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Non-Surgical Joint Treatment in Tamale

PRP and SVF cell therapy for the knee, hip, shoulder and more. We review your scans free of charge before any decision

Knee joint: regenerative treatment without surgery
Joint treatment without surgery. Free consultation and review of your scans

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What it is

What is regenerative
joint treatment?

Regenerative joint treatment uses material from your own body — platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from blood and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from a small sample of adipose tissue. It is injected into the affected joint to reduce pain and inflammation and to support the tissues inside it.

  • No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
  • Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
  • Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Knee joint: an injection under ultrasound guidance

Who the treatment suits

Suitability is decided by a doctor once you have been examined and your scans reviewed

Suitable

A doctor reviews knee X-rays with a patient
  • Pain, crunching or stiffness in a joint
  • Painkillers only help for a short time
  • Recovery after injuries and surgery
  • You need a second opinion on your scans
  • You want to avoid or postpone joint replacement
  • Early or moderate arthrosis or arthritis
  • High load on the joints — sport or physical work

Not suitable

A doctor examines a patient's knee
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
  • Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
  • Temporary contraindications: fever, flu or a cold, skin inflammation over the joint being treated

Not sure the treatment is right for you?

Leave your number — the coordinator will ask for your scans (X-ray, MRI or ultrasound), and the doctor will tell you whether treatment without surgery suits you.

Find out if it suits me

What we treat

Conditions we treat

How it works

How the procedure goes: step by step

Consultation and scan review1

Consultation and scan review

First comes an examination: the doctor checks the joint and your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound images and decides whether the procedure fits. If you have scans already, send them in advance.

Blood sample for PRP2

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.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

Around 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a single puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh under local anaesthetic, and the site needs no stitches.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

After centrifuging, the sample forms separate layers; the stromal vascular fraction is taken from them and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

With ultrasound guiding the needle, the prepared material is injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

No crutches and no hospital stay. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure and follows how the joint responds.

Book a consultation

Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation

A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment
Book a consultation
A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment

Results

After the procedure

  • Doctor talking warmly with a patient after the procedure

    1 week

    The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.

  • Doctor consulting an older patient one month after treatment

    1 month

    The pain usually eases.

  • Doctor explaining progress to a patient using a knee joint model

    ~3 months

    Mobility and activity improve.

  • Doctor and patient walking together at a follow-up visit

    ~6 months

    The full effect develops.

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.

Comparison

Methods we use

The material comes only from your own blood and adipose tissue, never from donors or synthetics

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.

A doctor explains SVF cell therapy for the knee to a patient on a tablet

It is usually the choice when changes in the joint are more marked and the aim is a longer-lasting effect.

Material
Your adipose tissue and plasma
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood

The joint receives an injection of plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, separated from a small amount of your blood. It helps soothe inflammation and creates better conditions for the tissues to repair.

A doctor explains PRP therapy for joints to a patient on a monitor

It can be a course of injections on its own or be combined with SVF.

Material
Your blood from a vein
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

The benefits and timings shown are averaged and given for guidance: the plan and recovery depend on your joint and individual features, and the doctor confirms them at the consultation.

At the consultation the doctor will review your scans and suggest a treatment plan

Free consultation

Book a consultation

Joints

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

  • KneeKneeCartilage wearing down, meniscus problems, pain after walking or on stairs
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderRaising the arm hurts; wear of the joint and the tendons around it
  • ElbowElbowPain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsAching and stiffness in the small wrist and finger joints
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Treatment without surgery: we work to save your own joint rather than replace it

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

The material comes only from your own blood and adipose tissue, never from donors or synthetics

No crutches

No crutches

Small punctures in place of incisions, local anaesthetic, no long recovery programme

Second opinion

Second opinion

Free of charge: a doctor's independent assessment of the X-rays, MRI or reports you send

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

We follow the result after the procedure and stay in contact, not only on the day of the injection

About the clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient at the clinic

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

Request a free call

Price

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

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Choosing joint treatment without surgery in Tamale

The method relies on your own tissue only, so there is no donor or synthetic material. Plasma is prepared from a small blood sample, and SVF from about 30 ml of adipose tissue taken through a puncture. This is how non-surgical joint treatment works for everyone in Tamale.

Follow-up visits help the doctor see how the joint responds and adjust the plan. In Tamale, you receive recommendations on load and exercise for the first weeks, and the doctor stays in touch after the procedure.

Patients from Tamale can start with a free second opinion: send your X-rays, MRI, CT or reports, and a doctor will tell you whether SVF or PRP could help. The price of treatment is named at the consultation.

Tamale and why joint health matters here

Tamale is the capital of the Northern Region of Ghana and the country's third largest city, with a population of 374,744 people as of the 2021 population census. It lies in the Kingdom of Dagbon, Ghana's oldest kingdom, and is traditionally home to the Dagomba, alongside Gonja, Mamprusi, Nanumba, Konkomba and Akan residents. The city has been described as the fastest-growing in West Africa, and a growing city puts more people on foot, on motorbikes and on building sites, all of which load the knees and hips.

