Autologous Blood Therapy (PRP) for Knee Pain, Osteoarthritis, and Sports Injuries

Autologous Blood Therapy (PRP/ACP) for Joint Pain, Osteoarthritis, and Sports Injuries

Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) for the Treatment of Joint, Tendon, and Muscle Conditions

ACP therapy (autologous conditioned plasma) is a modern form of autologous blood therapy, also known as PRP therapy. In this procedure, platelet-rich plasma is extracted from a small amount of the patient’s own blood and injected directly into the affected area.

The platelets and the body’s own growth factors contained in plasma can support natural regeneration and healing processes. The treatment is used in particular for knee pain, osteoarthritis, and conditions and injuries affecting tendons, muscles, and ligaments.

Since only components of the patient's own blood are used, this is a minimally invasive treatment method that utilizes the body's own resources.

When is ACP autologous blood therapy an option?

Depending on the diagnosis and individual findings, ACP autologous blood therapy may be an option for the following conditions, among others:

• Knee Pain and Knee Osteoarthritis

• early to moderate stages of osteoarthritis

• joint pain caused by physical strain

• Tendon Irritation and Tendon Injuries

• Muscle Injuries

• Ligament Injuries

• sports-related strain injuries

• selected chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Platelets play an important role in stopping bleeding and promoting wound healing when injuries occur. ACP therapy specifically utilizes these endogenous components to support regenerative processes in the treated tissue.

How does ACP autologous blood therapy work?

Platelets play an important role in natural wound healing. In ACP therapy, these endogenous components are extracted from the blood and concentrated.

The plasma obtained is then injected directly into the affected joint or tissue. The goal of the treatment is to support the body’s natural healing processes and to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

ACP Therapy with Dr. Matthias Schmied in Zurich

Dr. Matthias Schmied , M.D., is an FMH-certified specialist in orthopedic surgery and provides personalized advice on conservative and regenerative treatment options for joint problems and sports injuries.

Contact Dr. Schmied for an initial consultation via online booking:

Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP)

During the healing process of an injured tissue, a number of different interlocking processes take place in the body. These processes are regulated, among other things, by the so-called growth factors - signal substances that are released by the blood platelets or thrombocytes. Platelets are constantly present in the blood and are activated, for example, in the event of an injury. They then release the growth factors at the site of the injury to start and promote the healing process.

If the body's own blood is now processed accordingly, this effect can be specifically enhanced. It has been proven that the ACP procedure significantly increases both the number of platelets and the concentration of growth factors. In recent years, the positive influence on the course of pain and the healing process has been intensively investigated and confirmed.

ACP in application

A small amount of blood (15 ml) is taken from the arm vein using a specially developed double syringe. Subsequently, the blood is separated by means of centrifugation. This separates the part of the blood that contains the body's own regenerative and anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory components. Subsequently, this part of the blood is separated with the help of the double syringe. Now the active components of the blood are ready for injection into the affected area.

The injected platelets now begin to release growth factors in the affected area, which support the healing and regeneration processes. The double chamber system enables both a sterile blood collection and a subsequent sterile injection of the growth factors and thus offers protection against infections.

ACP for arthrosis (damage to the joint cartilage)

Aging processes, genetic predisposition, but also excessive one-sided stress or accidents can lead to signs of wear on the joint cartilage. This wear and tear is called arthrosis and any joint can be affected. At the onset of arthrosis, symptoms such as an unpleasant pulling sensation in the joint, stiffness in the morning or pain on start-up occur. As the disease progresses, the pain becomes more severe and daily activities have to be restricted. As a result, the quality of life naturally decreases.

As many examples in our practice show, ACP therapy can lead to good results in all degrees of arthritis with individual differences.

ACP for injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments

A frequent cause of musculoskeletal injuries is biomechanical overloading or incorrect loading. The musculature reacts with strains or fibre tears. In the case of tendons, inflammation, persistent irritation or even tears can occur. A torn ligament is not uncommon.

Applications for sports injuries

In the case of sports injuries, we have also found that ACP therapy can be used to support other therapies and contribute to an accelerated healing process.

• Fresh muscle injury

• Chronic tendonitis (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles tendon, patella tendon)

• Torn ligaments (e.g. external ligament of the ankle joint)