Bioregenerative therapies in Munich
In bioregenerative therapies, components of your own body are processed and injected precisely into the affected area. The best known is autologous blood therapy, also called plasma therapy (PRP/ACP). These therapies are intended to dampen inflammatory reactions and support healing processes in joints and tendons. At our private practice in Munich-Altperlach, Dr. Schettle discusses with you whether such a procedure may be suitable for your symptoms.
Which procedures are available?
The procedures differ in which of your body's own components are used and how they are processed.
Autologous blood therapy with PRP/ACP
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is obtained from a small amount of your blood. The platelets it contains release growth factors that are involved in repair processes in the tissue. ACP is a special form of this processing. The plasma obtained is injected precisely into the affected area.
ACS therapy
Your blood is processed for several hours. During this time, the body's own proteins accumulate that are intended to dampen inflammatory reactions in the joint (autologous conditioned serum).
Stem cell therapy
Cells are obtained from your own tissue and injected into the affected area. Dr. Schettle will explain to you during the consultation which tissue is used for this and for whom the procedure may be suitable.
When might the procedures be considered?
Bioregenerative procedures are used mainly for wear-related and overuse complaints affecting joints and tendons. Whether they make sense in your case depends on your findings, your symptoms and the treatments you have had so far.
How well a treatment has been studied and what effect can be expected depends both on the procedure and on the condition. Dr. Schettle explains the possible benefits, the limits and other treatment options to you. Relief of symptoms does not automatically mean that damaged cartilage is rebuilt.
Depending on the findings, the procedures may be considered for the following complaints:
- Osteoarthritis, for example of the knee or hip
- Shoulder complaints
- Tennis elbow and other complaints at tendon attachments
- Achilles tendon complaints
- Heel pain, for example due to plantar fasciitis
How treatment with PRP or ACS works
- Consultation and examinationDr. Schettle establishes whether a bioregenerative procedure may be suitable for your symptoms and explains the procedure, benefits and risks to you.
- Blood collectionAs with a routine blood test, a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm.
- ProcessingThe blood is processed in a special system. How long this takes depends on the procedure.
- InjectionThe processed solution is injected precisely into the affected area, under ultrasound or X-ray guidance if needed.
Frequently asked questions about bioregenerative therapies
How often is treatment given?
Depending on the procedure, several injections at intervals are often needed. Dr. Schettle discusses with you beforehand how many treatments he recommends.
What side effects are possible?
As components of your own body are used, allergic reactions are rare. As with any injection, pain at the injection site, swelling, bruising or, rarely, an infection may occur.
When does an effect become apparent?
Whether and when your symptoms improve depends on the procedure and your condition. Improvement cannot be expected in all patients. Dr. Schettle discusses with you when the success of the treatment will be assessed and how to proceed if there is no effect.
Who covers the costs?
We bill the treatment privately. Whether your private health insurance reimburses the costs depends on your plan. Statutory health insurance funds do not usually cover them.
Part of your treatment plan
Bioregenerative procedures are usually one component of the treatment. Dr. Schettle often combines them with movement, targeted exercises and physiotherapy and, depending on the findings, with other conservative procedures.
Advice on bioregenerative therapies
Book an appointment online or by phone at our practice in Munich-Altperlach.