Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes a patient’s own blood to facilitate healing. This therapy is commonly used to improve injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. The PRP process involves concentrating platelets from a blood sample and injecting this concentrated solution into the affected area. This approach can be used to address various musculoskeletal conditions, like tennis elbow. Here’s more information on PRP treatments for tennis elbow:
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, clinically called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become inflamed or develop microscopic tears. Despite its name, this condition is not limited to tennis players. It can affect anyone who engages in repetitive wrist and arm movements.
The primary cause of this condition is the overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to tendon strain. Activities like painting, plumbing, carpentry, and frequent computer mouse use may contribute to its development. Symptoms often begin as a mild discomfort and can gradually worsen, leading to a persistent ache or radiating pain.
Symptoms may start as aches or a weak grip, but some other common symptoms include:
- Sharp or Burning Pain
- Inflammation
- Stiffness
How Can PRP Treat Tennis Elbow?
PRP therapy offers a potential approach for managing tennis elbow by concentrating growth factors and proteins that are instrumental in the body’s healing processes. When injected into a damaged elbow tendon, the concentrated platelets release these growth factors, which signal local cells to initiate tissue repair. The goal of this therapy is to support the body’s own repair mechanisms at the site of injury, reducing pain and inflammation over time.
PRP is a versatile treatment that is explored for various orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues. Other conditions where PRP may be recommended include:
- Chronic Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles Tendinitis, Jumper’s Knee)
- Acute Ligament and Muscle Injuries
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Hip, or Shoulder
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Tears
What Is a PRP Treatment Like?
A PRP treatment session for tennis elbow is a multi-step procedure performed in an outpatient setting. The process is generally straightforward and follows a clear protocol for precision. During a PRP treatment, a small sample of your blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
Preparing the Plasma
Your blood sample is then placed into a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed to separate the blood components. This process isolates and concentrates the platelets, creating the platelet-rich plasma solution. Once the concentrated plasma is ready, your physician will clean the skin over the outside of your elbow and may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Injecting the Solution
Using ultrasound guidance for accuracy, the prepared solution is carefully injected directly into the injured tendon. The length of time per session varies depending on the treatment area and the individual patient’s specific needs. For many, the entire procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete. Following the injection, you will be given post-procedure instructions, which may include resting your arm and avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period.
Learn More About PRP Therapy
PRP therapy uses a patient’s own biological material to support the healing of soft tissue injuries, like tennis elbow. By delivering a high concentration of platelets directly to the point of injury, it aims to enhance the natural repair process. This approach may be an option for individuals seeking to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause of tendon-related pain. To learn more about PRP, contact a medical provider today.
