PRP Injection (Arthrex ACP), Cardiff & South Wales
Use your own blood to support healing in tendons and joints. Platelet-rich plasma, guided on live ultrasound by a Consultant Radiologist, for longer-lasting relief than steroid.
3 PRP (ACP) injections
What's included for £500
- ✓Consultation with a Consultant Radiologist
- ✓Blood draw and PRP preparation (Arthrex ACP)
- ✓3 ultrasound-guided injections
- ✓Written report and aftercare advice
- ✓PRP Max single injection also available, £1,500
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
an ACP course
from ACP
with ACP Max
reviews on Google
Why choose Acorn
Consultant-performed
Dr Syed Junaid or Dr Huw Edwards assesses you and performs the injection themselves.
Placed where it's needed
Live ultrasound guides the PRP into the damaged part of the tendon or joint.
Seen within 48 hours
No long wait in pain. Most appointments are booked within 48 hours of enquiry.
HIW regulated
Inspected by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, with GMC-registered consultants.
Your own healing factors, concentrated
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Your blood contains platelets, which carry growth factors that play a key role in healing. PRP concentrates those platelets from a small sample of your own blood, so they can be delivered directly to a damaged tendon, ligament or joint.
We take a blood sample, spin it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma, and inject it under live ultrasound guidance. We use Arthrex ACP, given as a course of 3 injections, or ACP Max, which delivers around 12 times the platelet concentration of standard ACP in a single injection.
There's growing evidence for PRP in tendon problems and early osteoarthritis. It works more slowly than steroid, but aims to support healing rather than just calm inflammation, so relief typically lasts 6–12 months or more. It's often chosen when steroid relief hasn't lasted, or when you want to delay surgery.
PRP may suit you if any of these apply
Tendons, ligaments and early arthritis
All ultrasound-guided and consultant-performed.
Tennis & golfer's elbow
For long-standing pain where the forearm tendons attach at the elbow, especially when it keeps returning.
Achilles & patellar tendons
For chronic tendon pain at the back of the heel or below the kneecap, alongside a loading programme.
Rotator cuff
For persistent rotator cuff tendon pain that hasn't settled with physio.
Hip & gluteal tendons
For pain on the outside of the hip from the gluteal tendons, often linked to trochanteric pain.
Early osteoarthritis
For mild to moderate arthritis, where PRP may ease pain and support the joint.
Plantar fascia & ligaments
For stubborn plantar fasciitis and some ligament injuries that are slow to heal.
PRP isn't right for everyone. Your consultant will confirm the diagnosis and tell you honestly whether PRP, or another injection, is the best option for you.
How PRP compares to other injections
Most people do best with a combination. We'll help you choose the right next step.
Hyaluronic acid
- Typical relief
- 6–12 months
- How it works
- Lubricates arthritic joints
- At Acorn
- £399
PRP (ACP)
- Typical relief
- 6–12+ months
- How it works
- Growth factors, course of 3
- At Acorn
- £500
PRP Max (ACP Max)
- Typical relief
- 12–18+ months
- How it works
- 12× platelets, single injection
- At Acorn
- £1,500
Your procedure, step by step
Meet your consultant
We confirm your diagnosis, go through your medication and check PRP is the right choice.
Blood sample
A small blood sample, just like a routine blood test, is spun to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
Guided injection
The PRP is injected into the damaged tendon or joint under live ultrasound guidance.
Home with a plan
Aftercare advice before you leave, and your next ACP appointments booked if you are having a course.
What recovery looks like
First few days
Soreness at the injection site is common as the platelets trigger a healing response. Paracetamol is fine.
Avoid anti-inflammatories
Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen and similar painkillers for the period we advise, as they can reduce the effect of PRP.
First 1–2 weeks
Rest the area from heavy or high-impact activity, then build up gradually with any rehab we recommend.
4–6 weeks
Most people start to notice improvement as the tissue responds. Keep up your rehab.
Months that follow
Improvement can continue for several months. Typical relief is 6–12+ months with ACP, 12–18+ with ACP Max.
Any concerns
Call us on 029 2199 9300 if the area becomes hot, red or increasingly painful, or you feel unwell.
Preparation — no fasting needed
How to prepare for your PRP injection
Afterwards: expect some soreness for a few days and use paracetamol if needed. Rest the area from heavy or high-impact activity for the first week or two, then build up gradually with your rehab.
