Dr Collins offers Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy at Pure Sports Medicine in Milton Keynes. This is a novel regenerative treatment now available locally for patients with tendon injuries and joint osteoarthritis, particularly those seeking targeted, minimally invasive options that support the body’s own healing abilities.
What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a natural treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Platelets are small cell fragments in your blood that play a key role in healing and tissue repair. By concentrating platelets and injecting them into an area of injury or degeneration, PRP therapy enhances the body’s natural repair processes.
How Does PRP Work?
The procedure is simple and safe:
- A small amount of your blood is taken.
- Using the advanced Arthrex ACP or ACP Max system, your blood is processed to isolate and concentrate the platelets.
- The platelet-rich portion is then injected precisely into the injured area under ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
These platelets release growth factors that:
- Stimulate tissue repair
- Reduce inflammation
- Encourage collagen production
- Promote improved joint lubrication and cell function in cartilage
Conditions We Treat
PRP therapy has growing support in sport & musculoskeletal medicine, particularly for:
• Knee Osteoarthritis
This is one of the most well-supported applications of PRP therapy. Patients with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis often find that PRP can reduce pain, improve function, and delay the need for more invasive treatments. The treatment is especially suitable for active individuals seeking to stay mobile without surgery.
• Insertional Tendon Injuries
PRP is particularly effective in persisting tendon problems where the tendon attaches to bone, such as:
- Achilles insertional tendinopathy
- Patellar tendon insertion (“jumper’s knee”)
- Gluteal tendinopathy at the hip (trochanteric bursitis)
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
These conditions often respond well when conservative treatments such as physiotherapy alone or shockwave therapy have plateaued. Traditionally steroid injections were used for these conditions but research has proven these can make the condition worse overall and increase the tendon damage.
Types of PRP
PRP treatment comes in two strengths: standard and higher concentration. The standard option may sometimes require up to three injections over 2 to 3 months to get the best results. During this time, Dr Collins will keep a close eye on your progress and adjust the treatment recommendation as needed. The higher concentration dose only requires one injection, so tends to work more quickly with the need for less follow-up reviews.
The cost varies between the two types. If your health insurance covers PRP therapy, it will usually only cover the standard strength. See below for more details on what different insurers offer and the self-pay prices.
What to Expect
PRP therapy is performed in the clinic and typically takes around 30–45 minutes. Because it uses your own blood, the risk of any adverse reaction is extremely low.
After the injection:
- You may experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days and will not be able to drive home after the procedure
- We recommend a period of relative rest for 2 weeks, followed by a structured rehabilitation plan overseen by an experienced physiotherapist. These exercises work with the PRP to accelerate tissue healing. Dr Collins will be able to recommend clinics he works closely with.
- Anti-inflammatory medication (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac etc..) should be avoided for 2 weeks before the treatment and for 6 weeks afterwards as these block the action of the PRP.
- Benefits are typically felt gradually over a month with a full response typically taking up to 12 weeks when accompanied by appropriate rehab exercises. The concentration of the PRP, and number of injections needed, will also influence the speed of response.
Read here for an NHS guide around this therapy.
Why Choose PRP at Bedford Sport Doctor?
- Consultant led care: PRP is classified as a medicinal product so should only be produced and administered by authorised healthcare professionals. As a GMC registered specialist in Sport & Exercise Medicine, Dr Collins is fully qualified to oversee the whole care journey from initial expert assessment to evidence based treatment recommendations.
- Experienced Decision-Making: Not everyone with joint pain or tendon injury needs PRP. We perform a detailed clinical assessment and use imaging (when needed) to ensure that PRP is the right choice for you.
- Tailored Treatment: We take a patient-centred approach, discussing all available options, explaining expected outcomes, and supporting you through the entire treatment and recovery process.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the Arthrex ACP and ACP Max systems, providing high-quality platelet concentrations with minimal inflammatory components, increasing comfort and effectiveness.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP may be appropriate if:
- You have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis and want to reduce pain or delay surgery.
- You have a chronic tendon problem that hasn’t improved with rehabilitation.
- You are looking for a natural, low-risk treatment that supports your own healing.
However, PRP is not a “miracle cure,” and it won’t work for everyone. Treatment will need to be accompanied by the correct rehabilitation program and the full benefit may not be felt until 12 weeks. A proper diagnosis and individualised treatment plan is therefore essential to success. That’s why every patient receives a thorough assessment before we proceed.
Book a Consultation
If you’re struggling with joint pain or a persistent tendon issue, and you’re interested in PRP therapy, please get in touch to book an appointment at Pure Sports Medicine Milton Keynes.
We’ll work with you to decide whether PRP is right for your situation and help guide you towards recovery with expert, personalised care.
Insurance coverage and self-pay costs
Not all health insurance plans cover PRP therapy for every condition and where cover is available this is for the standard strength dose.
See below for a summary of what each insurer offers. If you’re paying for treatment yourself, you can find more details on prices here.
| Knee Osteoarthritis | Tendon Injury | |
| Bupa | No | Yes |
| AXA Health | No | No |
| Vitality | Yes | Yes |
| WPA | Yes | Yes |
| Healix | Yes | No |
| AVIVA | Yes | Yes |