SVF and PRP for Osteoarthritis in San Francisco
PRP and SVF cell therapy for the knee, hip and other arthritic joints, plus a free X-ray or MRI review to see which stage you are at
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 osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?
Arthrosis, or osteoarthritis, is chronic: the cartilage inside the joint gets thinner and gradually disappears. Without this shock-absorbing layer the bones rub together, and pain, stiffness and a narrower range of motion follow. The process is degenerative; inflammation is not its cause, although swollen flare-ups are possible.
It tends to strike the joints under most load: knee (gonarthrosis), hip (coxarthrosis), ankle and the small joints of the hand. The best outcomes come at early and moderate stages, before the joint surfaces suffer major damage; at an advanced stage the doctor will be straightforward about joint replacement if it is the more realistic option.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Small and large joints are treated; the doctor determines the joint, method and number of injections after looking at your scans
Elbow
Pain from overuse or sports load, with worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Stiff, painful small joints in the fingers and the wrist
Knee
Pain on stairs and after walks, cartilage wear, meniscus issues
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Raising the arm is painful; wear of the joint and nearby tendons
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.
It is chosen mostly for early and moderate osteoarthritis, where it slows cartilage wear and reduces friction between joint surfaces.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
A small blood sample provides plasma rich in platelets and growth factors; this is injected into the joint to help ease inflammation and create better conditions for the tissue to repair.
Often chosen for mild osteoarthritis, and paired with SVF if a stronger effect is needed.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The doctor checks the joint, studies your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides if this procedure fits your case. If scans are already done, send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of venous blood is collected; from it, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later on.
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
The centrifuge spins the sample until it separates into layers; the isolated stromal vascular fraction is then mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Prepared material is delivered by injection straight into the affected joint, and ultrasound guidance helps with precise placement.
Follow-up
There is no hospital stay and you will not need crutches. The doctor remains in contact after the procedure and follows the joint's response.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor checks the joint, studies your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides if this procedure fits your case. If scans are already done, send them before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of venous blood is collected; from it, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later on.
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
The centrifuge spins the sample until it separates into layers; the isolated stromal vascular fraction is then mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Prepared material is delivered by injection straight into the affected joint, and ultrasound guidance helps with precise placement.
Follow-up
There is no hospital stay and you will not need crutches. The doctor remains in contact after the procedure and follows the joint's response.
Follow-up visits
At the follow-up visits the doctor reviews the joint's response and adjusts the plan. Expect pain to ease over the first month, mobility to improve over about three months and the full effect to develop 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; skin inflammation above 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
Same-day discharge is typical, and most people are back to normal daily activity in a day or two; small dressings cover the puncture sites. The joint may ache a little more in week one — an expected reaction. Pain usually eases across 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 and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors, so a fixed result cannot be promised. Keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly with the joint in mind helps it last.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We aim to preserve your own joint rather than replace it, with treatment that avoids surgery
Your own tissue
The treatment relies solely on your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Punctures in place of incisions, local anaesthetic and no lengthy rehabilitation period
Second opinion
Share your X-rays, MRI or medical reports and get a free, independent assessment from a doctor
Support after the procedure
We keep in contact after the procedure and monitor the result, rather than stopping on the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
The doctor quotes the cost after the consultation, as it depends on the joint, the method and the stage of osteoarthritis
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 osteoarthritis in simple terms?
The cartilage that covers the bone ends in a joint slowly wears away. Once it thins, cushioning is lost, bone rubs on bone and pain, stiffness and crunching appear. This is a degenerative condition, not an inflammatory one.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Often, yes — as long as treatment is not put off. SVF and PRP injections aim to relieve pain and support the cartilage with no operation. Joint replacement is the final option, for a joint that is already destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
Around 2–3 weeks after the procedure, many patients feel the first changes. A stable result builds over about six months and lasts from several months to several years, which varies individually. Since osteoarthritis is chronic, a single injection is not enough — it needs an ongoing plan.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
Early and moderate stages are the target. Milder stages usually give a quicker and longer-lasting effect and may lower the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. When the joint space has almost disappeared, at the most advanced stage, no lasting effect can be expected.
Which joints are most often affected?
The knees, hips and ankles, which bear the most load, and the spine and small joints of the hand. We use regenerative treatment for all of these joints.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
Left alone, it usually progresses: pain becomes constant, the range of movement shrinks, the joint may become deformed and walking can be difficult. Early diagnosis, exercise, weight control and a doctor's guidance make a real difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
The main tool is an X-ray, showing the stage. For detail on cartilage and soft tissues there is MRI; ultrasound reveals inflammation and fluid in the joint; blood tests help rule out inflammatory conditions. The doctor can look at results you already have free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
The difference: osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage (aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest), while arthritis is inflammation (pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness, warmth over the joint). Treatment differs, which is why diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Yes. After you send X-rays, MRI or test results, a doctor reviews them free of charge, gauges the stage of osteoarthritis and proposes a non-surgical plan if it suits your case.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
It is not only possible but advisable. Proper activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and maintains your mobility. Swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking and yoga are good choices; running on hard surfaces, jumps, heavy lifting and sudden movements are to be avoided.
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Other services at our clinic
Osteoarthritis treatment in San Francisco step by step
Treatment of osteoarthritis in San Francisco uses your own tissue: plasma from a small blood sample and the stromal vascular fraction from a small sample of adipose tissue. There is no donor or synthetic material.
The right activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint and helps cartilage nutrition. Patients from San Francisco are advised swimming, cycling, Nordic walking or yoga, and to avoid running on hard surfaces, jumping and heavy lifting.
Osteoarthritis 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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