Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) and 
Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) Therapy

Platelet-rich-plasma therapy (PRP) as well as autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) are forms of regenerative medicine. They harness the self-healing abilities and amplify natural growth factors our body uses to heal tissue. Platelet activation plays a key role in the body's natural healing process. A concentration of the patient’s own platelets is injected to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Thus, PRP or ACP injections use each individual patient's healing system to improve musculoskeletal disorders. PRP and ACP injections are prepared by taking anywhere from one to a few tubes of your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into your injured or diseased body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces. Ultrasound imaging is sometimes used to guide the injection.
www.hss.edu

Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP)​ and Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) Therapy can be applied in:

• Shoulder injuries such as injury of the supraspinatus tendon
• Low degree knee damage (arthritis)
• Support after meniscus sutures and healing in ACL injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Irritation or partial tear of the achilles tendon​
• Muscle injuries

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Microfracturing

High impact sports and metabolic disorders can damage the cartilage. Painful osteoarthritis is the consequence.

To reduce the progression of osteoarthritis, a minimal invasive surgical procedure called "microfracturing" may show good results. It is only recommended for one-sided cartilage defects (defects on one side of the joint). During the procedure, the bone on the surface of the defect is perforated with the help of a thin device, in order to extract stem cells and growth factors from the deeper bone marrow. Post OP, an unloading brace helps protect the process of cartilage defect closure. The result is a secondary cartilage surface, which may provide sufficient stabilization for dynamic exercising, but not for go-stop or full contact sports. It´s a safe procedure with a simple post operative protocol. After 6 weeks regular activity should be possible.
www.thesteadmanclinic.com