Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Kailash KothariMD Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, FIAPM (Pain Medicine) · 30+ years experience
- No surgery required for many conditions
- Same-day procedures
- International training & advanced techniques
What is Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) therapy?
Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) is an advanced regenerative therapy prepared from your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate the growth factors released by platelets, which are then injected — under image guidance — into a damaged joint, tendon or other tissue to stimulate natural healing.
GFC is part of the regenerative medicine programme at Pain Clinic of India, alongside PRP therapy and bone marrow stem cell concentrate. Your specialist will advise which regenerative option is most suitable for your condition.
Who is Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy for?
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or shoulder
- Chronic tendon problems (tennis/golfer's elbow, Achilles, rotator cuff)
- Early avascular necrosis (AVN)
- Patients seeking a regenerative alternative to repeated steroid injections
How Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy is performed
- A sample of your own blood is drawn
- It is processed to concentrate the platelet-derived growth factors (GFC)
- The concentrate is activated to release a high dose of growth factors
- Under ultrasound or image guidance, GFC is injected into the affected joint or tendon
Before, during & after the procedure
Before: A clinical assessment confirms the diagnosis and that GFC is appropriate. You may be advised to stop certain anti-inflammatory medicines beforehand.
During: Blood is drawn and processed in the clinic, and the prepared growth factor concentrate is injected into the target site under image guidance. The whole process is completed in a single visit.
After & recovery: Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is normal. Improvement develops gradually over weeks as healing progresses. A short course of activity modification and physiotherapy may be advised.
Benefits of Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy
- Uses your own blood — no donor material
- Higher, purer growth factor dose than standard PRP preparations
- Promotes natural tissue healing
- Day-care procedure with minimal downtime
- Can reduce reliance on repeated steroid injections
Risks & possible side effects
- Temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Short-lived increase in pain (flare) for a day or two
- Infection or bleeding (rare with sterile, image-guided technique)
- Variable response — not every patient improves to the same degree
Conditions treated with this procedure
Frequently asked questions about Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy
Medical references
This page is informed by guidance from the following authoritative medical sources: