Yes  the majority of knee pain conditions, including mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, tendinosis, bursitis, ligament sprains, and inflammatory arthritis, can be effectively managed without surgery. At IBAP Clinics, we employ a comprehensive non-surgical toolkit including PRP, BMAC (stem cell therapy), hyaluronic acid injections, genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation, prolotherapy, and structured physiotherapy rehabilitation. Even in advanced OA (KL Grade IV), where the patient is unfit for surgery, genicular nerve CRF ablation can provide 6–24 months of significant pain relief.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of your own blood, processed to contain 5–7× the normal platelet count. Platelets release a rich cocktail of growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) that stimulate cartilage repair, tendon healing, and suppression of inflammation. A course of three weekly ultrasound-guided PRP injections has been shown in multiple RCTs and meta-analyses to significantly reduce knee pain and improve function in osteoarthritis grades I–III  outperforming both hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids at 6–12 month follow-up. The ESSKA ORBIT 2024 consensus supports its use in early-to-moderate OA.

Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GnRFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that applies controlled radiofrequency energy to the small sensory nerves around the knee — the genicular nerves — interrupting the pain signal without affecting leg movement. It is performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic, requiring no general anaesthesia or hospitalisation. GnRFA is suitable for patients with moderate-to-severe knee OA (KL Grades III–IV) who have failed conservative treatments, patients with pain persisting after knee replacement, and patients who are medically unfit for surgery. Pain relief typically lasts 6–24 months and the procedure can be safely repeated.

Distinguishing between different causes of knee pain requires a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and targeted investigations. Osteoarthritis typically presents with gradual-onset pain in patients over 50, worsened by activity and relieved by rest, with morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes. Rheumatoid arthritis causes prolonged morning stiffness, symmetric joint involvement, and systemic symptoms. Meniscal tears produce joint-line tenderness, locking, and a history of twisting injury. Bursitis presents as localised tenderness over the bursa with preserved joint movement. At IBAP Clinics, we use X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and blood tests in a structured diagnostic pathway to reach an accurate diagnosis — because treatment effectiveness depends entirely on treating the correct condition.

BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) is an autologous therapy — derived entirely from the patient’s own bone marrow — making it inherently biocompatible with a very favourable safety profile. Multiple prospective clinical trials and RCTs have confirmed its safety in knee OA. A 4-year follow-up study published in Scientific Reports (2024) demonstrated sustained improvement in WOMAC and IKDC scores in KL Grade III–IV OA with no significant adverse events. At IBAP Clinics, BMAC is harvested under sterile conditions and injected under imaging guidance — maximising both safety and effectiveness.

In most cases, no. A Baker’s cyst (popliteal cyst) is a secondary problem caused by excess fluid in the knee joint — typically from osteoarthritis, a meniscal tear, or inflammatory arthritis. Surgically removing the cyst without treating the underlying cause invariably leads to recurrence. At IBAP Clinics, we first identify and treat the root cause (e.g., PRP or BMAC for OA, HA injection, or anti-inflammatory management for RA). The cyst can then be aspirated under ultrasound guidance and, if necessary, a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection administered. Surgery is very rarely required for an isolated Baker’s cyst.

A great deal can be achieved, and at IBAP Clinics we are specifically experienced in managing patients who cannot undergo surgery — whether due to advanced age, recent cardiac events, kidney disease, active cancer, or other comorbidities. Our non-surgical options include: genicular nerve CRF ablation (performed under local anaesthetic only), intra-articular BMAC or PRP injections, hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation, targeted corticosteroid injections for inflammatory flares, and optimised pain medications. Each plan is individualised, compassion-led, and focused on maximising quality of life and functional independence.