PRP THERAPY FOR ELBOW PAIN
At the Orlando Center for Regenerative Medicine, we use all-natural, minimally invasive procedures to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries that elbow pain. Our cutting-edge platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy treatments and highly advanced technology work together to reduce pain and heal a myriad of disorders that commonly affect the elbow. PRP therapy poses little risk to our patients, and is effective at healing many ailments without leaving unwanted scars.
Commonly Treated Elbow Conditions & Injuries Using PRP Therapy
Elbows are especially susceptible to injuries and there are a number of underlying medical conditions that may cause pain in active individuals. Various sports can put your elbow under a lot of stress – with tennis and golf being the most common causes of injury. Both golfer’s and tennis elbow are types of tendonitis conditions characterized by sharp pain that starts in the elbow and radiates into the forearm and wrist. While it is important to treat any pain as early as possible, elbow pain is especially important; if left untreated, the pain can often times become chronic and very difficult to cure.
At the Orlando Center for Regenerative Medicine, we have found that PRP therapy can successfully treat a number of elbow issues. This is supported through various studies relating to elbow pain specifically. A study conducted at the St. Elisabeth Hospital in Tilburg, Netherlands researched the effectiveness of both PRP therapy and corticosteroid injections in relation to tennis elbow across a year-long period. While those who received corticosteroid injections reported much faster pain relief, this was only a short-term effect. After a year, PRP-treated patients reported a 64% reduction in pain, and 84% improvement in disability – compared to the 24% and 17% of corticosteroid patients respectively.
Some of the most common elbow injuries and conditions we typically treat using PRP therapy are:
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Nerve Entrapment (Ulnar Nerve)
Instability
Benefits of PRP Therapy for Elbow Pain
PRP therapy is a short procedure and one that typically does not require extensive, post-operative rehabilitation. This type of regenerative medicine can provide long-term, and sometimes permanent, relief from elbow pain. PRP therapy allows the majority of our patients to return to a normal active lifestyle, without having to account for the decrease in mobility that is associated with surgery.
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
Our blood consists of liquid called plasma, along with small components of red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets contain proteins called growth factors, which are very important in the healing process when an injury occurs. Over time, we may begin to lose some of these powerful platelets that are in our body, making it harder for healing to occur. During PRP therapy, a concentrated source of the patient’s own platelets and growth factors are placed in the site of pain in order to promote regeneration in the body.
The PRP Therapy Treatment Process
A consultation with our center is required before being considered for PRP therapy in order to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your successful outcome is our #1 priority, and since PRP therapy is not for everyone, our highly trained medical team will only provide you with the most effective treatment options for your particular situation.
If our medical team finds that PRP therapy will be an effective treatment option for your specific injury or condition, you will work with our office to discuss any medication and/or supplements you are currently taking. In order to yield long-lasting benefits, we recommend that you refrain from any anti-inflammatory medication 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the procedure. You will not be required to fast from food or beverages before the procedure.
On the day of treatment, your procedure will be performed in one of our beautiful new treatment rooms at our center. PRP Therapy is considered minimally invasive and is done on an outpatient basis.
Treatment begins by obtaining a small amount of your blood. The blood is then placed in a high-spinning centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the components of the blood so that a rich, concentrated source of platelets is obtained. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the area of the body that is in need of regeneration. Many patients find the procedure to be completely painless. The entire treatment process takes around 45 to 60 minutes.