Leech therapy in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
In leech therapy, medicinal leeches are placed on the skin. While sucking, they release substances from their saliva, including hirudin, which inhibits blood clotting. We use leech therapy as a complementary treatment for joint and soft tissue complaints, most commonly for osteoarthritis of the knee. The treatment is carried out personally by Dr. Homssi, specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, at his practice in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg.
Leech therapy at a glance
- Use: complementary treatment for joint and soft tissue complaints, mainly knee osteoarthritis
- Procedure: a number of leeches feed until they detach on their own
- Duration of a session: approximately 1 to 2 hours, including preliminary discussion and dressing
- Afterwards: post-treatment bleeding for up to 24 hours, loose dressing
- Sessions: we will discuss the number and interval with you beforehand
- Costs: self-pay service, price on enquiry
How does a treatment proceed?
This video is from the Davinci Medic practice and is shown with the patient's consent.
Before the treatment
- Only pause blood-thinning medication after consulting with us, never on your own.
- Do not apply creams, lotions or fragrances to the area on the day of treatment.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing so the dressing does not press afterwards.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
What do we use leech therapy for?
Leech therapy is most commonly used for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Studies exist in which patients reported less pain in the weeks afterwards. The IGeL-Monitor of the statutory health insurers nevertheless rates the benefit as tending towards negative, because there are only a few, small studies. Other areas of use include, for example, osteoarthritis of the thumb saddle joint or tennis elbow, although the evidence base here is even thinner.
Whether leech therapy is suitable in your case, and what you can realistically expect, we discuss beforehand in a consultation. A treatment outcome cannot be promised.
When is leech therapy not suitable?
We do not treat patients with an increased tendency to bleed, those on blood-thinning medication that cannot be paused, during pregnancy, or where there are skin problems at the site. We clarify everything else in the preliminary discussion.
Possible side effects
Itching at the bite sites and small bruises are common. Small scars may remain visible. Rarely, inflammation of the bite site or an allergic reaction can occur. If the area swells significantly or you develop a fever, please contact us immediately.
What does leech therapy cost?
Leech therapy is a self-pay service. We will tell you the costs on enquiry and before the treatment begins.
Frequently asked questions about leech therapy
Does the treatment hurt?
The bite feels similar to a mosquito bite. The stinging sensation usually subsides after a few minutes, as the leech’s saliva lightly numbs the area.
Where do the leeches come from?
We use medicinal leeches from a medical breeding facility.
What happens to the leeches afterwards?
Each leech is used only once and only on one person.
What do I need to be aware of after the treatment?
Keep the dressing loose and change it if it becomes soaked with blood. Showering is usually possible from the next day; please avoid bathing, sauna and sport for a few days. Do not scratch, even if it itches. We will examine the bite sites the next day.
Does the health insurance cover the costs?
As a rule, no. Statutory health insurers usually do not cover leech therapy. Some private health insurers or supplementary insurances reimburse part of the cost; it is best to ask them beforehand.
How many sessions are necessary?
This depends on the complaint. Whether further sessions are advisable, and at what intervals, we will discuss with you after the first treatment.
Do scars remain?
Small scars may remain visible at the bite sites. They are usually small and often fade over time.
Can I work after the treatment?
Because of the post-treatment bleeding, you will need a loose dressing that must be changed. It is best to plan to rest for the remainder of the day. We will discuss with you when you can resume work or sport.
Where does the treatment take place?
At the orthopaedic practice of Dr. Homssi (specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery) at Greifswalder Straße 137-138 in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, accessible by tram M4 and the S-Bahn to Greifswalder Straße. The preliminary discussion and examination are carried out by the doctor.
Request a consultation appointment
Would you like to know whether leech therapy is suitable for you? Write to us using the contact form or by email to info@davincimedic.de.