Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, is one of the most common causes of stubborn outer elbow pain. It happens when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow become irritated and worn down from overuse. The name “tennis elbow” comes from the sport classically blamed for the injury, despite the sport not often being the actual cause in most patients. The motion of a tennis backhand shot involves repetitive wrist extension and forearm supination/rotation, which overloads the common extensor tendon that attaches on the outer elbow. Tennis directly causes only about 5% of cases, and most arise from occupational or other repetitive gripping and wrist activities such as gardening, painting, typing, and lifting.
Most cases improve with time, rest, activity changes, a forearm strap, and physical therapy. But for some people the pain lingers for months and gets in the way of work and daily life. When that happens, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the best options yto help get you out of pain for good.
What is PRP?
PRP is made from your own blood. A small sample is drawn from your arm, just like a routine blood test, and spun in a machine (a centrifuge) that concentrates the platelets. Platelets are tiny cells that release growth factors and natural proteins that your body uses to signal healing. The concentrated platelet solution is then injected into the injured tendon at your elbow. PRP delivers a high dose of these growth factors directly to the damaged tendon to encourage the tissue to repair itself, rather than simply masking the pain.
What happens during the procedure?
- Blood draw: A small amount of your blood is collected from your arm.
- Preparation: The blood is spun down over several minutes to separate and concentrate the platelets.
- Numbing: The skin over your elbow is cleaned and numbed.
- Injection: The outer elbow is cleaned and prepped with numbing medication. Then, using ultrasound for guidance for accuracy, the doctor injects the PRP into the sore tendon to stimulate healing.
- The whole visit usually takes about an hour, and you go home the same day.
Recovery: what to expect
- It’s normal to have more soreness in the elbow for a few days after the injection. This is the most common side effect and it usually settles on its own.
- It’s advised to rest the arm and avoid heavy lifting for the first couple of days after the PRP injection.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) are often discouraged for a short period, because they may work against the healing response PRP is trying to trigger.
- A guided physical therapy or strengthening program is often recommended afterward to get the best result.
- PRP is not a quick fix. Unlike a steroid shot, which can ease pain within days, PRP tends to work gradually over weeks to months as the tendon heals.
Does PRP actually work?
Several studies and reviews suggest PRP can provide meaningful, long-lasting relief for chronic tennis elbow, especially when other treatments have failed. In these studies, PRP often looked better than a steroid injection over the long term (6 months and beyond), even though steroids gave faster short-term relief. One randomized study following patients for 2 years found PRP produced greater improvement in pain and function than physical therapy or shockwave therapy.
Is it safe?
PRP has a strong safety record. Because it’s made from your own blood, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction or disease transmission from a donor. Across studies, the main downside is temporary pain or soreness at the injection site. Serious complications are rare.
Is PRP right for me?
PRP may be worth discussing if you have:
- Tennis elbow that has lasted several months
- Pain that hasn’t improved with rest, bracing, and physical therapy
- A desire to avoid or delay surgery
Talk to us
If elbow pain is holding you back, our team can examine your elbow, review what you’ve already tried, and help you decide whether PRP or another approach makes the most sense for you. The best treatment plan is the one tailored to your specific situation and goals.