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PRP Injections for Hip Osteoarthritis in 2025 in London & Kent

Updated: Oct 7

Are you struggling with hip pain due to osteoarthritis that limits your movement and quality of life? If you’ve tried physiotherapy, medications, or steroid injections without long-term relief, there is a natural treatment that may help: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.

In this guide, we explain what PRP is, how it works for hip arthritis, and what you can expect before, during and after the procedure



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What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness and grinding feeling during daily activities such as:

  • Walking or climbing stairs

  • Standing from a seated position

  • Bending to tie shoes

  • Getting in or out of a car

Hip OA usually progresses slowly, affecting adults over 50, but it can also occur earlier, especially in those with prior hip injuries, joint abnormalities, or a family history.

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What Is PRP Injection for Hip Arthritis?

At a Glance:

🕒 Procedure time: 45–60 minutes

📍 Locations: London & Kent

💉 Guided by ultrasound

💷 Price: from £780 per joint

👨‍⚕️ Expert Doctor-led care

🚶‍♂️ Walk in/walk out : minimal downtime


Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment using a sample of your own blood. It contains a high concentration of platelets, cells that release healing proteins called growth factors. The process is as follows:


  1. Your doctor takes a blood sample (like a standard blood test).

  2. The sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets.

  3. The concentrated PRP is injected into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance for precise placement.




Why Choose PRP Over Steroids or Surgery?

Patients turn to PRP when:

  • Painkillers aren’t enough

  • Steroid injections only work temporarily

  • Significantly better safety profile comparted to steroids

  • Surgery seems too invasive

  • They want a more natural alternative


In hip osteoarthritis, PRP injection may:

  • Reduces inflammation inside the joint, easing pain and swelling.

  • Calms nerve sensitivity, helping reduce joint pain signals.

  • Boosts natural joint lubrication, improving movement.

  • Supports remaining cartilage, slowing further wear.



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Is PRP Effective for Hip Osteoarthritis?

Several clinical studies have shown that PRP injections can be effective for mild to moderate hip OA.

However, PRP is not a cure, and results can vary between patients. It is most effective when part of a personalised treatment plan including activity modification, physiotherapy, and weight management.


Start Your PRP Journey

Same-week availability

No GP referral needed

📲message us directly on WhatsApp: +44 7369 222132


Am I a Good Candidate for PRP?

PRP therapy may be suitable if:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with mild or moderate osteoarthritis of the hip

  • You’ve had limited results from painkillers or steroid injections

  • You want to avoid or delay hip replacement surgery

  • You prefer a biological, drug-free approach

  • You’re active and want to maintain quality of life

It is not suitable for patients with severe arthritis, advanced bone deformity, or those who’ve already had joint replacement.



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PRP vs Steroid Injections – What’s the Difference?

Feature

PRP Injection

Steroid Injection

Source

Your own blood

Synthetic medication

Action

Promotes healing & repair

Suppresses inflammation

Duration of Effect

6–12 months (variable)

1–3 months (often shorter)

Side Effects

Minimal (from your own body)

Possible cartilage damage with repeat use

Best for

Mild–moderate OA & tissue repair

Short-term flare-up control

Repeat Frequency

Every 6–12 months (if needed)

Repeated injections are not advised

What Happens During a PRP Injection?

At ACTIVATE, we follow a precise, safe, and professional process:

  1. Initial Consultation: Dr Alnaib will assess your symptoms, review imaging, and confirm a diagnosis of hip OA.

  2. Blood Collection: Around 15–20 ml of blood is drawn from your arm into a special collection tube that contains a separator gel.

  3. PRP Preparation: Using a sterile centrifuge system, your platelets are concentrated and separated from other blood components. The goal is to obtain Leucocyte-poor Platelet Rich Plasma (LP-PRP). Please read our blog on PRP here.

  4. Ultrasound-Guided Injection: Dr Alnaib will use ultrasound to guide the needle into your hip joint, ensuring the PRP goes exactly where it’s needed.

  5. Post-Injection Advice: You’ll be given instructions on aftercare, movement, and activity levels.

The full appointment usually takes around 45–60 minutes, and you can start walking straight away after the injection.


What’s the Recovery Like?

Recovery is usually quick and well tolerated. You can:

  • Walk out of the clinic (though some may feel mild soreness)

  • Resume light activity the next day

  • Return to normal activities within 2–5 days

  • Expect full benefits in 6–12 weeks

We usually recommend avoiding intense activity, long walks, or heavy lifting for the first week. Pain may temporarily increase in the first 48 hours, this is normal and you can take some oral pain relief like Paracetamol. Please do not take anti-inflammatories after PRP injections.


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PRP Treatment in London and Kent

PRP therapy for hip osteoarthritis is not currently available through the NHS, but it is offered at specialist private clinics like ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent and London.

We provide expert assessment and treatment at convenient locations:

  • Kings Hill Medical Centre, West Malling, Kent

  • Wimpole Street, London

  • 1 Blythe Road, Hammersmith


👉 See our locations


PRP Hip Injection Cost at ACTIVATE Clinic

At ACTIVATE Clinic:

  • Consultation: from £180

  • PRP hip injection package: from £780 per joint (including consultation)

  • Package options available for multiple joints or repeated injections

We also offer one-stop-clinic PRP assessments and treatment, where clinically appropriate.


👉 Check our full price list


Results: What Do Patients Say?

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FAQs

How many PRP injections will I need?

Most patients start with one. Some may benefit from a second or third injection over 3–6 months.

Is PRP the same as stem cell therapy?

No — PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood. It does not involve stem cells or donor tissue.

Does PRP help bone-on-bone arthritis?

Results are best in early to mid-stage OA. If the joint space is completely lost, PRP may have limited benefit.

Will insurance cover PRP?

Most UK insurers do not cover PRP. It is considered an advanced, private treatment.

Are there side effects?

Mild soreness is common for 24–48 hours. Serious side effects are rare, especially with experienced clinicians.


Is PRP Right for You?

If you're living with hip pain that hasn't responded to standard treatment, PRP offers a promising, natural way to manage symptoms. It’s particularly useful for those looking to:

  • Avoid surgery

  • Reduce reliance on medication

  • Get back to walking, working, and living actively

With minimal downtime and a strong safety profile, PRP is a great option to explore.


Book Your PRP Injection Appointment

We provide expert PRP treatment at our London and Kent clinics with ultrasound-guided precision and personalised care.

✅ Book your consultation

✅ Discuss your treatment options

✅ Start your journey toward pain-free movement


📞 Call us on WhatsApp: +447369222132


About the Author: Dr. Mustafa Alnaib MBChB, MRCS, MSc, FEBOT is an orthopaedic surgeon, musculoskeletal doctor and Clinic Director at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent & London



 
 
 

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ACTIVATE | Musculoskeletal Clinic is the trading name for ZAF Orthopaedic Solutions Ltd

7a Boughton Parade, Loose road, Maidstone, ME15 9QD

Tel: 07369222132

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