Elbow Pain! PRP Treatment Can Help Heal Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Faster: Say Goodbye to Pain
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common overuse injuries affecting the tendons of the forearm. These conditions result in persistent pain, reduced grip strength, and limited functionality, significantly impacting daily activities and sports performance. Traditional treatment methods, including rest, physiotherapy, corticosteroid - coinjections, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often provide temporary relief. However, regenerative medicine, particularly Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), has gained attention as an innovative approach to promoting tendon healing and reducing pain.
Understanding Conditions
Tennis Elbow: Pain on the outer elbow due to tendon tear, microtears or degeneration in tendon from repetitive strain.
Golfer’s Elbow: Inner elbow pain from tendon tear, microtears or degeneration in tendon from repetitive strain.
Both conditions requiring treatments that promote tissue repair and healing.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves using the patient’s own blood to accelerate the natural healing process. Blood is drawn and processed to concentrate platelets, which contain growth factors essential for tissue repair. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected directly into the affected tendon and around the tendon, stimulating cellular repair and regeneration. The process involves:
Blood Draw: 15–20 mL from the patient.
Centrifugation: Isolating platelet-rich plasma.
Injection: Delivering PRP to the injured tendon under ultrasound guidance ensures precise delivery to the injured tendon, enhancing safety and treatment effectiveness.
PRP for Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is characterised by inflammation due to tendon tear, microtears or degeneration in extensor tendons of the forearm, typically due to repetitive wrist extension movements. PRP therapy has been found to:
Reduce pain and improve grip strength.
Enhance tendon healing by stimulating collagen production.
Provide longer-lasting relief compared to corticosteroid injections, which may weaken tendons over time.
Clinical Evidence
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that PRP injections are superior to corticosteroids and placebo in providing long-term pain relief and functional improvement in tennis elbow patients. Patients receiving PRP have reported sustained benefits for up to 12 months.
PRP for Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow is characterised by inflammation due to tendon tear, microtears or degeneration in flexor tendons of the forearm, typically resulting from repetitive wrist flexion and gripping activities. PRP therapy is beneficial for golfer’s elbow by:
Enhancing tendon regeneration.
Reducing pain and inflammation.
Improving range of motion and functionality.
Clinical Evidence
Studies indicate that PRP therapy leads to significant pain reduction and improved functional outcomes in patients with lateral and medial epicondylitis, especially in those who have not responded to conventional treatments.
Benefits of PRP Therapy Over Traditional Treatments
Minimally Invasive: PRP injections avoid the risks associated with surgery.
Long-Lasting Results: Unlike corticosteroids, which offer short-term relief, PRP promotes long-term tendon healing.
Reduced Dependency on Pain Medications: PRP helps minimize the need for NSAIDs or opioids.
Personalized Treatment: Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, there is minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Procedure and Recovery
Preparation: Patients is usually advised to stop anti-inflammatory medications before the procedure to optimise PRP effectiveness.
Injection Process: Performed in an outpatient setting, often under ultrasound guidance for precision.
Post-Injection Care:
Rest for 24–48 hours.
Gradual return to activity with physiotherapy guidance.
Avoid NSAIDs, as they can interfere with the healing process.
Expected Timeline:
Initial pain relief may be noticed within a few weeks.
Full benefits typically seen over 3–6 months as tendon healing progresses.
Potential Risks and Considerations
PRP therapy is generally safe, but some potential risks include:
Temporary pain or swelling at the injection site.
Mild bruising or discomfort post-injection.
Rare risk of infection or nerve irritation. However, these risks are minimal compared to surgical interventions
Conclusion:
PRP therapy offers a promising, evidence-based treatment option for individuals suffering from tennis and golfer’s elbow, particularly those with chronic symptoms unresponsive to conventional therapies. With its ability to enhance tendon healing, reduce pain, and improve function, PRP serves as a regenerative alternative to steroid injections and surgery. Consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine whether PRP is the right choice for your condition.
References:
Everts, P., Onishi, K., Jayaram, P., Lana, J. F., & Mautner, K. (2022). Platelet-rich plasma for tendon pathologies: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(3), 883–897.
Summary: A 2022 meta-analysis confirming PRP’s efficacy in reducing pain and improving function in chronic tendon injuries, including lateral epicondylitis.
Lin, M. T., Chiang, C. F., Wu, C. H., Huang, Y. T., Tu, Y. K., & Wang, T. G. (2021). Comparative effectiveness of autologous blood-derived products, shock-wave therapy, and corticosteroids for lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 11325.
Summary: Network meta-analysis ranking PRP as superior to corticosteroids for long-term outcomes in lateral epicondylitis.
Fitzpatrick, J., Bulsara, M. K., O’Donnell, J., McCrory, P. R., & Zheng, M. H. (2020). Leucocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma treatment of gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(4), 873–881.
Summary: Though focused on hip tendons, this RCT highlights PRP’s regenerative potential, with implications for elbow tendinopathy management.
Karanasios, S., Tsamasiotis, G. K., Michopoulos, K., Sakellari, V., & Gioftsos, G. (2021). Clinical effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in lateral epicondylitis: A prospective randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(4), 709.
Summary: A 2021 RCT demonstrating PRP’s superiority over physical therapy alone for pain reduction and functional improvement.
Raeissadat, S. A., Karimzadeh, A., Hashemi, M., & Bagheri, M. (2020). Platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection for tennis elbow: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Pain Research, 13, 2039–2048.
Summary: PRP showed better long-term outcomes than corticosteroids in this 2020 trial, with sustained benefits at 6 months.
Chen, X., Jones, I. A., Togashi, R., Park, C., & Vangsness, C. T. (2022). Use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 17(1), 49.