
SPORTS ORTHOPAEDICS
Your expert for autologous blood therapy (PRP) in Berlin
Treatment with autologous blood, also known as PRP therapy, is one of the most important, innovative treatment methods in sports orthopaedics. The focus here is on processing the body’s own blood plasma in order to extract bioactive proteins and growth hormones in concentrated form and inject them back into the body.
As your sports orthopaedist in Berlin we recommend this form of therapy for joint complaints and injuries from sport and leisure activities. Arrange your personal appointment today to find out more about this well-tolerated and highly effective form of therapy. persönlichen Termin, um mehr über die gut verträgliche und hochwirksame Therapieform zu erfahren.
What exactly is PRP therapy?
In the musculoskeletal system, it is primarily the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles that can show various changes. In the case of acute injuries or damage caused by chronic mechanical overload, the body activates a variety of regenerative mechanisms to heal the tissue. This can lead to disorders, particularly in the case of prolonged courses.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous blood therapy, is obtained from a blood sample that is centrifuged to produce a concentration of platelets. The activation of these platelets induces a large number of proteins, such as growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents. These have a strong positive effect on regeneration and the healing process..
The anabolic, i.e. restorative effect, leads to a significant acceleration of holistic therapy (physiotherapy, relief) in the short and medium term and provides directional support. The increasing experience with this technique over the last 15 years shows the resounding success of working with the body’s own defenses .
Examples of applications of autologous blood therapy (PRP)
The body’s own blood and the blood plasma it contains are suitable for a wide range of physical complaints and injuries. In addition to accident-related damage it is mainly incorrect or excessive strain, that leads to changes in the tissue. PRP therapy for tissue regeneration and inflammation inhibition has proven effective for the following problems:
- Osteoarthritis of the large joints (hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow)
- Tendon attachment inflammation (e.g. bursitis trochanterica, GTPS, partial Achilles tendon tears, tennis and golfer’s elbow, heel pain/plantar tendon fasciitis)
- Tendon damage (e.g. patellar tendonitis/jumper’s knee)
- Muscle Injuries
Our sports medicine specialists for Berlin and the surrounding area will be happy to advise you individually on when treatment with autologous blood in our practice makes sense and corresponds to your symptoms. As specialists in orthopaedic conditions, we are familiar with various sports injuries and complaints and can provide expert help with precisely tailored services.
This is how the autologous blood treatment works
First blood is taken from the patient via a vein (approx. 15 ml). After thorough centrifugation (approx. 10 minutes), it is then separated into its liquid and solid components. Activation of the platelets induces the release of a high number of mediators (messenger substances) from the platelet granules, which contain up to 800 protein components. Growth factors and anti-inflammatory components, which cannot be found in such high numbers in the region (joint, tendon insertion, muscle), are injected into the injured or inflamed region to promote rapid healing.
The treatment takes about 20 minutes. We recommend a series of three to five injections over a period of approximately three to five weeks (once a week).
The injected plasma contains a large number of proteins, such as growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents, which have a very positive effect on regeneration and the healing process.
Difference between PRP and ACP
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and ACP (autologous conditioned plasma) are both forms of autologous blood therapy that are used in sports medicine and orthopaedics. The main difference lies in the preparation of the blood and the concentration of the growth factors it contains..
- PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma)
- Is obtained by centrifuging the blood.
- Contains a high concentration of platelets (thrombocytes), which release growth factors.
- Can also be enriched with activating substances such as thrombin or calcium chloride to enhance the effect.
- Often used for tendon injuries, muscle injuries and osteoarthritis.
- ACP (autologous conditioned plasma)
- A special form of PRP that is processed more easily and quickly.
- It is centrifuged with a double chamber system, whereby a plasma-containing portion with increased growth factors is obtained.
- Contains fewer white blood cells (leukocytes) than classic PRP, which may result in fewer inflammatory reactions.
- It is mainly used for osteoarthritis and joint problems.
In summary, PRP (PHP) has a customizable concentration of growth factors and can be activated by additives. ACP on the other hand, is a simpler, less inflammatory variant with a standardized platelet concentration.
Which method is more suitable depends on the respective indication and the individual needs of the patient. After our expert diagnostics we will show you in a specialist consultation which form of therapy is suitable for you. A small amount of your own blood will then be taken, which we will process in the laboratory to extract concentrated growth factors and proactive proteins .
Advantages of PRP therapy at a glance
Autologous blood or PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma) is often used in sports medicine to treat injuries and for regeneration. Here are some of its benefits:
- Accelerated healing — PRP contains growth factors that promote cell regeneration and tissue repair, allowing tendon, muscle and ligament injuries to heal faster.
- Natural treatment — Because PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, there is less risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
- Pain reduction — PRP can reduce inflammation and pain from chronic or acute injuries, such as tendon irritation or osteoarthritis.
- Shorter rehabilitation time — The accelerated regeneration allows athletes to return to training or competition more quickly.
- Minimally invasive — In contrast to surgical procedures, PRP therapy is a gentle method that is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
- Improved tissue regeneration — PRP can improve the quality of regenerated tissue, particularly in the case of degenerative tendon disorders (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis).
This therapy is often used by professional sportsmen and women to treat injuries more effectively and and speed up their return to sport..
Would you like to receive more information or find out more about your personal benefits ? Arrange a no-obligation consultation at our practice in Berlin today.
Who is autologous blood treatment suitable for?
PRP therapy is suitable for various groups of patients, particularly those with musculoskeletal complaints or injuries. Here are some groups that may benefit from the treatment:
- Athletes and active people
- Patients with osteoarthritis
- People with chronic tendon problems
- Post-operative patients
- People with wound healing disorders
However, the therapy is not suitable for everyone. Patients with blood clotting disorders, severe inflammation or certain autoimmune diseases should first undergo a thorough medical examination. .
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any of the complaints described above, even if they did not arise during exercise. Our team will take the time to check the possible applicability of PRP therapy or ACP therapy.
sportsmed.berlin — We are happy to advise you!
In addition to the injection of autologous blood, our team is also available for conservative treatments, naturopathic treatments or other approaches such as shock wave therapy in Berlin . Put your trust in our experienced experts in orthopaedics and medicine in the sports environment and experience how injuries and complaints can be quickly alleviated with modern procedures.