Heal Without Steel

Regenerative medicine – the players include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid, and Arthrosamid.

A lot of patients that I have performed these treatments on have often stated the conversation, “I’ve read about this stuff; a friend has had it, and I’ve heard it’s used in aesthetics.” Other questions asked include:

· “Can I have this?”

· “How do I get this?”

· “Will it work?”

· “Does it replace surgery?”

· “Is it expensive and covered by BUPA?”

Where to start? Well, with those commonly asked questions, I guess.

· “Yes, you CAN have this, but it depends on your MUSCULOSKELETAL condition. It is safe, with very few reported adverse events.”

· “You can get this via a referral from a GP or specialist. Alternatively, you can reach out to me via the website, and I can advise you on how to take this forward.”

· “Yes, it WILL work nearly all of the time. It’s a difficult one to answer without a detailed clinical assessment and imaging. After those, I may be able to answer that question with greater confidence.”

· “It may delay the need for surgery and even postpone surgery in successful cases. If these regenerative medicine therapies fail to work, then surgery is always an option; these interventions do not ‘muck up’ any subsequent operations you may have.”

· “Prices range from £750 to £2500, depending on the hospital and type of injection. The cost of surgery is a lot more. Some of these injections can last up to 5 years – Arthrosamid and some can replace surgery – Tennis elbow PRP. On the whole, BUPA and other insurers cover PRP into tendons but not joints. They tend not to cover hyaluronic acid and Arthrosamid. However, please check with your own insurer and ask if they do.”