Non-Surgical Joint Treatment in Cologne
Cell therapy (SVF) and platelet-rich plasma for knee, hip and shoulder joints and beyond, plus a free look at your scans first
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
What is regenerative
joint treatment?
Regenerative care for joints is based on your own material. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is obtained from blood, and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from a small amount of adipose tissue; the doctor then injects it into the affected joint to reduce pain and inflammation and to support its internal tissues.
If you live with joint pain and hope to postpone or avoid surgery — or were told that replacement is the only option — this may be for you. How early the condition is matters for a lasting effect, and the doctor determines the stage from your scans.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Any joint, large or small — once the scans are reviewed, the doctor decides on the joint, the method and the number of injections
Elbow
Aching after strain from sport or overuse, joint surface wear
Hand and wrist joints
Stiff, painful small joints in the fingers and wrist
Knee
Meniscus problems, cartilage wear and pain on stairs or after a walk
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain as the arm goes up, wear of the joint and adjacent tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
A small sample of your adipose tissue is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a mix of cells involved in tissue repair. Combined with your own plasma, it is injected into the affected joint.
It is usually chosen when the changes in the joint are more pronounced and a longer-lasting effect is the goal.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is separated from a small amount of your blood and injected into the joint. It helps calm inflammation and creates better conditions for tissue repair.
It can be a course of injections on its own or be combined with SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
First comes an examination: the doctor checks the joint and your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound images and decides whether the procedure fits. If you have scans already, send them in advance.
Blood sample for PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, and it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is centrifuged and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated from it and mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor places the prepared material precisely by injecting it straight into the affected joint.
Follow-up
There are no crutches and you do not stay in hospital. After the procedure the doctor stays in contact and tracks the joint's response.
Consultation and scan review
First comes an examination: the doctor checks the joint and your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound images and decides whether the procedure fits. If you have scans already, send them in advance.
Blood sample for PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, and it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. There is no need for stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
The sample is centrifuged and divides into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated from it and mixed with platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor places the prepared material precisely by injecting it straight into the affected joint.
Follow-up
There are no crutches and you do not stay in hospital. After the procedure the doctor stays in contact and tracks the joint's response.
Follow-up visits
The plan is adjusted at follow-up visits, where the doctor sees how the joint is responding. Pain tends to ease within the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months.
Conditions we treat
Examination and scan review come first; then the doctor decides whether the treatment suits you
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: having a fever, a cold or flu, or inflamed skin over the joint to be treated
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
Recovery is short: most people go home the same day and are back to normal daily activity within a day or two, and the puncture sites only need small dressings. A slight increase in joint ache during the first week is an expected reaction. Typically pain eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies with the person, the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — no one can promise a fixed result. For the first weeks the doctor gives you individual advice on exercise and load.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Keeping your natural joint instead of replacing it is our goal — no surgery involved
Your own tissue
No donor or synthetic material: only your own blood and adipose tissue are used
No crutches
Local anaesthetic and punctures in place of incisions mean no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send any X-rays, MRI or reports and receive an independent assessment from a doctor for free
Support after the procedure
Contact continues after the procedure — we track the result, not just the injection itself
Joint treatment prices
The joint, the method and the stage of the condition determine the cost, so it is set after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PRP and SVF?
One is plasma, one is cells: PRP is platelet-rich plasma from your blood, SVF a cell fraction from a small adipose tissue sample. As they act in different ways, doctors often combine them to boost the regenerative effect in the joint.
Is the treatment safe?
Both approaches use tissue from your own body, which makes rejection or an allergic reaction very unlikely. Temporary pain, swelling or bruising may occur, as after any injection, and infection is rare. The risks for your particular case are explained by the doctor at the consultation.
How long does the effect last?
Duration is individual. PRP often works for several months to about a year, while SVF may last longer. It depends on the stage of the condition and your body, which is why no one can promise a fixed result.
Who should not have the procedure?
We do not perform the procedure in cases of cancer, acute infection, blood clotting disorders, pregnancy or a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. The doctor checks all of this at the consultation.
Is it possible to treat hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) without surgery?
At an early stage, combining PRP or SVF injections with exercise therapy and physiotherapy can reduce pain and help movement. When the joint is already badly damaged, replacement may be more realistic, and the doctor will say so honestly after seeing your scans.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
At an early stage (1–2), SVF therapy may help support the blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. Surgery is usually required at later stages.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
Joint replacement is a major operation: rehabilitation takes long, infection is among the risks, and an implant may one day have to be redone. With early or moderate changes it is often sensible to try keeping your own joint first.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Yes, you can. A doctor reviews the X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports you send free of charge and tells you if the procedure could suit you and what else may be needed.
How soon can I return to normal life?
In most cases within a day or two. No crutches, no long rehabilitation — the doctor recommends how to manage load and exercise in the first weeks.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
For shoulder joint and rotator cuff problems PRP is used, and for more advanced arthritis of the shoulder SVF may be considered. Suitability depends on the cause of your pain, and the doctor identifies that first.
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Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in Cologne: what you should know
The earlier the stage, the better the chance of a lasting effect. That is why patients from Cologne start with a review of their X-rays or MRI: the doctor assesses the joint and tells you honestly whether SVF or PRP is likely to help or whether another option is more realistic.
PRP can be given as a course of injections or together with SVF. The number of injections and the method are chosen individually for each patient from Cologne after the examination and scan review.
To get started, send your scans or book a visit. Patients from Cologne receive a free review, a clear answer on whether treatment is suitable, and the price for their case.
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