Lateral Epicondylitis

PRP treatment for tennis elbow is typically considered for individuals who have experienced chronic pain (usually lasting more than 3-6 months) and have not found adequate relief from conventional non-surgical treatments. These standard treatments often include rest, activity modification, ice, physiotherapy (focusing on eccentric strengthening), bracing, and sometimes corticosteroid injections (though repeated injections are often discouraged due to potential tendon weakening). Your doctor will thoroughly assess your condition, including a physical examination and often an ultrasound or MRI scan, to confirm the diagnosis, assess the extent of the tendon damage, and rule out other causes of elbow pain. PRP is often explored as a non-surgical alternative when conservative measures have not provided sufficient relief.

The procedure for a PRP injection for tennis elbow usually begins with a small amount of blood being drawn from your arm. This blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, creating the PRP solution. The concentrated PRP is then injected directly into the affected tendon on the outer elbow, typically under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. You might experience some mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the injection. After the procedure, it’s common to have some localised soreness, tenderness, or bruising around the injection site for a few days. Your doctor will provide specific post-injection instructions, which generally involve a period of reduced use of the arm and avoiding anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for a certain period, followed by a gradual and structured rehabilitation program, often guided by a physiotherapist. This rehabilitation is crucial for strengthening the forearm muscles and optimising the long-term outcome. Improvement in symptoms often develops gradually over several weeks to a few months.

The number of PRP injections needed for tennis elbow can vary. While some patients may find significant relief with a single injection, many protocols suggest a course of 1 to 3 injections, often spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve optimal and sustained results. Your treating doctor will advise on the most appropriate number of injections for your specific condition based on their clinical assessment and your response to treatment. In Australia, PRP treatments for tennis elbow are generally not covered by Medicare. This means the cost of the PRP procedure itself is typically an out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Similarly, most private health insurance funds in Australia currently do not provide rebates for the PRP therapy for this specific condition, as it’s still considered an emerging treatment. It is always advisable to discuss the full costs involved and confirm any potential out-of-pocket expenses directly with your clinic and your private health fund prior to commencing treatment.