If you’ve been told you have “tennis elbow,” you might assume you need to play tennis to get it.
You don’t.
Contrary to the name, most cases have nothing to do with tennis.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow – medically known as lateral epicondylitis – involves irritation, inflammation, or more commonly degeneration of the tendon that attaches your forearm muscles to the outer portion of your elbow.
The tendon most often involved is the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB).
Despite the “-itis” in the name, most chronic cases are not purely inflammatory, they are degenerative. Degenerative tendon problems require a different approach than simple rest or anti-inflammatory medication.
How Common Is It — and Who Gets It?
Tennis elbow affects approximately 1–3% of adults annually, most commonly between ages 30–60. It is a repetitive strain condition.
We frequently see it in:
- Pickleball and tennis players
- Weightlifters
- Contractors and mechanics
- Office workers using a mouse for long periods
- Parents lifting young children
Why PRP Has Been Studied for Tennis Elbow
Because chronic lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative tendon condition, researchers have investigated whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may support tendon healing.
Several peer-reviewed studies have examined its role:
A multicenter randomized controlled trial published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrated significant long-term pain improvement in patients with chronic tennis elbow treated with PRP compared to control groups (1).
Another randomized study, also published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, found that while corticosteroid injections may offer short-term relief, PRP showed more durable improvements at longer-term follow-up (2).
A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis, again in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, concluded that leukocyte-rich PRP demonstrated superior long-term outcomes compared to corticosteroid injections in chronic tendinopathies, including lateral epicondylitis (3).
While results vary based on patient selection and technique, the growing body of literature supports PRP as a potential option in appropriately selected chronic cases.
The Top 3 Reasons Your Tennis Elbow Treatment Failed
Many patients come to our practice after trying therapy or even PRP — without lasting improvement.
When PRP does not deliver expected results, it is usually for one of three reasons.
1. The Platelet Concentration Was Too Low
Not all PRP is the same. The effectiveness of PRP depends heavily on how it is processed. Many bedside centrifuge systems produce relatively modest platelet concentrations.
At New Regeneration Orthopedics, we utilize advanced proprietary lab processing designed to achieve higher platelet concentrations than many standard bedside systems.
Why does that matter?
Platelets release growth factors that signal the body to initiate a repair response. If the biologic signal is too weak, the tendon may not receive sufficient stimulus to remodel. Processing protocols matter.
2. The Injection Was Not Precisely Targeted
Tennis elbow involves specific degenerative zones within the tendon. If PRP is not delivered precisely into the diseased portion of the tendon, under ultrasound guidance, outcomes can be inconsistent. Blind injections into the general elbow region are not equivalent to image-guided targeting of the pathologic tissue.
At our practice, ultrasound is used to identify tendon degeneration and guide precise placement during every procedure. Precision matters.
3. The Diagnosis Was Incomplete
Not all outer elbow pain is true lateral epicondylitis. Conditions that can mimic tennis elbow include:
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Ligament tears
- Elbow instability
- Cervical spine referral
If the true pain generator is not correctly identified, even a properly performed PRP procedure may not succeed. This is why comprehensive evaluation is critical before pursuing regenerative procedures.
Why Our Approach Is Different
At New Regeneration Orthopedics, our approach is built around:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Advanced processing protocols
- Image-guided precision
- Structured rehabilitation planning
PRP is not a one-size-fits-all injection. It is a biologic tool, and its effectiveness depends on expertise, technology, and patient selection.
Our goal is always the same: To help you move forward with reduced pain and improved function — using the least invasive path appropriate for your condition.
When to Seek Evaluation
If you have:
- Persistent outer elbow pain lasting more than 6–8 weeks
- Pain with gripping or lifting
- Symptoms that returned after prior treatment
A comprehensive evaluation can help determine:
- Whether this is true degenerative tendon disease
- Whether PRP is appropriate
- Or whether a different approach is needed
If you’re dealing with ongoing elbow pain, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options.
References:
- Mishra AK, Skrepnik NV, Edwards SG, et al. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for chronic tennis elbow: a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 230 patients. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(2):463-471. doi:10.1177/0363546513494359
- Krogh TP, Fredberg U, Stengaard-Pedersen K, Christensen R, Jensen P, Ellingsen T. Treatment of lateral epicondylitis with platelet-rich plasma, glucocorticoid, or saline: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(3):625-635. doi:10.1177/0363546512472975
- Chen X, Jones IA, Park C, Vangsness CT Jr. The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Tendon and Ligament Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Bias Assessment. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(8):2020-2032. doi:10.1177/0363546517743746
