Autologous blood therapy / PRP (orthobiology)

Innovative pain management instead of surgery

Autologous blood therapy, also known as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, uses your own blood components to regulate inflammatory processes in joints and tissues and to stimulate regeneration. At the Regenerative Center (ROC) in Aschheim near Munich, we use PRP specifically for osteoarthritis, tendon issues, and other orthopedic conditions to relieve pain, improve mobility, and delay or avoid invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive

A minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that does not require major surgery

Regenerative approach

Your own body initiates the healing process

Quick recovery

No long downtime thanks to the body's own regenerative abilities

What is autologous blood therapy (PRP therapy)?

In PRP therapy, the ROC team draws a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm and processes it in a special system to create platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This contains growth factors that can regulate inflammation and support healing processes. The orthopedic surgeon then injects the PRP directly into the affected area—for example, into a joint, a tendon, or a tendon insertion. This provides a gentle orthobiological treatment option for osteoarthritis, tendon irritation, and other orthopedic conditions.

How does PRP therapy work?

PRP therapy harnesses your body’s natural regenerative mechanisms. After injection, the platelets contained in the PRP release growth factors and signaling molecules that can support healing processes in the treated tissue.

Depending on the symptoms, PRP can help to

  • to reduce inflammation
  • To reduce pain
  • to promote tissue healing (e.g., in tendons, ligaments, or joint structures)
  • to improve endurance in daily life and during sports

At ROC, we combine PRP therapy with your own blood, as needed, with precise orthopedic diagnostics, state-of-the-art imaging, and targeted physical therapy to tailor your treatment as closely as possible to your symptoms and activity level.

A body's own process

Treatment with processed autologous blood—without any foreign substances.

Targeted recovery

Growth factors support healing processes in joints, tendons, and soft tissues.

Outpatient & minimally invasive

Minimally invasive, short treatment time, and usually a quick return to daily life.

The treating physician injects the prepared PRP (platelet-rich plasma) directly into the affected area. There, the concentrated platelets release growth factors and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules that can support the body’s natural regeneration of joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

Benefits of PRP Treatment

  • Avoiding invasive procedures: PRP therapy offers a conservative treatment option for joint, tendon, and soft tissue conditions, allowing surgical procedures to be postponed or avoided in many cases.
  • Pain relief: Autologous blood therapy can reduce inflammation and irritation, which often leads to less pain and greater ability to cope with daily activities.
  • Promoting tissue regeneration: The growth factors in platelet-rich plasma support the body’s natural repair processes—for example, in joints, tendons, tendon insertions, and irritated soft tissue.
  • Good tolerability: PRP treatment uses only the body’s own blood components, so it is generally very well tolerated.
  • Minimal downtime: Autologous blood therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. You will usually leave the ROC after a brief observation period and can generally resume your normal daily activities shortly thereafter.

The PRP Autologous Blood Therapy Procedure at ROC

Your visit to the ROC begins with a comprehensive orthopedic examination using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Depending on your symptoms, we use ultrasound, digital X-rays, or open MRI to precisely assess joints, tendons, ligaments, or soft tissue structures. Based on your findings, we create a personalized treatment plan using PRP autologous blood therapy—supplemented by additional orthopedic or regenerative procedures as needed.

Autologous Blood Therapy Without Surgery – Step by Step

On the day of treatment, the team draws a small amount of blood and processes it into platelet-rich plasma (PRP) using a sterile system. The doctor then injects the PRP under sterile conditions directly into the affected area—such as a joint, a tendon, a tendon insertion point, or irritated soft tissue. Depending on the area, the injection is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. After a short rest period, you will leave the ROC and receive recommendations regarding physical activity as well as—if appropriate—a plan for additional PRP sessions.

Autologous Blood Therapy, the Immune System, and Orthobiology

In traditional naturopathy, autologous blood therapy strengthens the immune system and regulates chronic inflammation. At ROC, the focus is on orthobiological applications for the musculoskeletal system. PRP therapy for conditions such as osteoarthritis is based on the same fundamental principle: the body’s own blood components stimulate local healing mechanisms without introducing foreign substances. For patients with osteoarthritis, this means a targeted application at the joint, while the systemic immune system remains stable. In individual cases, we integrate PRP into more comprehensive approaches to enhance performance and regeneration, such as in combination with IHHT altitude training.

Autologous blood therapy for Achilles tendinitis

Your benefits at the ROC in Aschheim

Specialists

Experienced physicians with many years of expertise in regenerative medicine

Personalized consultation

Customized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition

Innovative Technology

State-of-the-art equipment and scientifically sound methods

In-house laboratory

Thorough assessment of the viability and number of stem cells

Our experienced team of doctors

Dr. Daniel Filesch

Dr. med. Daniel Filesch

Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery

Dr. Martina Berger

Martina Berger

Doctor for regenerative orthopaedic procedures

Dr. med. Edan Manos

Dr. med. Edan Manos

Doctor for regenerative orthopaedic procedures

Dr. Patrick Heine

Patrick Heine

Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery

Modern medical offices in Aschheim, near Munich

Who is a good candidate for PRP treatment for osteoarthritis?

