Typical injuries: how they are treated

Tennis elbow

Tendinopathy of the extensors at the lateral epicondyle. The basis of treatment is exercise and checking technique and racket; a corticosteroid injection relieves pain quickly, but results after a year are worse.

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Shoulder pain

Impingement and rotator cuff tendinopathy from serving and smashing. Exercises for the shoulder-blade and cuff muscles help; surgery is rarely discussed.

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Knee

Sudden stops and turns load cartilage and menisci. In osteoarthritis: muscle strengthening, weight control and injections during flare-ups.

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Achilles tendon

Frequent starts and stops overload the tendon. The basis of treatment is a calf strengthening programme for 12 weeks or longer.

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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 return to the court

First general conditioning and pain-free exercise, then strokes with soft balls from a shortened distance, full strokes, serving and only then match play. Timelines depend on the diagnosis.

Technique and equipment

Working with a coach on backhand and serve technique and choosing the right racket and string tension reduce the risk of re-injury.

Strength training

Strengthening the forearm, shoulder-blade and hip muscles protects tendons and joints and should continue after returning to play.

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.
  • 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

How is tennis elbow treated?

The basis is exercise for the forearm extensors, checking technique and racket, and a forearm strap. Epicondylitis often resolves on its own within 6–12 months. A corticosteroid injection relieves pain quickly, but results after a year are worse; PRP and shockwave therapy help some patients.

When can I return to tennis?

It depends on the diagnosis: with epicondylitis, light strokes are often resumed after a few weeks of exercise and full play once grip strength has recovered and strokes are pain-free. Start with soft balls and a shortened distance; serving is added last.

What to do for relapse prevention?

Proper technique (especially backhand). Suitable racket (weight, balance, grip size). Regular strengthening exercises. Stretching before and after play.

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.