Tennis elbow can cause ongoing pain around the outside of the elbow, particularly when gripping, lifting or repeatedly using the wrist and forearm. Despite its name, the condition is not limited to tennis players and can affect anyone whose activities place repeated strain on the elbow tendons.
For people with persistent symptoms, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections for tennis elbow pain may be considered as part of a personalised treatment plan. PRP uses a concentrated preparation made from your own blood and is injected into the affected area.
At Alton Pain Clinic, PRP injections for tennis elbow are performed using ultrasound guidance, allowing the clinician to visualise the affected structures during the procedure.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
Repetitive loading of these tendons can cause pain and tenderness, particularly during activities involving gripping, lifting or wrist movements. You do not need to play tennis to develop the condition.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow pain include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Tenderness around the outer elbow
- Pain when gripping or lifting
- Discomfort when moving the wrist
- Pain that extends into the forearm
- Difficulty with activities such as opening jars or carrying objects
Many cases improve with conservative treatment and time. However, symptoms can sometimes persist and interfere with work, exercise and everyday activities.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow develops when the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow are repeatedly loaded.
Activities that involve frequent gripping, lifting or repetitive wrist movements may contribute to the condition. This can include sports, manual work, computer-related activities and other repetitive tasks.
How can PRP help tennis elbow?
The aim of PRP treatment for tennis elbow is to support the body’s natural response to tendon injury or degeneration.
Rather than simply providing temporary pain relief, PRP is intended to be part of a treatment approach that supports recovery of the affected tendon.
However, it is important to understand that the evidence surrounding PRP for tennis elbow is not completely consistent. Clinical studies have reported different results, so PRP cannot be guaranteed to improve symptoms in every patient.
Your clinician can discuss whether PRP for tennis elbow is appropriate based on your symptoms, examination and previous treatment.
When might PRP for tennis elbow be considered?
PRP may be considered when tennis elbow symptoms have persisted despite appropriate conservative treatment.
This may include people who have already tried:
- Activity modification
- Targeted strengthening exercises
- Stretching and rehabilitation
- Other non-surgical treatments
PRP is not necessarily required for every person with tennis elbow. An assessment is important before deciding whether an injection is appropriate.
How does a PRP injection for tennis elbow work?
A platelet rich plasma injection for tennis elbow involves collecting and preparing your own blood before delivering the resulting PRP to the affected area.
The procedure generally involves:
1. Clinical assessment
Your clinician will discuss your symptoms and examine your elbow. Your medical history and previous treatments will also be considered.
Where appropriate, ultrasound imaging can help assess the tendon and identify structural changes.
2. Blood collection
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm.
3. PRP preparation
The blood sample is processed using a centrifuge. This separates the blood components and allows a concentrated platelet-rich preparation to be obtained.
4. Ultrasound-guided injection
The PRP is then injected into the affected tendon under ultrasound guidance.
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of the area being treated and allows the clinician to guide the needle towards the intended treatment site.
5. Recovery and rehabilitation
You will receive individual advice about activity and rehabilitation following your PRP injection for tennis elbow.
A gradual return to normal activity may be recommended, depending on your symptoms and response to treatment.
Why have an ultrasound-guided PRP injection?
Ultrasound allows the clinician to see the tendon and surrounding structures during the procedure.
This can help with:
- Identifying the affected tendon
- Assessing tendon structure
- Planning the injection
- Guiding the needle during treatment
- Visualising the treatment area in real time
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound-guided PRP injections are used for appropriate patients.
PRP injection recovery time
PRP injection recovery time varies from person to person.
Your elbow may feel sore or more uncomfortable for a short period following treatment. This can occur as the treated area responds to the injection.
You may be advised to temporarily reduce activities that place significant stress on the tendon. Your clinician will explain when you can begin increasing activity.
PRP is not an immediate pain-relief treatment. Any improvement may develop gradually over the following weeks, and the response can vary between individuals.
How long does PRP take to work for tennis elbow?
There is no fixed timeframe that applies to everyone.
Some patients may notice changes in their symptoms over the following weeks, while others may take longer to improve. The duration and severity of the tendon problem, rehabilitation and individual healing response can all influence recovery.
It is therefore important not to judge the outcome of a PRP injection for tennis elbow immediately after the procedure.
How many PRP injections are needed?
There is no universal number of injections required for every patient.
The appropriate treatment plan depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical findings and response to treatment. Some treatment protocols involve a single injection, while others may use more than one.
Your clinician will discuss the recommended approach with you rather than assuming that the same number of injections is appropriate for everyone.
PRP injection benefits
Potential benefits of PRP injection for tennis elbow include:
- Uses a preparation made from your own blood
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Can be performed without surgery
- Can be targeted towards the affected tendon
- Can be performed using ultrasound guidance
- May improve pain and function in some patients
However, PRP does not guarantee a successful outcome. Research into PRP for tennis elbow has produced varying results, and individual responses differ.
PRP vs steroid injection for tennis elbow
PRP and corticosteroid injections are different treatments and have different intended effects.
A corticosteroid injection may reduce pain relatively quickly, whereas PRP is intended to support the body’s natural tissue-repair processes.
The appropriate tennis elbow injection depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment and individual circumstances.
How much does a PRP injection for tennis elbow cost?
The PRP injection for tennis elbow cost varies between clinics depending on the treatment provided and whether ultrasound guidance is included.
PRP treatment for tennis elbow at Alton Pain Clinic
Persistent tennis elbow pain can interfere with work, exercise and everyday activities. If conservative treatment has not provided sufficient improvement, PRP may be one of the options to discuss with a clinician.
At Alton Pain Clinic, PRP injections for tennis elbow are performed using ultrasound guidance. Your clinician will assess your symptoms and discuss whether PRP is appropriate for you, including the potential benefits, limitations, risks and expected recovery.
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
Can PRP treat chronic tennis elbow?
PRP may be considered for people with persistent or chronic tennis elbow, particularly when symptoms have not improved sufficiently with conservative treatment. An assessment is needed to determine whether it is appropriate.
Is PRP a cure for tennis elbow?
PRP should not be described as a guaranteed cure. It may help some patients with persistent tennis elbow, but treatment outcomes vary.
How quickly can I return to exercise after PRP?
Your return to exercise depends on the tendon being treated, your symptoms and your individual recovery. You may initially need to reduce activities that place significant stress on the elbow before gradually increasing activity.
How long does PRP last for tennis elbow?
There is no guaranteed duration of benefit. The response to PRP varies between individuals and depends on factors including the underlying tendon problem.
Is PRP suitable for everyone with tennis elbow?
No. Many people with tennis elbow improve without injections. PRP may be considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, but a clinical assessment is needed first.