Elbow Pain Treatment

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, PRP may not be suitable for you at this time. However, alternative non-PRP treatments may still be available to address your condition.
1.    History of previous prosthetic elbow joint replacement?

• PRP is never injected directly into a prosthetic elbow joint, but it can however be used in the soft tissues around the elbow joint such as hip bursitis or tendonitis/epicondylitis. 

2.    History of one of these blood disorders? 

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Coagulation disorders (such as hemophilia)
• Platelet dysfunction syndromes

3.     Active Infections?

• Local infection at the injection site (e.g., skin infection)
• Systemic infections or sepsis
• Chronic infections such as untreated Lyme disease

4.     Active cancer?

• Active cancer or metastasis, particularly in the treatment area
• Recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy

5.    Currently pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• PRP therapy is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of safety data in these populations.

6.    Use of antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) that cannot be held pre-procedure (at least 7 days) and post-procedures (for at least 14 days) as these medications may interfere with the effectiveness of PRP and increase bleeding risk.
7.    Uncontrolled chronic disease?

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Severe cardiovascular disease or hypertension

8.    Allergy to PRP process ingredients?

• Although rare, a history of allergic reactions to components used in the PRP process, such as anticoagulants, may pose a contraindication.

The cost of each personalized treatment plan varies based on the specific therapies involved, the number of injections required, and other factors unique to each patient's plan. Typically, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,500 per session, depending on the treatments provided. 
You may require just one session for long-lasting relief while others may require two or three sessions to achieve similar results. Please be aware that most insurance companies do not cover Regenerative Medicine treatments, including PRP therapy.

The recovery time after a PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injection for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) varies depending on the severity of the condition, the individual’s overall health, and adherence to post-procedure care. Here's a general timeline:

• Rest and Limited Activity: Patients are typically advised to rest the arm and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days. Some mild pain, swelling, or soreness at the injection site is common.
• Brace or Sling: In some cases, we may recommend using a brace or sling to immobilize the elbow for a short period to aid healing.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used, but anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) are usually avoided for at least 2 weeks after PRP, as they could interfere with the PRP healing process.

• Light Activities: Gentle, everyday activities can usually resume within a few days to a week. Patients may still experience some discomfort, but this should gradually decrease.

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often introduced within 1 to 2 weeks after the injection but is based on your unique case. The focus will be on regaining strength, mobility, and flexibility while reducing stress on the elbow.
• Pain Improvement: By the 3- to 6-week mark, many patients begin to experience noticeable improvements in pain levels and elbow function.

• Full Activity Gradual Resumption: Around 6 to 12 weeks after the PRP injection, patients can typically start resuming more strenuous activities, including sports and physical exercise, depending on how their recovery is progressing.
• Ongoing Healing: The PRP process promotes long-term healing, and improvements may continue for up to 3 to 6 months after the injection.

• Maximum Benefits: Most patients experience significant relief from symptoms within 3 to 6 months. The full healing process from PRP therapy may take this long, as it works by gradually repairing the tendon over time.