What is PRP therapy

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is plasma with a high platelet concentration made from your own blood. The blood is centrifuged, the platelet-rich layer is separated and injected into a joint, tendon or ligament. In Germany it is also called Eigenbluttherapie or ACP.

Platelets release growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF and others) that reduce inflammation and influence healing. PRP does not regrow cartilage: the aim is less pain and better function for several months up to a year.

Products differ in platelet concentration and white-cell content. Leukocyte-poor PRP is used more often for joints; for tendons the physician decides.

PRP at a glance

  • Material: your own blood, 15–60 ml
  • Procedure time: about 45–60 minutes
  • Course: usually 1–3 injections 2–4 weeks apart
  • Onset: 2–6 weeks
  • Duration: in studies up to 6–12 months, individual
  • Guide price: about €500–800 per injection

Which conditions PRP is used for

The benefit of PRP is not equally well studied for every diagnosis. The table shows the main indications and what research says.

DiagnosisWhat studies showComment
Knee osteoarthritis stages I–IIIIn a meta-analysis of 18 trials better than hyaluronic acid at 6–12 months; in the RESTORE trial no better than placeboMost common indication; results vary
Tennis elbowBetter than cortisone at one yearA good alternative to repeated cortisone shots
Plantar fasciitisComparable to or better than cortisone in the longer termCombined with stretching and insoles
Patellar tendinopathy, shoulderMixed evidenceDecided on MRI/ultrasound and after failed exercise therapy
Achilles tendonNo better than placebo in a JAMA trialEccentric exercises remain the basis
Hip osteoarthritisComparable to hyaluronic acidOnly under ultrasound guidance

PRP does not help with a complete tendon rupture, severe stage IV osteoarthritis with deformity or a mechanically locked joint — other methods are discussed then.

How the procedure works

01

MRI review

A clinic physician reviews your images and decides whether PRP is suitable; the preliminary opinion follows within 1–3 business days of receiving the MRI.

02

Blood draw

15–60 ml of blood is taken from a vein — like a normal blood test.

03

Centrifugation

The blood is spun for 10–20 minutes to obtain the platelet concentrate.

04

Ultrasound-guided injection

After local anaesthesia, PRP is injected precisely into the injured area under ultrasound control.

05

Home the same day

After 20–30 minutes of observation you can leave. A trip to Munich of 2–3 days is usually enough.

Recovery after PRP

  • Pain and swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days are an expected reaction; cold and rest help.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) are usually avoided for a few days before and 1–2 weeks after the procedure. For pain relief, physicians usually advise paracetamol.
  • You can walk straight away. Heavy loading of the joint or tendon is usually resumed after 1–2 weeks; running and sport follow the physician’s plan.
  • Exercise therapy is an essential part of treatment: PRP works better together with exercise.
  • The result is assessed after 6–12 weeks. If a course brings no effect, repeating it usually makes little sense.

Who PRP is not suitable for and possible risks

Contraindications

Active infection, active cancer, low platelet count and clotting disorders, anaemia, pregnancy, a cortisone injection into the same area within the last 4–6 weeks.

Possible risks

Pain and swelling for 1–3 days, bruising at the blood-draw site. Rarely infection, which is why the procedure is performed under sterile conditions. There is no allergy to your own plasma.

When other methods are needed

A complete tendon or ligament rupture, a locked joint or severe stage IV osteoarthritis — surgery or joint replacement is usually discussed.

PRP and other methods

MethodMain difference from PRPMore
CortisoneRelieves pain faster, but the effect is shorter and frequent shots are harmfulCortisone injections
Hyaluronic acidImproves the properties of joint fluid; effect up to 6 monthsHyaluronic acid
CGFGrowth-factor concentrate with a fibrin matrixCGF therapy
Cell-based methods (MFAT, BMAC)Use cells from fat tissue or bone marrow; for more advanced changesStem cells

How much does PRP cost in Germany

In Germany PRP is usually paid by the patient: statutory insurers do not cover it, private insurers sometimes do at their discretion. A guide price is €500–800 per injection, depending on the preparation system, the area and ultrasound guidance; a course of 3 injections costs roughly €1,500–2,400.

The clinic states the exact cost after reviewing your MRI; we pass it on in advance together with the travel plan. More on treatment cost.

Prices are approximate. Each clinic sets its own conditions and price: we send your request to several clinics and forward their offers so you can compare.

Scientific evidence

Studies with positive and neutral PRP results:

  1. Belk JW et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med, 2021.
  2. Bennell KL et al. Effect of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Placebo Injection on Pain and Medial Tibial Cartilage Volume in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: The RESTORE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2021.
  3. Peerbooms JC et al. Positive effect of an autologous platelet concentrate in lateral epicondylitis in a double-blind randomized controlled trial: platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection with a 1-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med, 2010.
  4. de Vos RJ et al. Platelet-rich plasma injection for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 2010.

Frequently asked questions about PRP therapy

How long do PRP injections last?
In knee osteoarthritis studies, up to 6–12 months, less in some patients. In tendinopathy the effect can last longer if you keep up the exercises. Duration varies.
How long does PRP take to work?
Usually 2–6 weeks. In the first days there may even be some pain after the injection — that is a normal reaction.
How many sessions are needed?
Most often 1–3 injections 2–4 weeks apart. The physician sets the schedule based on the diagnosis and the response to the first injection.
Is PRP painful?
The blood draw feels like a normal blood test. The injection is given after local anaesthesia; pain or pressure at the site may be felt for 1–2 days.
What are the side effects of PRP?
Pain and swelling for 1–3 days, sometimes a bruise. There is no allergy to your own plasma; infection is a rare complication of any injection.
Can I take painkillers after PRP?
Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) are usually avoided for 1–2 weeks after the procedure. If you need pain relief, physicians usually allow paracetamol.
Does PRP help stage 4 osteoarthritis?
The effect is usually weak. In severe osteoarthritis with joint deformity, joint replacement is more often discussed.
Which is better: PRP or hyaluronic acid?
In a meta-analysis of 18 trials in knee osteoarthritis, PRP gave better results at 6–12 months, though not in every study. The physician chooses based on the MRI.
How much does PRP cost in Germany?
Roughly €500–800 per injection; a course of 3 injections about €1,500–2,400. We give you the exact price after the MRI review.
How does RegenPAS help with PRP therapy?
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.

Related topics

PRP or hyaluronic acidCortisone injectionsStem cellsKnee osteoarthritisTennis elbowTreatment cost

Find out whether PRP is right for you

Send your MRI and describe your diagnosis. The coordinator replies within 24 hours; a clinic physician gives a preliminary opinion in 1–3 business days.

Send MRI
+49 160 573 6643