Joint Treatment in Soweto: Methods and Steps
PRP and SVF cell therapy for the knee, hip, shoulder and more. We review your scans free of charge before any decision
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.
It is an alternative for those with sore joints who prefer not to have surgery yet, or at all, and for those told they need a joint replacement. Earlier stages give a better chance of a durable effect; your scans show the doctor where you stand.
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
Pain after overload or sports strain, worn surfaces of the joint
Hand and wrist joints
Aching and stiffness in the small wrist and finger joints
Knee
Wear of the cartilage, meniscus problems, pain on the stairs and after walks
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
The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a combination of cells involved in tissue repair — is isolated by processing a small sample of your adipose tissue. It is combined with your plasma and injected into the joint that needs treatment.
This option is usually picked for more advanced changes in the joint, when the goal is an effect that lasts longer.
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
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
We take a small blood sample from a vein. From it, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared later on.
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
In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Directly into the affected joint: the prepared material is injected under ultrasound guidance for precise placement.
Follow-up
Neither a hospital stay nor crutches are required. The doctor stays in contact after the procedure and monitors how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
We take a small blood sample from a vein. From it, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared later on.
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
In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Directly into the affected joint: the prepared material is injected under ultrasound guidance for precise placement.
Follow-up
Neither a hospital stay nor crutches are required. The doctor stays in contact after the procedure and monitors how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
Follow-up visits allow the doctor to track the joint's response and fine-tune the plan. Pain tends to ease during the first month, movement improves over about three months, and the full effect builds over around six months.
Conditions we treat
A doctor examines you and reviews your scans, then decides whether the treatment is suitable
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: skin inflammation over the joint to be treated, a 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
Small dressings go over the puncture sites and, in most cases, you go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two. During the first week a little more aching in the joint is an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month; mobility and activity improve over around three months; the full effect develops over about six months. Duration differs between individuals, depending on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — no fixed result can be promised by anyone. The doctor gives individual advice on exercise and load for the first weeks.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Our aim is to keep your own joint, not replace it — treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Punctures instead of incisions, local anaesthetic, no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send us your X-rays, MRI or reports and a doctor will assess them independently, free of charge
Support after the procedure
We keep following the result and stay in touch after the procedure, not only on injection day
Joint treatment prices
The cost depends on the joint, the stage of the condition and the method, so the doctor names 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 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?
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?
Results vary. The effect of PRP often holds for several months to about a year; SVF can keep working longer. How long it lasts depends on the stage of the condition and your own body — no one 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.
Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis): can it be treated without surgery?
PRP or SVF injections, combined with exercise therapy and physiotherapy, can reduce pain and improve movement at early stages. If damage to the joint is already severe, replacement may be more realistic — the doctor gives an honest answer after seeing your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
For early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered: it supports blood supply to the femoral head and can delay the need for a joint replacement. Surgery is usually required later on.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
With early or moderate changes, trying to keep your own joint first is often the sensible path — a replacement means major surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, risks such as infection and implants that might eventually be redone.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes. Send your X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports, and a doctor will review them free of charge and tell you whether the procedure could suit you and what else may be needed.
How soon can I return to normal life?
Usually after a day or two. Crutches and long rehabilitation are not needed; for the first weeks you get recommendations on load and exercise from the doctor.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
Shoulder joint and rotator cuff problems are treated with PRP; in more advanced shoulder arthritis, SVF may be an option. The doctor first finds the cause of the pain, and that decides whether it suits you.
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How SVF and PRP therapy works for Soweto residents
Joint pain does not always mean surgery. In Soweto, 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.
Most patients from Soweto go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within a day or two. During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month.
The price depends on how many joints are treated and which method is chosen. For patients from Soweto, the doctor explains the plan and the cost at the consultation, which is free.
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