Autologous blood therapy for osteoarthritis is intended for people who want to actively maintain their joint health and value biologically regenerative treatments. Many patients have already tried conventional pain relievers, physical therapy, or hyaluronic acid injections and are looking for an additional option before considering joint replacement. This treatment is suitable for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, ankle, or small joints of the hand, among others. At the ROC, experienced orthopedic surgeons conduct a detailed medical history review and diagnostic evaluation to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific case or whether other treatments—such as stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis or combination therapies—offer greater benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autologous Blood Therapy (FAQ)

Is autologous blood therapy covered by health insurance?

In the field of orthopedics, autologous blood therapy (PRP therapy) is generally not covered by statutory health insurance plans and is usually not reimbursed. Since the ROC is a private practice, the treatment is generally provided on a self-pay basis or for patients with private or government-subsidized health insurance. Whether and to what extent a private health insurance plan will reimburse the costs depends on the specific plan and should be clarified with the insurance company in advance. At the ROC, you will receive transparent cost information prior to PRP therapy, which you can submit to your insurance company for review if necessary.

How do you feel after autologous blood therapy?

After PRP therapy, many patients report a brief sensation of pressure, tightness, or soreness in the treated area—depending on whether a joint, tendon, tendon insertion, or soft tissue was treated. Occasionally, a mild reaction may occur, characterized by a sensation of warmth, tenderness, or temporary increased pain, as the body responds to the treatment with a healing reaction. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. An improvement in pain, endurance, or function often becomes apparent gradually over the following weeks—especially as part of a coordinated treatment and exercise plan.

How much does autologous blood therapy cost?

The cost of autologous blood therapy (PRP therapy) depends primarily on the number of PRP injections, the processing system used, and the specific condition being treated (e.g., joint, tendon, tendon insertion, or soft tissue). In many orthobiological treatment plans, PRP therapy involves several sessions spaced several weeks apart. The exact number depends on the diagnosis, findings, and treatment goals. For a personalized cost estimate, we will consult with you in person at the ROC and tailor the PRP autologous blood therapy to your specific findings and overall treatment plan.

What is autologous blood therapy used for?

Autologous blood therapy (PRP therapy) is used in orthopedics to treat inflammation and irritation, relieve pain, and promote tissue healing. It is used not only for osteoarthritis but also for tendon problems, tendonitis, overuse injuries, and other orthopedic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Typical areas of application include joints, tendons (e.g., the Achilles tendon), the shoulder, the elbow (e.g., tennis elbow), and soft tissues. Thanks to the growth factors contained in PRP, the treatment can support the body’s own regenerative processes and effectively complement traditional conservative therapies.

At ROC, we use PRP therapy in a targeted manner following orthopedic diagnosis and individual assessment of indications—as part of a holistic treatment plan.

How often is PRP treatment recommended?

The frequency with which PRP treatment is recommended depends on the patient’s symptoms, the affected structure (e.g., joint, tendon, tendon insertion), the findings, and the treatment goal.

In many cases, multiple PRP sessions are scheduled—often 2 to 4 injections spaced several weeks apart. Depending on the results, follow-up treatments may be recommended later on.

The exact number will be determined on an individual basis at the ROC following an orthopedic examination and diagnostic evaluation. During this process, we will also discuss whether combining this treatment with other conservative or regenerative procedures is advisable.

Does autologous blood therapy help with osteoarthritis?

Autologous blood therapy (PRP therapy) can help with osteoarthritis, particularly in relieving pain and improving joint function. Many patients report improved ability to cope with daily activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. Studies show positive effects on pain and function, particularly in early to moderate stages of osteoarthritis. However, how well the treatment works depends on factors such as the severity of osteoarthritis, the condition of the joint, the patient’s activity level, and the overall treatment plan.

At ROC, we use PRP for osteoarthritis in a targeted manner following orthopedic diagnosis and, when necessary, combine this therapy with other conservative or regenerative treatments to reduce pain and preserve joint function for as long as possible.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with PRP therapy?

Since autologous blood therapy uses only the body’s own components, adverse reactions are rare. Possible side effects are usually limited to local reactions such as temporary pain at the injection site, swelling, or a small bruise. Serious complications, such as infections, are extremely rare when the procedure is performed properly and under sterile conditions. During the preliminary consultation at the ROC, your orthopedic surgeon will explain in detail the procedure, benefits, and potential risks of autologous blood therapy.

Contact & Directions

ROC Ortho
Private Orthopedic Practice
St.-Emmeram-Str. 5
85609 Aschheim

Email: praxis@roc-ortho.de
Phone: +49 89 46259930

Opening hours

Monday7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.