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PRP Injections in London & Kent: What to Expect, Recovery Timelines, and Whether PRP Is Right for You in 2026

If you are considering PRP injections in London or Kent and funding your own care, you want clarity before committing:

  • What actually happens if I book?

  • How painful is PRP and how long until it works?

  • Is PRP worth paying for my condition?

This page explains the full PRP injection journey for patients in London & Kent in 2026 then directs you to condition-specific guidance, pricing, and booking


My experience receiving a PRP injection for my rotator cuff was great. Dr Alnaib was kind, knowledgeable, and clinically skilled. He answered all my questions and made sure I'm comfortable. It's early days but I'm pleased with the results of the treatment so far. Highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Happens When You Book a PRP Injection?

PRP at ACTIVATE is delivered as a one-stop, doctor-led appointment:

  • Clinical assessment

  • Diagnostic ultrasound (if required)

  • Blood draw and PRP preparation

  • Ultrasound-guided PRP injection

  • Clear aftercare and recovery plan

If you are unfamiliar with ultrasound-guided procedures, see:👉 https://www.mskclinic.co.uk/post/ultrasound-guided-injection-what-how-and-why

You may also wish to read about our broader injection services here:👉 https://www.mskclinic.co.uk/clinic-services-doctor-injections-ultrasound


How Painful Is PRP?

PRP discomfort varies depending on where it is injected.

  • Joint PRP is usually well tolerated

  • Tendon PRP can cause a short-term inflammatory pain flare

Temporary pain after PRP is expected and does not indicate failure.

PRP Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

PRP works biologically and gradually.

  • Week 1: pain flare, reduced activity

  • Weeks 2–4: pain settles, gentle rehabilitation

  • Weeks 4–8: functional improvement

  • 3–6 months: peak benefit

This timeline is particularly important for tendon PRP, where improvement is delayed but often longer lasting.

When PRP Works, and When It Doesn’t

PRP Works Best When:

  • The diagnosis is accurate

  • Pain arises from tendon degeneration, partial tear or early joint arthritis

  • Ultrasound guidance is used

  • Rehabilitation advice is followed

PRP Is Less Likely to Help When:

  • Arthritis is advanced

  • Pain is primarily nerve-related

  • Structural instability is present like joint malalignment or complete tendon ruptures

This is why PRP should only be offered after proper assessment, not as a default injection.


PRP by Condition: Find the Page Relevant to You

Below are direct links to all PRP-specific clinical content on your website.

PRP for Joint Pain

PRP for Tendon Pain - Upper Limb

PRP for Tendon Pain - Lower Limb


What Does the Latest Evidence Say About PRP in 2026?

PRP has been used in clinical practice for over 30 years, but recent high-quality studies have clarified where it works well and where it does not.

Current evidence shows that PRP:

  • Can significantly reduce pain in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, with around 70–75% of patients achieving clinically meaningful improvement at short- to mid-term follow-up

  • Provides more durable results than corticosteroid injections in several joint and tendon conditions, particularly beyond 3–6 months

  • Performs best when patient selection is careful and PRP is combined with appropriate rehabilitation


In short, PRP is a selective biological treatment, not a guaranteed solution for every patient with joint or tendon pain


Pricing, Value, and Self-Pay Transparency

PRP costs vary across London due to differences in:

  • Experience of the doctor or practitioner in PRP injections

  • Whether Ultrasound guidance is utilised (best practice)

  • PRP preparation quality (type of PRP, type of PRP tubes, platelet count)

  • Follow-up care



Where PRP Is Offered

ACTIVATE provides PRP injections at consultant-led clinics in London and the South East:



Booking a PRP Consultation and Injection in London & Kent in 2026

If you want clarity before committing:

  • Consultant-led assessment

  • Imaging reviewed or performed as needed

  • PRP and non-PRP alternatives discussed openly

Trust and Reassurance


Latest Research on PRP injections

Thirty Years of Autologous Platelet Concentrates: From Platelet-Rich Plasma to Platelet-Rich Fibrin. Journal of periodontal research , 2025. [doi.org/10.1111/jre.70013]


Comparative efficacy of platelet rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, and corticosteroid injections in adhesive capsulitis management: A meta-analysis. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation , 2025. [doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.13376]


PRP platelet-rich plasma injection combined with aquatic exercise therapy improves functional recovery of basketball players with knee joint injury. .

American journal of translational research ,2024. [doi.org/10.62347/PIQQ7236]

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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©2025 by ZAF Orthopaedic Solutions Ltd

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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