Elbow tendinopathy can cause persistent pain, weakness and difficulty with everyday movements such as gripping, lifting or twisting. When symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, PRP injections for elbow tendinopathy may be considered as part of a personalised treatment plan.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain proteins and growth factors involved in tissue repair. The resulting PRP is then injected into the affected area.
At Alton Pain Clinic, PRP injections can be performed using ultrasound guidance, allowing the clinician to visualise the affected tendon in real time and accurately target the area being treated.
What Is Elbow Tendinopathy?
Elbow tendinopathy refers to pain and dysfunction affecting the tendons around the elbow. It commonly develops following repetitive loading, overuse or activities that place repeated stress on the forearm and elbow.
Two common forms are:
- Tennis elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, which affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
- Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial elbow tendinopathy, which affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
Despite their names, you do not have to play tennis or golf to develop these conditions.
Symptoms can include elbow pain, tenderness, reduced grip strength and discomfort when lifting, gripping or moving the wrist.
How Can PRP Be Used for Elbow Tendinopathy?
PRP is intended to introduce a concentrated preparation of platelets into the affected area.
Platelets contain a range of biological substances involved in tissue repair. The proposed rationale for PRP treatment is that these substances may influence the local healing response within a damaged or degenerative tendon.
However, PRP is not a guaranteed treatment. Research into PRP for elbow tendinopathy has produced mixed results, with differences between studies in the PRP preparation, injection technique, patient selection and outcome measures.
What Does a PRP Injection for Elbow Tendinopathy Involve?
Your clinician will first assess your symptoms and examine the elbow.
Ultrasound may be used to assess the affected tendon and identify changes associated with tendinopathy.
If PRP is considered appropriate, a small amount of blood is taken from your arm. The sample is processed to separate and concentrate the platelets. The PRP is then injected into the affected area.
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound guidance can be used during the procedure to help the clinician visualise the tendon and accurately guide the injection.
Is PRP Suitable for Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
PRP has been investigated for both tennis elbow and other tendon conditions. It may be discussed where symptoms have persisted despite appropriate conservative management.
However, suitability depends on your individual diagnosis, symptoms, tendon changes, previous treatment and general health.
A proper assessment is therefore important before deciding whether a PRP injection for elbow tendinopathy is appropriate.
What Are the Potential Benefits of PRP?
Potential reasons for considering PRP include:
- It uses a preparation derived from your own blood.
- It is a minimally invasive treatment.
- It can be delivered directly to the affected area.
- Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to visualise the tendon during injection.
- It may be considered when symptoms have persisted despite other treatments.
It is important to understand that these are potential benefits rather than guaranteed outcomes.
How Long Does PRP Take to Work?
PRP does not generally provide the same immediate pain-relieving effect as a local anaesthetic or corticosteroid injection.
Some people experience increased tenderness or discomfort following the procedure before symptoms begin to settle. Improvement, if it occurs, may develop gradually over several weeks.
The timeframe varies according to the condition being treated, the severity and duration of symptoms, the PRP preparation and the individual’s response to treatment.
Why Choose Ultrasound-Guided PRP at Alton Pain Clinic?
At Alton Pain Clinic, our clinicians use ultrasound imaging to assess musculoskeletal conditions and guide appropriate injection procedures.
Ultrasound provides real-time visualisation of the relevant tendon and surrounding structures, helping the clinician target the intended treatment area accurately.
Your treatment will be considered in the context of your symptoms, examination findings and individual circumstances.
Book an Assessment at Alton Pain Clinic
If you have persistent elbow pain or suspected elbow tendinopathy, an assessment can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options.
At Alton Pain Clinic, our clinicians provide musculoskeletal assessment, ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided injections tailored to individual needs.
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 good for elbow tendinopathy?
PRP may be considered for some people with persistent elbow tendinopathy, but evidence of benefit is mixed. Your clinician can assess whether it is appropriate for your particular condition.
How painful is a PRP injection in the elbow?
Some discomfort, tenderness or aching can occur during and after a PRP injection. Your clinician will explain what to expect before treatment.
How long does PRP take to work for tennis elbow?
If PRP is effective, improvement may develop gradually over several weeks rather than immediately. Individual recovery varies.
Can PRP cure tennis elbow?
PRP should not be described as a guaranteed cure. Research has produced mixed findings regarding its effectiveness for tennis elbow.
Is PRP better than a steroid injection?
The evidence varies according to the outcome and follow-up period. Some studies have reported different short- and long-term results, so treatment should be selected according to the individual rather than assuming one injection is universally better.