Common problems after 60: what helps

Osteoarthritis of large joints

Knee, hip and shoulder. The basis of treatment is exercise, weight control, painkillers and injections during flare-ups; with marked destruction, joint replacement remains a reliable option in older age too.

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Spinal stenosis

Leg pain and weakness when walking that ease on bending forward. Exercise therapy and epidural injections help; with marked symptoms, decompression is discussed.

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Osteoporosis

The basis of treatment is medication that lowers fracture risk, vitamin D, calcium and fall prevention. Injection methods do not treat osteoporosis.

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Rotator cuff

Degenerative tears after 60 often respond well to exercise therapy, with results comparable to surgery.

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Treatment after 60: what to consider

Anaesthesia and hospital stay

Many injection procedures are outpatient and under local anaesthesia — convenient with accompanying conditions. Any method is chosen taking overall health into account.

Medication

Tell the physician about all your medicines, especially anticoagulants and diabetes drugs: how to take them around procedures is agreed in advance.

Activity

Regular walking and strength and balance exercises reduce the risk of falls and help maintain independence.

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

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.
  • Severe stage IV osteoarthritis with axial deformity and joint destruction — joint replacement is usually discussed instead.

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

Are there age limits?

Age itself is not a contraindication: the decision is based on overall health, accompanying conditions and the patient’s goals. Before any procedure the physician assesses heart function, blood clotting and current medication.

Can joint replacement be avoided?

In early and moderate osteoarthritis, exercise, weight loss, painkillers and injections during flare-ups help many people manage without surgery for years. With severe pain and joint destruction, joint replacement is a reliable option in older age too: it improves walking and quality of life.

Can injections be given with diabetes and high blood pressure?

Usually yes, if the conditions are controlled, with caveats: corticosteroids raise blood sugar for a few days, and with high blood pressure the procedure is postponed. Anticoagulants before an injection are agreed in advance with the treating physician. The clinic physician makes the final decision.

How quickly do older patients recover?

After an outpatient injection 1–2 days of rest are usually recommended, followed by a gradual return to normal activity; the effect is assessed after 6–12 weeks. After joint replacement, rehabilitation takes several months. Keeping up walking and strength and balance exercises is important.

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.