PRP Autologous Blood Therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma) in Munich: Application in Orthopedics

Medical Basics

What exactly is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. It is a component of the patient’s own blood containing platelets (thrombocytes) in high concentration. Once activated, these platelets release various signaling molecules and growth factors involved in tissue repair and regeneration.

Which structures and processes are involved?

In orthopedics, PRP is mainly used for tissues prone to persistent complaints due to overuse or degeneration, such as:

• Joint cartilage and synovial lining (e.g., in osteoarthritis)
• Tendons and tendon insertions (e.g., irritation in the elbow or Achilles tendon)
• Muscles (e.g., after strain or muscle fiber injury)

The goal is not to “replace” damaged structures but to provide biological support to existing healing and repair mechanisms.

Causes and Risk Factors

Conditions for which PRP may be considered in orthopedics are often linked to degenerative or overuse-related changes. Typical factors include:

• Degenerative processes, such as osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, or shoulder
• Chronic overuse from sports or occupational activities (repetitive stress)
• Micro-injuries in tendon or muscle tissue with delayed healing
• Poor load management (e.g., rapid progression, insufficient recovery)
• Contributing conditions such as limited mobility or muscular imbalances

Which factors are relevant in each case is determined individually during the orthopedic assessment at the Gromer Orthopedic Clinic in Munich.

Typical Symptoms

Symptoms are usually nonspecific and may have other causes. Commonly reported are:

• Pain during physical activity (e.g., climbing stairs, running, gripping, or lifting)
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest
• Limited mobility and loss of function
• Tenderness at tendon insertions or along tendon paths
• Recurring irritation after sports activity

Distinguishing from similar conditions

Acute, severe pain after trauma, significant swelling, warmth, or fever may indicate other causes (e.g., acute injury or infection) and should be evaluated by a physician without delay.

Diagnostics

Before considering PRP therapy, structured orthopedic evaluation is essential. At the Gromer Orthopedic Clinic in Munich, this typically includes:

• Medical history: symptoms, stress factors, progression, previous treatments
• Clinical examination: function tests, provocation tests, mobility, stability
• Imaging as needed (e.g., ultrasound, possibly MRI)
• Evaluation of contributing factors (load management, training, movement patterns)

Only after this evaluation can it be determined whether PRP may be a suitable additional treatment or if other therapies are more appropriate.

Treatment Options

Conservative

For many orthopedic conditions, conservative treatments form the foundation of care. These may include:

• Physiotherapy and targeted exercise programs
• Load modification and training management
• Physical therapy modalities (e.g., heat/cold, depending on the case)
• Medication-based therapies as medically indicated

PRP Autologous Blood Therapy

In PRP therapy, a small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and processed to extract the platelet-rich plasma. This is then injected under sterile conditions into the affected area (e.g., joint, tendon, or muscle). The treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Several sessions at defined intervals are often considered. Whether and how many sessions are useful depends on the findings and the individual symptom profile.

Therapeutic / Device-Based

Depending on the diagnosis, other non-surgical methods or - if medically indicated - surgical options may also be considered. The decision depends on severity, progression, functional level, and personal factors.

Progress and Prognosis

Outcomes depend heavily on the underlying cause, stage (e.g., early vs. advanced osteoarthritis), accompanying treatments (e.g., physiotherapy), and individual factors. In clinical practice, gradual improvement over several weeks is frequently reported. However, reliable results cannot be guaranteed.

At the Gromer Orthopedic Clinic in Munich, PRP is therefore seen as a complementary option within a comprehensive treatment plan, not as a replacement for established therapies.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Medical evaluation is particularly advisable if:

• Pain persists or worsens for more than a few weeks
• Pain occurs at rest or during the night
• Significant movement limitations are present
• Swelling, redness, or warmth occurs
• Symptoms after an injury do not improve
• Conservative treatments have not brought sufficient relief

In such cases, targeted diagnostics can help determine the cause and identify suitable treatment options.

Conclusion

PRP autologous blood therapy is a biological procedure that uses components of the patient’s own blood to support regeneration processes in selected orthopedic conditions. In Munich, it is offered at the Gromer Orthopedic Clinic as a complementary option within a personalized treatment concept following medical assessment.