ACP Injections
For the treatment of osteoarthritis, but also for muscle, tendon or ligament injuries, an alternative to traditional therapies has been available for some time. With the help of so-called autologous conditioned plasma (ACP), also called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis can be reduced and the healing of various tendon injuries can be promoted.
When recovering from an injury, a series of healing processes take place in the body. These processes are controlled by, among other things, growth factors from platelets that are activated in the event of an injury.
The ACP process significantly increases both the number of platelets and the concentration of growth factors, which has a positive influence on the course of pain and the healing process.
How does an ACP injection work?
Our blood contains platelets containing growth factors. These growth factors can contribute to the repair of tissue in sports injuries and reduce complaints in case of damage to the articular cartilage (osteoarthritis). The platelets are in the blood plasma. A small amount of blood (15 ml) is taken from a vein in the arm with a specially developed double syringe. The blood is then centrifuged to separate the blood plasma from the red and white blood cells. This blood plasma is then injected at the site of the injury where the growth factors can exert their action and support the healing process.
ACP in osteoarthritis (damage to the articular cartilage)
Aging processes, genetic predisposition, but also accidents or an excessive, one-sided load, can lead to wear of the articular cartilage. This wear and tear is called osteoarthritis and any joint can be affected. At the onset of osteoarthritis, the patient experiences complaints such as an unpleasant pulling sensation in the joint, morning stiffness or start-up pain. As the condition progresses, the pain gets worse and the patient has to limit his/her daily activities. As a result, the quality of life decreases. Treatment with ACP therapy works best for mild to moderate osteoarthritis, but can reduce symptoms and improve function with any degree of osteoarthritis.
ACP tendon lesions
ACP-injecties kunnen ook worden toegepast bij hardnekkige blessures. Peesaandoeningen waarvan is aangetoond dat ACP een gunstig effect kan hebben zijn chronische achillespeesklachten, chronische patellapeesklachten, hielspoor (fasciitis plantaris) en tenniselleboog (epicondylitis lateralis).
Hoe gaat een ACP-injectie in zijn werk?
To assess whether an ACP injection is the most suitable treatment for you, a consultation with the sports doctor will first take place. In some cases, an ultrasound examination will also be performed. If an ACP injection is decided upon, blood is drawn from the arm during a follow-up appointment and processed into ACP.
Immediately afterwards, the affected tendon or joint is injected. In some cases, a subcutaneous anesthetic will be given beforehand.
Would you like more information about this treatment, or do you want to know if you are eligible for it? Please contact us for further information or to make an appointment:
088-2290999
[email protected]
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