What our patients say
I was given an almost immediate appointment with clear guidance. Dr Syed conversed with me in a reassuring manner. I left with excellent aftercare advice. The next day I am completely pain free!
Very professional clinic. I felt safe and looked after by Dr Syed Junaid and his team. I travelled far to the clinic, and am very pleased I did.
Excellent service. From a fantastic easy online booking service to the procedure itself — the doctor fed back the result directly to me. Very efficient and professional.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One price for the whole procedure, with no hidden extras.
Hyaluronic acid
- ✓Single Ostenil® Plus injection
- ✓Typically 6–12 months of relief
- ✓Steroid-free
PRP (Arthrex ACP)
- ✓3 ultrasound-guided PRP injections
- ✓Typically 6–12+ months of relief
- ✓For tendons and early arthritis
PRP Max (ACP Max)
- ✓Around 12× the platelet concentration
- ✓Typically 12–18+ months of relief
- ✓One visit instead of three
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
All prices include consultation, ultrasound-guided procedure, medication, written report and aftercare advice.
PRP at our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about PRP injections
How much does a PRP injection cost in Cardiff?
At Acorn, PRP (Arthrex ACP) is £500 for a course of 3 injections. PRP Max (Arthrex ACP Max), a single high-concentration injection, is £1,500. Both prices are all-inclusive, covering the consultation, blood draw and preparation, ultrasound-guided injection, written report and aftercare.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. We take a small sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma, which is rich in platelets. Platelets carry growth factors that play a key role in healing. Injected into a damaged tendon, ligament or joint, they can help support repair and ease pain.
What's the difference between ACP and ACP Max?
ACP is given as a course of 3 injections. ACP Max delivers around 12 times the platelet concentration of standard ACP in a single injection. It's designed for more advanced osteoarthritis or stubborn tendon problems where a higher dose may help, and means only one visit.
What conditions can PRP treat?
PRP is most often used for long-standing tendon problems, such as tennis and golfer's elbow, Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff and gluteal tendinopathy, and for early osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. It can also help stubborn plantar fasciitis and some ligament injuries.
How quickly does PRP work?
PRP works gradually, supporting the body's own healing. Most people notice improvement after 4–6 weeks, and it can keep improving for several months after that.
How long does PRP last?
Relief from a course of ACP typically lasts 6–12 months or more. With ACP Max, relief typically lasts 12–18 months or more. Results vary with the condition and how well you keep up any rehab.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A referral is required for all injections, and PRP also needs a consultation first to confirm it's right for you. Your referral can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant. Please email it to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment. No referral? Book a £120 consultation with one of our doctors first.
Is PRP safe?
PRP is made from your own blood, so there's no risk of an allergic reaction to the injection itself. The main side effect is soreness at the injection site for a few days, which is common as the platelets trigger a healing response. Infection is very rare with sterile technique.
Is it painful?
The blood test feels like any routine blood test. The injection itself may be uncomfortable, and the area is often sore for a few days afterwards. We'll talk you through what to expect for your area.
Can I take painkillers afterwards?
Paracetamol is fine. We'll usually ask you to avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen for a period before and after PRP, as they can reduce its effect. We'll tell you exactly how long when you book.
Is PRP better than a steroid injection?
They work differently. Steroid calms inflammation quickly but its effect wears off, and repeated steroid injections aren't ideal for tendons. PRP works more slowly but aims to support healing, so it's often chosen when steroid relief hasn't lasted.
Is PRP covered by health insurance?
Cover varies between insurers and policies, and many don't include PRP, so most patients self-fund. Check with your insurer before booking and ask for an authorisation code if they will cover it.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Usually, yes, unless the injection is in your right leg or foot, where it's sensible to arrange a lift. We'll advise you for your specific area.
Where can I get PRP near Cardiff?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre with free street parking.
Help your body heal itself.
Ultrasound-guided PRP for tendons and early arthritis, performed by a Consultant Radiologist. Home the same day, most appointments within 48 hours. ACP from £500, all-inclusive.
Still not sure? Start with a £120 consultation.
We'll examine you, scan if needed and recommend the right treatment. Book your procedure the same day and the £120 is credited against it.
Book a consultation