PRP injections may help some people with persistent tennis elbow, but the evidence is mixed. PRP uses a concentrated sample of your own blood, injected into the affected tendon to support the local healing response. Some studies report improvements in pain and function, particularly over the longer term, while others find little or no meaningful benefit compared with placebo. At Alton Pain Clinic, your clinician can assess whether PRP is appropriate based on your symptoms, diagnosis and previous treatment.
What Is a PRP Injection?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
It is prepared from a sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain various biological substances involved in tissue repair.
The PRP is then injected into the affected area.
Why Is PRP Used for Tennis Elbow?
Tendons can be slow to recover from persistent overuse and degenerative changes.
PRP has therefore been investigated as a treatment that may support the body’s repair processes rather than simply providing temporary symptom relief.
However, a biological mechanism does not automatically mean that a treatment produces a clinically meaningful improvement. This distinction is particularly important when considering PRP.
Why Do Some Studies Report Different Results?
One reason is that PRP is not a single standardised product.
Studies can differ in:
- The concentration of platelets
- Whether white blood cells are included
- The preparation method
- The injection technique
- The number of injections
- The severity and duration of symptoms
- The rehabilitation programme following treatment
- The length of follow-up
These differences make it difficult to compare every PRP study directly.
What Happens During a PRP Injection for Tennis Elbow?
If PRP is considered appropriate, your clinician will first assess your elbow and discuss your symptoms.
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm and processed to prepare the PRP.
The affected tendon can be assessed with ultrasound, and the injection can then be guided using real-time ultrasound imaging.
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound-guided injections are used to help the clinician accurately target the relevant area.
How Long Does PRP Take to Work?
PRP is not designed to provide immediate pain relief.
The elbow can feel sore following treatment, and improvement may take time if the treatment is effective.
Recovery varies between individuals, and your clinician will provide advice about activity and rehabilitation following your injection.
Is PRP Worth Considering?
Whether PRP is appropriate depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment and individual circumstances.
You should also understand that evidence for PRP in tennis elbow remains uncertain.
A proper assessment can help you understand the available treatment options rather than choosing an injection based solely on claims made online.
Discuss Your Elbow Pain With Our Clinicians
If tennis elbow has persisted despite conservative treatment, speak with our clinicians about your symptoms and treatment options.
Alton Pain Clinic provides musculoskeletal assessment and ultrasound-guided injection treatments in Alton, Hampshire.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP proven to cure tennis elbow?
No. Current evidence does not establish PRP as a guaranteed cure for tennis elbow.
How successful is PRP for tennis elbow?
Research findings vary considerably. Some studies report improvements, while higher-quality evidence has not consistently demonstrated clinically important benefits over placebo.
How long does PRP take to work for tennis elbow?
If it is effective, improvement may develop gradually over several weeks rather than immediately.
Can PRP make tennis elbow worse?
Temporary soreness or an increase in discomfort can occur following an injection. Your clinician will explain the expected post-treatment response and when to seek advice.
Can I exercise after PRP for tennis elbow?
You may need to modify activities temporarily following treatment. Your clinician will advise you on when and how to gradually return to exercise.