PRP treatment uses a patient's own blood to promote the healing of injured tendons, joints, muscles and ligaments.PRP treatment is an autologous procedure meaning ‘from your own body’ that involves a small amount of blood being drawn from the body before being processed using a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma in the blood.The plasma is then further processed with a centrifuge to separate a protein liquid, which is injected into the joint to treat pain and slow the progression of cartilage degradation, enabling you to get back on your feet faster.PRP treatment is used to treat osteoarthritis and joint degeneration.

The benefits of PRP can include:Reconstruction of the injured tissuePrevention of painful inflammatory processesImprovement in mobilityDelay in progression of the disease and the need for an artificial jointReduction of analgesics with possible side effects.

Arthritis: PRP is used to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new cartilage in the affected joint.​Tendinitis: PRP is used to treat tendinitis by promoting the healing of damaged tendons and reducing pain and inflammation.​Ligament Injuries: PRP is used to treat ligament injuries by promoting the healing of damaged ligaments and reducing pain and inflammation.​Rotator Cuff Injuries: PRP is used to treat rotator cuff injuries by promoting the healing of damaged rotator cuff tendons and reducing pain and inflammation.​Knee Injuries: PRP is used to treat knee injuries, such as knee osteoarthritis, by reducing pain and inflammation and promoting the growth of new cartilage in the affected joint.

A course of three injections, in weekly or fortnightly intervals, have been found to provide significant benefits for an average of 12 months in knee osteoarthritis and in tendinopathy.

PRP treatment should be considered for patients who are not finding effective symptom control for their musculoskeletal (MSK) related condition from other conservative treatments, and where surgery may not be considered an appropriate option.

Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.The blood is then processed to separate the platelet-rich plasma and this is then processed further to separate a protein liquid.This liquid is then injected into the affected joint.The treatment is performed in our outpatient clinic, and takes less than 30 minutes.

Patients may experience some localised pain and swelling from their injection, which will subside over 24-48 hours. There are no lasting side effects of the treatment, but we suggest bringing someone with you on the day of your treatment.It is recommended that you minimise your activity level for 14 days (but not to exceed pre-injection levels).Pain is reduced after just one week and clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of one injection. The effect of the treatment may take 3-4 weeks to become evident following the injection, with a sustained improvement over the coming weeks and months. Studies suggest one injection can last at least 12 months and will delay the need for surgical joint replacements over time.

No. Map My Mole is an advice and screening service and does not provide a formal medical diagnosis. It can provide a consultant dermatologist's opinion based on the submitted images and may recommend further assessment where appropriate. A formal diagnosis of skin cancer requires clinical assessment and, where necessary, biopsy and histological examination.