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:
- 15mls of your blood is taken.
- Using the advanced Arthrex ACP system, your blood is processed to isolate and concentrate the platelets.
- The platelet-rich portion is then injected 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.
How many treatments will I need and how much will it cost?
In order to provide the optimal number of platelets to the injured area, we recommend 2-3 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart. During this time, Dr Collins will keep a close eye on your progress and adjust the treatment recommendation as needed.
See here for the self-pay cost of treatment. Some insurers cover PRP therapy, see below for more details on what different insurers offer.
What to Expect
PRP therapy is performed in the clinic and typically takes around 45 minutes. Because it uses your own blood, the risk of any adverse reaction is extremely low.
After the injection:
- You may experience soreness immediately after the procedure so are advised not to drive home
- We recommend a period of rest for 1 week following each treatment and to generally reduce your activity in the injured area during the course of the treatment as a whole. Once the course has completed it is important that a period structured rehabilitation, overseen by an experienced physiotherapist, commences. This works 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 prior to commencing treatment and during the course of therapy as these block the action of the PRP
- Benefits are felt gradually once the course has completed with the greatest response typically taking up to 12 weeks when accompanied by appropriate rehab exercises
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 system 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
Not all health insurance plans cover PRP therapy for every condition. See below for a summary:
| Knee Osteoarthritis | Tendon Injury | |
| Bupa | No | Yes |
| AXA Health | No | No |
| Vitality | Yes | Yes |
| WPA | Yes | Yes |
| Healix | Yes | No |
| AVIVA | Yes | Yes |