Cutting-edge platelet rich plasma or PRP tennis elbow pain relief treatments are now being offered in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding communities of Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan and Mesa by licensed physician and integrative pain expert Dr. Dylan W. Krueger, NMD.
Overview of Tennis Elbow
Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis elbow is common inflammatory condition or tendinitis at the lateral elbow joint. The inflammation occurs where the extensor muscles of the forearm attach to the lateral elbow at the epicondyle of the humerus. This is the exact opposite of golfer’s elbow, which is tendinitis on the medial epicondyle. Tennis elbow is generally an overuse injury where the patient repeatedly undergoes wrist extension and forceful resistance. This can happen during the swinging and follow through motion of tennis and other racket sports. Tennis elbow is not limited to just tennis though, it can occur with any overuse of the wrist and forearm extensors such as painting, carpentry, auto repair, and cooking. There are varying degrees of inflammation severity with this condition, and in the early stages tennis players will often be able to play through the pain until the tendinitis progresses further.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain on the lateral elbow
- Muscle weakness in the forearm, hands and wrist
- Stiffness at the elbow joint, particularly after playing racket sports
- Radiating pain into the hand
- Diminished grip strength
Conventional Approaches
Tennis elbow can be diagnosed in office through a complete medical history and physical exam. This is usually done by a primary care or family medicine doctor. The diagnosis is easy to make, particularly after palpating the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone and completing other orthopedic exams. Occasionally, x-ray and MRI imaging is ordered if the doctor believes there to be more complexity to the elbow pain. First line therapies include; rest, ice, and over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If the pain persists, stretching and strengthening or physical therapy will be considered. For continued pain, corticosteroid injections in the elbow tendons or surgery will weighed.
PRP Tennis Elbow Treatment
At Atlas Health Medical Group, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are used to treat tennis elbow pain. The treatment involves taking a sample of the patient’s own blood, centrifuging, and then extracting the platelets from the other components of the blood. Once the platelets are extracted and concentrated, they then can be injected into the the damaged tendons and joint of the medial elbow. The aim of the treatment is to restore structural strength of the elbow by treating the laxity, inflammation and micro trauma of the tendons. This typically involves injecting the lateral attachments of the extensor tendons, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, and extensor carpi ulnaris. We also treat the joint itself to strengthen the cartilage between the interacting bones of the elbow.
Platelet Rich Plasma Benefits:
- Pain Relief
- Strengthens Ligaments, Tendons, Cartilage, and Connective Tissue
- Utilizes your Natural Growth Factors
- Minimal Downtime
- Non-Surgical / Non-Invasive
This comprehensive PRP tennis elbow approach allows the body to repair from the damages sustained from overuse of the wrist extensors. The PRP injections treat the damaged tendons that were stressed and micro damaged from the force of the injury while strengthening all the supporting structures of the elbow joint. This type of regenerative naturopathic medicine offers an exciting new treatment option over conventional medical care and in a shorter time span. Patients begin seeing improvement typically within the first six weeks, with the best results observed three to six months post injection. Depending on severity, patients may need additional treatments for a full recovery. Improved range of motion and functionality are observed following comprehensive treatment. These outcomes provide attractive alternatives to conventional steroid injections with minimal expense and downtime. For more information about Regenerative Injection Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, naturopathic pain management, or our Gilbert, AZ location, please contact us at: 480-648-1534
Free, 15-Minute Consultation
Additional Resources
Complementary Knee Pain Guide
How to Eliminate Knee Pain and Enjoy a Healthy Active Lifestyle Again, without Surgery
Facebook Knee Pain Support Group
Author:
Stop Suffering and Live the Pain Free Life YOU intended Today!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are for educational purposes only. Statements are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult with your physician about your medical care options.
