Treatments
Autologous growth factors (platelet-rich plasma)
Autologous growth factors are a treatment obtained from the patient's own blood, also known as platelet-rich plasma. A small blood sample is taken and processed to concentrate the platelets and the proteins they contain, which are then applied to the injured area, usually under ultrasound guidance. They are used in selected cases of mild or moderate osteoarthritis and of chronic tendinopathies and injuries. They are not suitable for every patient, so each case is assessed in clinic first. Dr Julio De la Morena applies them at the Regenerative Therapies and Sports Medicine Unit of Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid).
What they are used for
- Osteoarthritis: mild or moderate, of the knee and in some cases the hip or ankle.
- Chronic tendinopathies: tennis elbow, patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, plantar fascia and rotator cuff.
- Some selected muscle and ligament injuries.
They do not replace therapeutic exercise: they work best as part of a complete plan.
What the procedure involves
- A small blood sample is taken, as for a blood test.
- The sample is processed to concentrate the platelets.
- The treatment is applied to the area under ultrasound guidance, for precise placement.
- You go home the same day, walking.
Local discomfort for one or two days is common. The number of sessions and the interval between them are tailored to each case.
What the research says
Mild or moderate knee osteoarthritis is the indication with the strongest support: a 2024 European consensus and several reviews of clinical trials show greater and longer-lasting relief than with hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids. There are also favourable results in gluteal tendinopathy, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. Not every trial has been positive, which is why careful patient selection matters. Summary of the studies with links (in Spanish).
When it is not appropriate
There are situations in which it should not be used, such as some blood disorders, infections or certain medications. That is why a prior assessment is always carried out in clinic, with your medical history and an examination.
Frequently asked questions
Are growth factors and platelet-rich plasma the same thing?
Yes. They are names for the same type of treatment: a platelet concentrate obtained from the patient's own blood, whose proteins or growth factors are applied to the injured area.
Is it painful?
Taking the blood is like a routine blood test. The application causes brief discomfort and there may be local soreness for one or two days.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the injury and how each patient responds. The schedule is decided in clinic after the assessment.
Does it work for everyone?
No. Some patients respond very well and others do not. That is why it is important to use it in the right cases and combine it with therapeutic exercise.
Request an assessment
Regenerative Therapies and Sports Medicine Unit · Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón · +34 913 548 990
Written and reviewed by Dr Julio De la Morena Garzón, specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Madrid Medical Council no. 281903698). Last reviewed: October 2026. General information that does not replace a medical consultation.