1Consultation and scan review
The doctor decides whether the procedure suits you after examining the joint and reviewing X-rays, MRI or ultrasound. Scans you already have can be sent ahead of your visit.
Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatment in Sapporo
Arthrosis of the knee, hip or another joint treated with SVF cells and PRP. Your X-rays or MRI are reviewed free of charge to confirm the stage
Consultation and review of your scansFree
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What it is
What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?
With osteoarthritis (arthrosis), the cartilage that lines a joint gradually wears away over time. This cartilage is the joint's shock absorber, and when it is lost the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and limited mobility. The condition is degenerative, not inflammatory, although it can flare up with swelling.
Osteoarthritis usually develops in the most heavily loaded joints, such as the knee (gonarthrosis) and hip (coxarthrosis), and also in the ankle and small hand joints. It is treated most effectively at early and moderate stages, before the joint surfaces are badly damaged; if the stage is advanced, the doctor will honestly tell you when joint replacement is more realistic.
- No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
- Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
- Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Who the treatment suits
After an examination and a review of your scans, a doctor decides whether the treatment suits you
Suitable
- 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
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Blood clotting disorders
- Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
- Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
- Temporary contraindications: a fever, a cold or flu, or skin inflammation over the joint to be 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 meWhat we treat
Conditions we treat
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions- Second opinionSend your reports, X-rays or MRI, and a doctor will independently assess them free of charge
How it works
How the procedure goes: step by step
1
2Blood sample for PRP
We take a small amount of blood from a vein, which is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
3Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml). No stitches afterwards.
4Processing in a centrifuge
The sample goes into a centrifuge and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is taken out and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
5Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
6Follow-up
There are no crutches and no hospital stay. After the procedure the doctor keeps in touch and follows how the joint responds.
Book a consultation
Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation
Results
After the procedure
1 week
The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.
1 month
The pain usually eases.
~3 months
Mobility and activity improve.
~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
Just your blood and your adipose tissue — no synthetic material and nothing from donors
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
We take a small sample of your adipose tissue and process it to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that take part in tissue repair. It is combined with your own plasma and injected into the affected joint.
Doctors use it chiefly in early and moderate osteoarthritis, aiming to slow cartilage wear and cut friction between the joint surfaces.
- 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
A small amount of your blood is used to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which is then injected into the joint. It helps settle inflammation and creates better conditions for tissue repair.
It is frequently used for mild osteoarthritis, and combined with SVF when a stronger effect is required.
- 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
Joints
Joints we treat
Small and large joints are treated; the doctor determines the joint, method and number of injections after looking at your scans
KneeMeniscus issues, wearing cartilage, stairs and walking bring pain
HipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
ShoulderPain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
ElbowPain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
Hand and wrist jointsStiffness and aching in the fingers' and wrist's small joints
AnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Advantages
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Rather than replacing the joint, we work to preserve it — the treatment involves no surgery
Your own tissue
Just your blood and your adipose tissue — no synthetic material and nothing from donors
No crutches
No long rehabilitation: local anaesthetic and punctures instead of incisions
Second opinion
Send your reports, X-rays or MRI, and a doctor will independently assess them free of charge
Support after the procedure
After the procedure, we keep in touch and watch the result — our work does not end on the injection day
About the clinic
A clinic where you can feel at ease
Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient
Contact us the way that suits you
We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation
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Request a free callPrice
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
Because the cost varies with the joint, the osteoarthritis stage and the method, the doctor names it after the consultation
Consultation and review of your scans
Free
Book — Consultation and review of your scansPRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma)
Price at consultation
Book — PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma)Cell therapy (SVF + PRP), one joint
Price at consultation
Book — Cell therapy (SVF + PRP), one joint
FAQ
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
Doctors usually describe four stages, from early thinning of the cartilage to severe wear. Injection treatment is most often considered in the early and middle stages; the doctor decides after reviewing your X-ray or MRI.
It means gradual wear of the cartilage on the ends of the bones in a joint. With thinning cartilage the joint loses cushioning, bones rub against each other and pain, stiffness and crunching set in — a degenerative, not an inflammatory, condition.
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.
Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months and can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection.
It works at early and moderate stages: a milder stage usually means a faster and more durable effect and may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage, with the joint space almost gone, you cannot expect a lasting effect.
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.
It tends to progress: pain becomes constant, movement more restricted, the joint may deform and walking may become hard. Early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor really make a difference.
An X-ray is the primary method, and it shows the stage. MRI details the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound shows joint fluid and inflammation, and blood tests help to rule out inflammatory conditions. If you already have test results, the doctor will review them free of charge.
Osteoarthritis means worn cartilage — aching pain when moving, crunching, stiffness after rest. Arthritis means inflammation — pain at night and at rest, swelling, redness, warmth over the joint. As the approach to treatment differs, the diagnosis comes first.
Yes — a doctor will review your X-rays, MRI or test results free of charge after you send them, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and suggest a non-surgical plan where it is appropriate.
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.
About the conditions
More about these conditions
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.
At early stages, PRP or SVF injections combined with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can reduce pain and improve movement. If the joint is already badly damaged, replacement may be the more realistic option — the doctor will tell you honestly after seeing your scans.
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.