Most people in Tamale work in agriculture, followed by trading, teaching and manufacturing. These are physical lives. Farmers kneel, squat and carry loads. Traders stand for long hours in the market. Teachers are on their feet through the school day. When a knee starts to catch on the stairs, or a hip stiffens after sitting, patients often put up with it for a long time, because the work cannot easily stop.

This text is for people in Tamale who want to understand the options for joint treatment: conservative care, arthroscopy and joint replacement. It shows how each option fits the rhythm of the city and how a free remote consultation with City Medical Centre works. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram, so you can ask questions in the evening after work or early before the day gets hot.

Climate in Tamale and recovery after joint treatment

Tamale has a tropical savanna climate. There is one rainy season a year, with heavy thunderstorms and little sunshine, and the rest of the year is dry. Monthly mean temperatures sit around 34 °C, and the minimum is around 23 °C. Relative humidity is usually lowest between December and March, at about 30%, and highest around August, at about 70%. Mean monthly rainfall is about 89 mm.

Heat matters after a knee or hip procedure. Warmth and long periods in the sun can increase swelling in the operated leg, and a compression garment, if your surgeon prescribes one, feels heavier in hot weather. Light cotton clothing worn under the garment, a shaded place to rest with the leg raised, and plenty of fluids are sensible general habits. Follow the surgeon's instructions about how long to wear compression, because that depends on the operation and on you.

The dry months bring dust, which is a practical concern for wounds and dressings. Keep dressings clean and dry, avoid dusty yards and sandy paths during the early weeks, and ask the surgeon when it is safe to get the wound wet. The humid rainy months are different: wet and slippery ground raises the chance of a fall on a healing joint, so a stable walking aid and good footwear are worth planning before the operation.

Climate also affects the joints themselves. Many patients say stiffness is worse on cool early mornings in the dry season, and swelling worse after a hot, busy day. Note these patterns in a diary and share them with the surgeon during your consultation.

Common questions from patients in Tamale

The first question is usually whether surgery can be avoided. In many cases, conservative care is tried first: guided exercise, weight management, activity changes, medication chosen by a doctor, and injections where appropriate. Surgery is discussed when pain and loss of movement keep limiting daily life despite this. The surgeon decides after reviewing your history, examination and imaging.

The second question is about work. Farmers ask when they can return to the field, traders when they can stand at a stall again, and teachers when they can manage a full day in the classroom. The honest answer is that it depends on the procedure, the joint and the physical demands of the job, and your surgeon will give a timetable. Bring a clear description of your working day to the consultation.

The third question is about arthritis versus wear. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Wear-related joint pain tends to follow activity and ease with rest, so the pattern of your pain is an important clue. Neither pattern should be diagnosed by guesswork, and an examination with tests is needed.

Patients also ask about cost, hospital routines and who will follow them after the operation. The coordinators can explain how the process is organised and which questions to put to the surgeon.

Conservative care, arthroscopy and joint replacement explained

Conservative care is the foundation. It aims to reduce pain and keep you moving: strengthening the muscles around the knee and hip, correcting how you walk and lift, adjusting heavy work, and treating any underlying inflammatory condition. Body weight is one factor you can influence, since extra weight adds load to the knees and hips. The World Health Organization describes overweight and obesity as a major health concern, and discussing weight openly with your doctor is part of good joint care.

Arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure in which a small camera and instruments are used inside the joint. It is mostly considered for specific problems such as certain meniscal tears or loose fragments, and it is not a general remedy for worn joints. Ask the surgeon exactly which problem the arthroscopy would treat and what you can expect from it.

Joint replacement is considered when the joint surface is badly damaged and other approaches no longer help enough. The damaged surfaces are replaced with an implant. For the hip, the condition of the femoral head is central. At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required.

SVF therapy begins with a small harvest. 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. Whether this suits you depends on the stage of your condition, which only a specialist can judge from your imaging.

Choosing the season for treatment in Tamale

There is no single correct month, but the climate gives some clear considerations. The rainy season brings storms, wet ground and higher humidity, which makes walking on a healing joint more demanding. The hottest part of the dry season brings strong sun and swelling risk. The period from December to March has the lowest humidity, which many people find more comfortable for dressings and compression garments, although dust is a factor and the air is dry.

The calendar of the city also matters. The Damba festival, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid Adha and the Bugum chugu are celebrated annually and are significant family occasions. Because about 90.5% of the population is Muslim according to the 2010 census, Ramadan and the Eid celebrations shape the year for many families. Standing, sitting on the floor, long gatherings and shared meals are all part of these events, so it is wise to plan the procedure so that you are not recovering during an occasion where you would be expected to be on your feet.

Farmers should also consider the farming calendar. The planting and harvest periods demand the most from the body, and it is better to schedule treatment outside them where possible. Talk this through with the coordinator and the surgeon; they can help you build a plan around your family and work commitments.

Daily life, food and family during recovery

Family is central in Tamale, and recovery usually involves relatives. Decide in advance who will help with cooking, carrying water, shopping and childcare in the first weeks. Many households eat on low seats or the floor; a joint that is healing may not manage this comfortably, so arrange a higher chair and a firm seat that you can rise from without strain.

