Typical injuries: how they are treated

Fitness and gym training

Rotator cuff tendinopathy, epicondylitis and knee pain with squats are typical. Adjusting technique and exercises and a gradual return to weights usually help.

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Skiing and snowboarding

ACL and meniscus tears, shoulder dislocations. After an injury, it is important to have the knee or shoulder assessed by an orthopaedic specialist promptly.

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Golf

Golfer’s elbow, low back pain from rotational load, hip osteoarthritis. Exercise, swing correction and warming up help.

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Yoga, Pilates, cycling

Shoulder impingement, hip pain in deep poses, pain under the kneecap in cyclists. Poses and bike fit should be chosen so they do not cause pain.

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Returning to activity: key principles

Recovery after the procedure

On the day of the injection you can walk and return to your hotel on your own. Intense load on the joint is best avoided for 1–2 days; ice helps with swelling. Then you gradually return to normal activity and exercise. The effect is assessed after 6–12 weeks; if there is no improvement, the clinic physician revises the plan.

Gradual load increase

Volume and intensity are increased gradually — by about 10% a week — guided by the absence of pain the next day.

Technique

Many injuries are related to technique errors. A few sessions with a coach often help more than any procedure.

Strength and recovery

Strengthening stabiliser muscles, enough sleep and rest days protect joints and tendons from overload.

Clinic and method matching — free of charge

Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within 24 hours.

Send a request

When surgery is needed

Surgery is discussed if conservative and injection treatment has not helped for 3–6 months, with advanced joint destruction, a complete tendon or ligament tear with loss of function, or neurological problems such as increasing weakness, numbness or bladder and bowel dysfunction. The clinic physician decides based on the images and examination; we can arrange a surgeon’s consultation.

Who it is not suitable for and possible risks

Contraindications

  • Active infection — at the injection site or systemic, with fever.
  • Active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy.
  • Blood clotting disorders or a low platelet count. Anticoagulants are discussed with the physician.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — the procedure is usually postponed.
  • A corticosteroid injection into the same area in recent weeks.
  • A complete tendon or ligament rupture with loss of function — surgical repair is usually needed.

Possible risks

  • Pain and swelling at the injection site for 1–3 days.
  • Bruising where blood or fat tissue is taken.
  • Rarely, infection. The procedure is therefore performed under sterile conditions with ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
  • The effect may be absent or smaller than expected.

If any of these apply to you, mention it in your request. The coordinator will check with the clinic physician whether treatment is possible. Contact a coordinator.

Scientific evidence

Studies of regenerative methods show mixed results. Clinic physicians rely on research including the following:

  1. Andia I et al. Platelet-rich plasma for muscle injury and tendinopathy. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev, 2013.
  2. Sheth U et al. Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma use for orthopaedic indications: a meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2012.

Next steps: Treatment methods · Treatment cost · How treatment in Germany is organised

Questions

Can I keep my favourite activities with joint pain?

Most often, yes. It is usually enough to adjust load temporarily, work on technique and strengthen muscles; if needed, the physician adds physiotherapy or injections. Giving up activity completely, on the contrary, weakens muscles and increases pain.

Can I train with osteoarthritis?

Yes, and it is one of the foundations of treatment. Strength exercises for the thigh and gluteal muscles, cycling, swimming and walking are useful; impact loading and deep squats are best limited if they increase pain. Mild pain during exercise is acceptable if it settles by the next day.

How soon can I return to training?

It depends on the diagnosis and treatment. After an injection 1–2 days of rest are usually recommended, followed by light training and a gradual increase in load of about 10% a week. After ligament injuries and surgery the timelines are longer — the physician decides.

How does RegenPAS help organise treatment?

RegenPAS is a patient service centre in Munich, not a clinic. We review your images and symptoms and send a request to several partner clinics at once. Clinics that can accept you send their own conditions and price; prices differ between clinics, and you choose the option that suits you. The coordinator replies within 24 hours, and a clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days. We then arrange the appointment, visa invitation, interpreter, transfers and accommodation. Treatment decisions are made by the clinic physician. Contact a coordinator.

What is needed for a preliminary assessment?

Your MRI (or CT, X-ray) report and the images if you have them, plus a short description of your symptoms and previous treatment. Send them via the form on the website — the assessment is free and without obligation: the coordinator replies within 24 hours, and the clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days.

How much does treatment cost and how long do I need to stay in Munich?

The cost depends on the method, the diagnostics needed and the clinic itself: prices differ between clinics. We request offers from several clinics and send you their conditions and quotes so you can compare. Price guidance is on the treatment cost page. For an outpatient procedure, 2–3 days in Munich are usually enough: examination, procedure and follow-up visit.