your scans and reports for a free independent assessment before making any decision about surgery.
Over about three months mobility and activity usually improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts depends on the stage of the condition, body weight and activity, so no one can promise a fixed result to patients in Santiago.
To get started, send your scans or book a visit. Patients from Santiago receive a free review, a clear answer on whether treatment is suitable, and the price for their case.
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