Occasionally, patients are somewhat afraid of needles and ask us to avoid injections if possible. Of course, we comply with our patients' wishes. With me, every patient can have a say in their treatment. I advise, explain, and present various treatment options that can be used individually or in combination. Treatment without injections does not have to be any less effective. Experience has shown that treatment without injections usually takes significantly longer.
Patients who have already had experience with other orthopedists notice a significant difference in the way we administer injections. We monitor the injection using ultrasound and constantly check the position of the cannula on the monitor.
This ensures that we inject the serum precisely into the area where it can be most effective. On the other hand, our patients find this type of ultrasound-guided injection particularly gentle. Another advantage of ultrasound-guided injections is that they can be placed in such a way that the actual injection is not painful and “after-effects” (pain after the injection) can be largely avoided.
The injection does not cause any pain when administered correctly into a joint. There are various techniques and options for this. For example, the injection with the body's own plasma can be administered above, below, or even into the tendon. If the injection is administered to the tendon sheath, pain during the injection or “after-effects” are virtually impossible. In contrast, there are also special indications where an injection can or must be administered directly into the tendon, which means that the actual injection may be painful and/or a feeling of pressure may remain at the injection site for 1-2 days. The secondary development and overall course are always the main focus. This is always discussed with the patient beforehand. The patient decides!
Many patients who were previously critical of injection therapy but tried it anyway thanks to our ultrasound monitoring have overcome their reservations. Some follow the injection and the introduction of the serum with interest on the ultrasound monitor and are thus distracted from the actual procedure in the body. I regularly hear: “Oh, was that it?”
We provide our patients with comprehensive advice when it comes to weighing up the risks and benefits of injection therapy. We do everything we can to virtually eliminate every conceivable risk. This includes ultrasound monitoring of the injection, careful and repeated sterilization of the skin, wearing a respirator mask and sterile gloves, and continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs.
We are convinced of the benefits of injection therapy! Depending on the diagnosis and indication, the following are used:
- Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid and cartilage. Since hyaluronic acid can bind water, it contributes to friction-free joint mechanics. In the case of osteoarthritis – when the joints are worn out – the injected hyaluronic acid takes on the function of a natural lubricant. The cartilage layer becomes more slippery again, allowing the joint to bear weight and move more easily. Unserer Praxis stehen verschiedene Sorten von Hyaluronsäure mit unterschiedlichen Molekulargewichten in abgestufter Konzentration zur Verfügung, um in kontinuierlicher Abstimmung mit dem Patienten ein optimales Behandlungsergebnis zu erreichen. Immer wieder kommt die Frage, ob die Hyaluronsäure den Knorpel wieder aufbaut oder regeneriert. Beides trifft leider nicht zu! It merely serves as a lubricant and buffer between the two joint partners. Depending on the extent of wear and tear and the individual's daily activities, the substances are used up again, so that in most cases regular, intermittent application is necessary to maintain an appropriate level and thus pain relief or freedom from pain, which goes hand in hand with an improved quality of life.
- Blood plasma (autologous blood) – We extract the blood plasma from the patient's blood and produce it ourselves using our practice's own centrifuge. Depending on the duration and speed of centrifugation, the concentration can be increased to a maximum. As a substance produced by the body, blood plasma does not contain any synthetic additives. Es kommt zu keinen unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen, und die Behandlung mit Blutplasma wird von nahezu allen Patienten vertragen. Wir sind von der Blutplasma-Therapie überzeugt, denn die Behandlung ist hoch wirksam regenerativ und wirkt darüber hinaus entzündungshemmend. Im Vergleich zu anderen Substanzen bietet die Eigenbluttherapie für den Patienten auch preislich ein besonders attraktives Kosten/Nutzen-Verhältnis. We also always inject blood plasma under ultrasound guidance. This ensures that we inject the serum exactly where it can have the maximum effect, directly at the joint, tendon, or ligaments.
- Traumeel/Zeel – Traumeel is available in many different forms, including tablets, gel, and ointments. Traumeel and Zeel are also most effective and successful when administered as injections. We use Traumeel/Zeel for muscle tension, muscle injuries, tendon irritation, nerve irritation, and in cases of contraindications to other anti-inflammatory substances or cortisone intolerance.
- Ortoton/Myopridin – Muscle relaxants are used where muscle tension is the cause or consequence of complaints, particularly in the back area, but also in the arms or legs, depending on the indication.
- Cortisone – With cortisone injections, we combat the inflammation directly in the affected area. If the patient responds positively, this confirms that we have correctly identified the area and already contained the inflammation. We have a variety of cortisone options to choose from. This allows us to achieve the best possible tolerability for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other pre-existing conditions. Depending on the indication, this usually one-time cortisone injection is followed by several weeks of therapy combining shock wave and autologous blood therapy, supported by physiotherapy exercises under the guidance of our practice's own team of physiotherapists.
- Collagen – We use collagen injections to treat the intervertebral discs and vertebral joints in the spine. Unlike in larger joints (such as the knee, shoulder, or hip), collagen can be effective in the vertebral joints and intervertebral discs. Collagen has virtually no undesirable side effects and is ideal for many indications. Various types of collagen are used for this purpose.
- Ozone-oxygen – A mixture of pure ozone and 100% oxygen is used to trap free radicals and thus metabolic waste products and increase the oxygen turnover of the muscles. This relaxes the muscle and allows it to work better or resume its function. This injection is mainly used for back pain (weak spots and muscular tension/hardening).