PRP injections in London and the UK
PRP injections in London and across the UK are offered by sports and exercise medicine doctors, orthopaedic surgeons, musculoskeletal radiologists and some aesthetic clinics. The NHS rarely funds PRP for joints or tendons, so most patients pay privately.
NICE has published interventional procedures guidance on PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis. It concluded that evidence on efficacy is limited in quality, so the procedure should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research. That is an honest summary: PRP may help some people, but it is not proven for everyone.
What the evidence says
- Knee osteoarthritis: meta-analyses suggest PRP may improve pain and function more than hyaluronic acid or saline for some months in mild to moderate arthritis, but some well-designed trials found no meaningful benefit. See our knee osteoarthritis guide.
- Tennis elbow and tendinopathies: mixed; some trials favour PRP over steroid injections in the longer term. See tennis elbow.
- Plantar fasciitis and Achilles problems: small studies, mixed results.
Conventional care first
For joints and tendons, UK guidance prioritises exercise-based physiotherapy, weight management, pain relief and activity modification. Steroid injections can provide short-term relief, and surgery is appropriate for some structural problems.
How PRP is used in our Bangkok programs
At our clinic, PRP is offered on its own or alongside stem cell therapy, depending on your MRI and goals. Joint and deep tendon injections are image-guided where appropriate. You leave with a written rehab plan for your UK physiotherapist.
Not all PRP is the same
PRP systems vary in platelet concentration, white blood cell content and volume. Ask any provider, in London or Bangkok:
- Which PRP system do you use, and is it leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor?
- Is the injection ultrasound-guided?
- How many injections are planned and why?
- What rehab follows?
Who may be a candidate — and who should not
May suit: mild to moderate knee arthritis, chronic tendon pain after physiotherapy, people wishing to delay surgery.
Not suitable: platelet disorders or very low platelet count, active infection, active cancer, recent steroid injection in the same area (timing matters), pregnancy, severe arthritis needing replacement.
Risks
Pain and swelling for a few days are common. Infection is rare. You may need to pause anti-inflammatory medicines around the injection — only on medical advice. Some people do not benefit.
Travelling from the UK
PRP needs little downtime, so it fits a short trip. Direct flights from London Heathrow take about 11.5–12 hours; regional airports connect via the Gulf or Europe. British passport holders have generally been able to enter visa-exempt for short stays; check the Thai e-Visa site. Avoid long walking days straight after knee injections. See the UK guide and London.
Getting your scan
Request your NHS MRI or ultrasound report and images, or book a private scan. Send the report and image link on WhatsApp for a free doctor review.
Private PRP in the UK: what to check
Because PRP is mainly private in the UK, it is worth checking a few things before booking, whether in London or abroad:
- Is the clinic registered with the Care Quality Commission (for providers in England), and is the doctor on the GMC register?
- What is my diagnosis, and how good is the evidence for PRP in that condition?
- Is the injection image-guided?
- How many injections are planned, and how will results be measured?
- Will a letter be sent to my GP?
Some UK private medical insurance policies cover PRP for specific indications when recommended by a consultant, while many exclude it. Check with your insurer in writing.
Sport and PRP
PRP is popular among UK runners, footballers and racket-sport players. Under current anti-doping rules, PRP is generally permitted, but rules can change and some preparations or added substances may not be. Athletes in tested sport should check with UK Anti-Doping before treatment.
Follow-up at home
Continue rehab with your physiotherapist, share the treatment summary with your GP and send progress updates on WhatsApp. See how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is PRP available on the NHS?
Rarely. PRP is not routinely funded on the NHS for knee arthritis or tendon problems. Most UK patients have it privately.
What does NICE say about PRP for knees?
NICE interventional procedures guidance says PRP for knee osteoarthritis should only be used with special arrangements for consent, audit or research, because evidence of efficacy is limited.
How many PRP injections are needed?
Many protocols use one to three injections a few weeks apart. Your doctor will advise based on your condition.
How long does PRP last?
In studies where PRP helped knee pain, benefits often lasted several months to a year. Results vary widely.
How much does PRP in Bangkok cost?
It depends on your diagnosis and whether PRP is combined with other treatment. Send your MRI on WhatsApp for a personalised program.
Is PRP better than hyaluronic acid for knee arthritis?
Some trials suggest PRP may give longer-lasting relief than hyaluronic acid in mild to moderate arthritis, but results are mixed. Neither reverses arthritis.
Can I have PRP if I have had a steroid injection?
Usually yes, but doctors often prefer a gap of several weeks between a steroid injection and PRP in the same area. Tell us when you last had one.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor. Results vary and no treatment outcome can be guaranteed. We are a patient coordination service and may receive a referral fee from partner medical providers. See our medical disclaimer and referral disclosure.