Food culture supports recovery when it includes enough protein, vegetables and fluids. Staple dishes of the north are filling, and heavy, salty or very sugary meals can add to weight and swelling if eaten in large amounts. Ask the surgeon whether you need any dietary changes, especially if you have diabetes, gout or high blood pressure. Gout in particular is one of the causes of joint inflammation, so it deserves a proper diagnosis rather than home remedies.

Think about the home layout too. Steps at the entrance, uneven courtyard surfaces and a bathroom without grab support are common obstacles. A few simple changes before the operation, such as a clear path, good lighting and a stable seat in the bathroom, make the first weeks safer.

Movement in the city is also part of life. Public transport, motorbikes and tro-tro minibuses all require getting in and out of vehicles, which can be hard with a stiff knee or hip. Ask your surgeon when you can sit in a vehicle for longer periods and when to resume driving.

Return to work, study and sport

Return to work is the most practical question. A teacher or office worker may go back to light duties earlier than a farmer or a trader who carries goods. The right moment depends on the procedure, the healing of the joint and the advice of your surgeon. Ask for a written plan with stages: light tasks, longer standing, lifting and full duties.

Students in Tamale, which has become an educational hub for northern Ghana, should talk to their school or university about adjustments such as seating, lift access or a temporary reduction in walking between buildings. A medical note from the treating team can help.

Sport is part of local life, from football in the neighbourhood to supporting the city's club. Football puts strong twisting forces through the knee, and returning too fast is a common cause of setbacks. Ask the surgeon which activities are acceptable and when, and whether low-impact exercise such as walking on flat ground or cycling should come first.

Rehabilitation exercises matter as much as the procedure. Do them regularly, in the cooler part of the day if the weather is hot, and report increasing swelling, redness, warmth or fever to your care team promptly.

Candidates, contraindications and questions for the surgeon

In general terms, good candidates for joint treatment are people whose pain or stiffness limits daily life and has not improved enough with conservative care. Candidates for joint replacement usually have clear joint damage on imaging. Factors that need careful assessment include active infection, uncontrolled diabetes, serious heart or lung disease, poor skin condition over the joint and inflammatory conditions that are not yet treated. These do not always rule out treatment, but they must be dealt with first.

Prepare your questions before the consultation. Which diagnosis do I have, and at which stage? Which options exist for me, from conservative care to replacement? What does each option involve, and what are its limits? What type of anaesthesia is planned? How long will the hospital stay and recovery last in my situation? When can I go back to my specific job, and to sport? What are the possible complications, and how are they managed? Who follows me after the operation?

Gather your records: previous X-rays or scans, blood test results, a list of medications and allergies, and notes about earlier injuries. In a hot city, records on paper can be damaged by moisture and heat, so photograph or scan them and keep the files on your phone.

How the remote consultation works from Tamale

The consultation is free and online. You write to the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram, available 24/7, and describe your symptoms: which joint, how long, what makes it worse, and whether you have night pain, morning stiffness, swelling or warmth. You can send images of your scans and test results.

Your case is then passed to a specialist who reviews the information and explains the possible options, the next steps and any additional tests that may be needed. This is a first assessment, not a replacement for a physical examination, and the specialist will tell you clearly where an in-person examination or extra imaging is required.

You do not need to leave Tamale for this step. You can take part from home, with a relative beside you who can help with questions and notes. Prepare a list of your questions, and ask the coordinator to repeat anything that is unclear. Take your time: a decision about a joint should be made calmly, with all the information in front of you.

Can I start with a free online consultation from Tamale?

Yes. Write to the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram. They are available around the clock (24/7), and the first consultation is free. Send a description of your symptoms and any scans or test results you have.

Will I definitely need joint replacement?

No. Many people begin with conservative care, and replacement is considered when damage is advanced and other approaches no longer give enough relief. A specialist decides after reviewing your history, examination and imaging.

How can I tell arthritis from ordinary wear?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Only an examination and tests can confirm the cause.

What is SVF therapy and who might it suit?

At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required. A specialist must judge the stage from your imaging.

How is the tissue for SVF therapy collected?

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.

Does the heat of Tamale affect recovery?

It can. Mean monthly temperatures are around 34 °C, and heat may increase swelling and make compression garments uncomfortable. Wear light clothing, rest with the leg raised in the shade, drink enough fluids and follow your surgeon's advice on compression.

When is the best season to plan treatment?

It depends on you. The December to March period has the lowest humidity, about 30%, but the air is dusty. The rainy season brings wet, slippery ground. Also consider festivals such as Eid and Damba, and the farming calendar, so that recovery does not coincide with your busiest periods.

When can I return to farming, trading or teaching?

The timing depends on the procedure, the joint and how physical your work is. Teachers may return to light duties sooner than farmers or traders who lift and carry. Ask your surgeon for a staged written plan.

What should I send to the coordinators before the consultation?

Send your imaging, blood test results, a list of medications and allergies, and notes on past injuries or operations. Photographed or scanned copies on your phone are enough.