PRP

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also referred to as autologous conditioned plasma. PRP uses the natural healing properties of blood to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones. It can reduce pain, improve joint function and help you quickly return to normal activities.

When PRP / blood plasma therapy is administered, the platelets are obtained from the patient’s own blood and degranulated after injection into the affected region, releasing various growth factors. These vascular, endothelial and insulin-like growth factors have enormous regenerative powers. More importantly, they can prevent inflammatory processes and their negative and toxic influence on the cartilage. In addition, PRP also reduces nitrite oxide and thus oxidative stress on a joint. Furthermore, PRP enhances the effect of hyaluronic acid and reduces the metal protease responsible for cartilage degradation.

This explains the healing potential and pain reduction in the therapy of cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. Since PRP is obtained from autologous blood and this therapy is based on the body’s own mechanisms, in contrast to cortisone therapy there are NO side effects.

Since it is known that hyaluronic acid also has a cartilage healing effect, we prefer the combination therapy of hyaluronic acid AND PRP. Depending on the extent of the cartilage damage, this therapy is injected 3-4 times into the affected joint. Between the individual injections at least 2 and not more than 10 days should pass in order to achieve an optimal result. After an injection, swelling can occur for a short time due to the increase in volume, but this is normally not painful and disappears very quickly on the same day. Relief or immobilization is not necessary.