PRP / ACP Therapy in Berlin

Autologous blood therapy for osteoarthritis, tendon problems and sports injuries

  • PRP / ACP therapy as part of conservative orthopedics
  • Treatment with your body's own blood plasma
  • Gentle injection therapy by experienced specialists

In PRP and ACP therapy, concentrated blood plasma containing a particularly high number of blood platelets, known as thrombocytes, is obtained from a small amount of blood. This plasma is then injected precisely into the affected area.

At MVZ VITALIS in Berlin-Buckow, we use these forms of autologous blood therapy as part of conservative orthopedics. They can be an option for certain osteoarthritis complaints, tendon irritation, sports injuries or overuse complaints. The goal is to support the body's own healing and regeneration processes in the tissue and to relieve pain.

What is PRP or ACP?

PRP stands for "platelet-rich plasma". ACP means "autologous conditioned plasma". Both terms describe procedures in which the body's own blood is processed to obtain a concentrated blood plasma containing platelets and growth factors.

These growth factors can be involved in natural repair processes in the tissue. In this therapy, the processed autologous blood is therefore used where tendons, joints or other structures are irritated, overloaded or damaged.

When autologous blood therapy can be useful

PRP / ACP therapy is mainly an option for complaints in which irritated or damaged tissue needs support. Typical areas of application include:

Osteoarthritis

For selected osteoarthritis complaints, PRP or ACP can be used to influence irritation in the joint and relieve pain. The therapy is considered especially often for knee complaints.

Tendon problems

Irritated or chronically overloaded tendons can cause persistent pain. Autologous blood therapy can be part of a conservative treatment plan in these cases.

Sports injuries

For certain sports injuries, for example to muscles, tendons or ligaments, PRP can be used to support the body's own healing processes. What matters is which structure is affected and how severe the injury is.

Overuse complaints

Recurring complaints at tendon attachments, muscles or joints often result from training, work, improper loading or repetitive movement patterns. Depending on the findings, PRP can be a complementary option.

Inflammatory irritation

For certain non-bacterial types of irritation in joints or soft tissue, ACP or PRP can be considered. Acute infections must be ruled out beforehand.

Diagnosis as the basis of therapy

Not every cause of pain is suitable for PRP therapy, because pain can have many different causes. That is why an orthopedic examination comes before treatment.

Our specialists in orthopedics and trauma surgery assess mobility, pain points, load capacity and possible accompanying findings. Depending on the situation, ultrasound, X-rays or MRI may also be useful as part of the diagnosis. Only then can we assess whether PRP / ACP therapy is suitable or whether other conservative measures should take priority.

How does PRP / ACP therapy work?

For the treatment, a small amount of blood is first drawn from a vein. This blood is then processed using a special procedure, in which the platelet-rich plasma is separated from other blood components.

The resulting PRP or ACP is then injected into the affected area with a fine needle, for example at a tendon or into a joint. The injection is performed under careful hygienic conditions. Depending on the findings, a single treatment may be sufficient or a series of several injections may be useful.

Autologous blood therapy as part of conservative orthopedics

With osteoarthritis, tendon problems or sports injuries, several factors often play a role: load, muscles, mobility, joint function, training, workplace or previous injuries.

That is why at MVZ VITALIS we consider PRP and ACP to be possible components of conservative treatment. Depending on the findings, other measures may be useful, for example exercise therapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy, kinesio taping, shockwave therapy or hyaluronic acid injections.

Before starting therapy, we therefore discuss what effect can realistically be expected, what alternatives are available and whether autologous blood therapy appears medically appropriate for your situation.

Good to know for patients

FAQ about PRP therapy

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is an autologous blood therapy. Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from a small amount of blood using a centrifuge and then injected precisely into the affected area. PRP stands for "platelet-rich plasma".

What is the difference between PRP and ACP?

PRP and ACP are closely related methods of autologous blood therapy. Both use the body's own blood plasma containing platelets and growth factors. ACP stands for autologous conditioned plasma, while PRP is the abbreviation for "platelet-rich plasma". Which method is used depends on the medical approach, the preparation system and the findings.

How does PRP work in the body?

Blood platelets contain growth factors that are involved in natural healing and regeneration processes. Injecting PRP or ACP is intended to support these processes in the affected tissue. The therapy can relieve complaints but does not guarantee complete healing.

Is PRP a useful treatment for osteoarthritis?

Yes, PRP can be used for certain osteoarthritis complaints, often in the knee joint. The therapy cannot fully restore joint cartilage, but it can help influence irritation and pain. Whether it makes sense depends on the stage of osteoarthritis and the individual findings.

Is the PRP injection painful?

The injection can be briefly uncomfortable but is usually well tolerated. Depending on the treated area, a feeling of pressure or temporary irritation may occur after the injection.

What side effects can occur?

Since the body's own blood is used, intolerance reactions are rare. Temporary pain, swelling, redness, bruising or a feeling of pressure in the treated area are possible.

After the treatment, the treated area should be rested for a short time. How soon you can resume physical activity, sports or training depends on the complaints and the treated tissue. Your physician will discuss this with you.

When should PRP therapy not be performed?

In the case of acute infections, certain blood clotting disorders, severe general illnesses or unclear complaints, among others, PRP therapy should only be performed after careful evaluation. Taking certain medications can also be relevant for planning this treatment.

Does health insurance cover the cost of PRP therapy?

For patients with statutory health insurance, PRP / ACP therapy is usually an individual health service (IGeL) that must be paid for privately. Private health insurers and government aid offices cover the costs partially or fully, depending on the plan and requirements. We will be happy to inform you about the expected costs before treatment begins.

Do you have any further questions?

Would you like autologous blood treatment to relieve your complaints? Then feel free to book an appointment for a consultation at MVZ VITALIS in Berlin-Buckow.

Book your treatment appointment now

Do you have osteoarthritis, tendon problems, sports injuries or recurring pain in your joints, muscles or tendons? Then feel free to book an appointment at MVZ VITALIS, Center for Orthopedics and Pain Therapy in Berlin-Buckow.

After an orthopedic examination, our specialists will advise you on whether PRP / ACP therapy is an option for your complaints and which other conservative treatment options may be useful.