Despite its name, tennis elbow is not exclusive to tennis players; anyone engaging in repetitive arm and wrist movements can develop this condition.
Our team at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists (IPRMS) in Arlington, Virginia, is often tasked with solving pain from joint issues like lateral epicondylitis.
Here’s more information about tennis elbow and why we often recommend adding PRP therapy to a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) occurs when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow become inflamed or develop micro-tears.
Common symptoms include:
Activities like painting, typing, gardening, and playing musical instruments can also cause tennis elbow.
Traditional treatments for epicondylitis include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and bracing. Your IPRMS provider may recommend including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in your strategy to enhance healing.
PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that utilizes platelets and growth factors in the patient’s blood to stimulate healing.
After drawing a small amount of blood and concentrating the platelets in a centrifuge, your provider injects the substance into the targeted treatment area.
The PRP procedure is relatively quick, typically taking 30–60 minutes. You may feel mild discomfort at the injection site, which usually resolves quickly.
Some individuals notice improvement within a few weeks. However, complete healing can take several weeks as the body gradually repairs the damaged tissues.
Adverse effects are rare. The components used in a PRP injection are from the patient, essentially eliminating allergic reactions, rejection, and other potential problems.
PRP therapy offers several benefits for individuals suffering from tennis elbow:
Growth factors in PRP accelerate tissue repair, addressing the root cause of the condition.
PRP has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with tennis elbow.
PRP therapy helps strengthen tendons and reduces re-injury risks by stimulating collagen production, one of the building blocks of tissue repair and regeneration.
PRP therapy is a quick outpatient procedure with minimal downtime that we perform in-office at IPRMS. It’s a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
Tennis elbow can be frustrating and limiting, but PRP therapy offers a cutting-edge healing and pain relief approach. PRP provides a nonsurgical solution to restore function and improve quality of life.
Schedule a visit at IPRMS today for more information about PRP therapy and other services we offer to solve chronic pain.
