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PRP and Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Injections
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common causes of chronic elbow pain. These conditions occur when the tendons that attach to the elbow become overloaded and degenerate over time.
Many patients are treated with cortisone (steroid) injections, which may temporarily reduce pain. However, steroids do not repair the damaged tendon and repeated injections can actually weaken tendon tissue and increase the risk of further degeneration or rupture.
Because of this, many patients are turning to regenerative treatments that help the tendon heal instead of simply masking the pain.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, we frequently treat tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow using high-dose PRP and shockwave therapy, two treatments that stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
High-Dose PRP for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is created from a small sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets and healing growth factors.
At our clinic we use high-dose PRP (double-spin PRP) to produce a higher concentration of healing factors.
These growth factors are injected directly into the injured tendon using ultrasound guidance to stimulate tissue repair.
High-dose PRP may help with:
• Chronic tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Degenerative tendon injuries
• Persistent elbow pain that has not improved with rest or therapy
PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural repair processes within the damaged tendon, helping improve tendon strength and function over time.
Shockwave Therapy to Stimulate Tendon Healing
Shockwave therapy is another powerful treatment for chronic tendon injuries.
Shockwave uses acoustic energy waves to stimulate blood flow and activate healing processes in degenerative tendon tissue.
Benefits of shockwave therapy include:
• Stimulating tendon repair
• Increasing blood flow to the injured area
• Breaking up chronic degenerative tissue
• Enhancing the effects of PRP treatment
Shockwave therapy is often used before PRP injections to help activate the healing environment within the tendon.
Treating the Entire Tendon — Not Just One Spot
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow rarely involve a single point of injury. Tendon degeneration often affects multiple fibers within the tendon and surrounding structures.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we often evaluate and treat the entire tendon attachment and surrounding tissue rather than focusing on one painful spot.
This comprehensive approach may include:
• Shockwave therapy across the degenerative tendon area
• Ultrasound-guided PRP injections into the damaged tendon
• Addressing surrounding tendon fibers contributing to pain
By improving the overall health of the tendon, regenerative treatments may provide more durable relief.
Natural Treatment for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow in Raleigh and Cary
Regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP and shockwave therapy allow physicians to support healing rather than relying on repeated steroid injections.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics we specialize in nonsurgical treatments designed to help patients recover from tendon injuries and stay active without surgery whenever possible.
If you are experiencing tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow in Raleigh or Cary, regenerative treatments may be an effective option.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR GOLFER'S ELBOW & TENNIS/PICKLEBALL ELBOW PAIN
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections).
When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
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Ultrasound-Guided Tendon Fenestration: Using the ultrasound, we can target the tendon and use a needle to stimulate healing by creating micro-damage to the tendon.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT GOLFER'S & TENNIS/PICKLEBALL ELBOW PAIN
Athletes are not the only people who get golfer's elbow & tennis/pickleball elbow. Many people with these conditions participate in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle. Golfer’s Elbow Signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow can include the following: elbow pain that appears suddenly or gradually, achy pain to the inner side of the elbow during activity, elbow stiffness with decreased range of motion, pain radiating to the inner forearm, hand, or wrist, weakened grip, pain that worsens with gripping objects, or pain that is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is flexed or bent forward toward the forearm. Tennis/Pickleball Elbow Painters, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly prone to developing tendonitis of the elbow. Studies have shown that auto workers, cooks, and even butchers can get tennis elbow more often than the rest of the population. It is thought that the repetition and weight lifting required in these occupations leads to injury. Age is also a factor, as people who get tennis elbow are often between the ages of 30 and 50, although anyone can get it if they have the risk factors.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013