Proteins such as alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) and others are the body’s natural cartilage protectors. We concentrate these powerful proteins from your own blood to block the destructive enzymes that destroy joint tissue and accelerate arthritis and tendon damage.
A cutting-edge approach to slowing osteoarthritis progression and protecting the cartilage you still have.
Traps and neutralizes cartilage-destroying enzymes
Made entirely from your own blood
Blood draw and injection in one visit
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a large protein molecule that your body naturally produces. Think of it as a molecular "trap" that captures and neutralizes the destructive enzymes (proteases) responsible for breaking down cartilage in your joints.
In a healthy joint, A2M and other proteins help maintain the balance between cartilage breakdown and repair. But in osteoarthritis, destructive enzymes overwhelm your body's natural protective mechanisms. Cartilage breaks down faster than it can be repaired, leading to pain, stiffness, and progressive joint damage.
By concentrating A2M and other proteins from your blood and injecting it directly into the affected joint, we dramatically increase the protective protein levels where they're needed most - helping to slow cartilage loss and protect your joint from further damage.
MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinases) and other enzymes actively break down cartilage proteins, accelerating joint deterioration.
A2M is a "molecular trap" - it captures destructive enzymes and permanently deactivates them, stopping cartilage damage.
With concentrated A2M in your joint, cartilage destruction slows, giving your body a chance to heal.
Blood Protein Concentrate with A2M is commonly combined with PRP therapy to optimize benefits, protect cartilage, and improve tendon health.
A straightforward, same-day procedure in our office
1. We draw blood from your arm with a specialized device, often at the same time as a PRP procedure.
Your blood is processed using specialized equipment to concentrate plasma proteins including A2M.
The concentrated A2M is prepared for injection. The entire process takes about 30 minutes.
Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Buchheit injects the A2M concentrate directly into your joint.
Dr. Buchheit and his team use ultrasound imaging during injection to ensure the A2M concentrate is delivered precisely where it's needed. This image-guided approach ensures accuracy and safety while maximizing the therapeutic benefit.
A2M is particularly valuable for protecting cartilage in weight-bearing joints
A2M therapy is particularly valuable for patients who want to slow the progression of their arthritis and protect the cartilage they still have. It works best when there's cartilage remaining to protect.
Best results when there's still cartilage to protect
Patients experiencing fast cartilage loss need protection
Previously injured joints benefit from added protection
Works well alongside PRP and other regenerative therapies
Most patients can return to normal activities immediately. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.
A2M's protective effects begin immediately. Pain relief typically develops over several weeks as inflammation decreases.
The frequency depends on your condition. Some patients benefit from periodic treatments, while others maintain improvement for extended periods.
Cortisone suppresses inflammation but can actually accelerate cartilage breakdown with repeated use. Blood protein concentrate works by blocking the enzymes that destroy cartilage - it's protective rather than just symptomatic relief. Blood protein concentrate is also made from your own blood, while cortisone is a synthetic steroid.
Blood protein concentrate's primary role is protection - it stops further cartilage breakdown rather than rebuilding what's already lost. However, by blocking destructive enzymes and reducing inflammation, it creates an environment where natural repair processes can occur. For cartilage regeneration, we often combine blood protein concentrate with PRP therapy.
The procedure involves a simple blood draw and joint injection, similar to other joint injections. Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. We can use local anesthesia to numb the injection site if desired. The entire procedure is well-tolerated.
Duration varies by patient and condition severity. Many patients experience relief for 6-12 months or longer. Since blood protein concentrate protects cartilage from ongoing damage, periodic treatments may help maintain joint health over time. We'll discuss a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
Blood Protein Concentrate, like many regenerative therapies, is often not covered by insurance. At TRM&BC, we provide transparent pricing and can offer a statement of services if you want to submit it to your insurance carrier. Many patients find our therapies to be cost-effective compared to ongoing medication expenses or the costs and recovery time involved with surgery.
Find out if protein concentrate therapy can help protect your cartilage.
