Platelet-Rich Plasma · Non-Surgical Treatment

PRP Injection for Elbow in Raleigh, NC

PRP uses your own blood's growth factors to stimulate tendon and ligament healing. Superior to cortisone at 6 and 12 months for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Ultrasound-guided, in-office, available at all four Raleigh Orthopaedics locations.

What Is PRP Injection?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of your own blood platelets — cells that contain growth factors essential for tissue healing. A small amount of blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injected precisely into the damaged tendon or ligament under ultrasound guidance.

Growth factors in PRP — including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and IGF-1 — initiate the body's natural repair cascade, remodeling the degenerated collagen in tendons affected by conditions like tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. This is fundamentally different from cortisone, which suppresses symptoms without addressing the underlying degeneration.

Superior

To cortisone at 6 and 12 months (RCT data)

Injection usually sufficient

48–72h

Expected post-injection flare

6–8 wks

Typical time to significant improvement

Elbow Conditions Treated with PRP

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): The most evidence-based application of PRP in the elbow. Superior to cortisone at 6 and 12 months in multiple randomized controlled trials.
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis): Same mechanism — PRP targets the degenerated flexor-pronator tendon
Partial UCL tears: PRP can stimulate partial ligament healing and may allow athletes to avoid surgery
Distal biceps tendinopathy: Partial biceps tendon tears at the elbow in active patients
Chronic elbow tendinopathy: Any chronic elbow tendon condition that has failed physical therapy

PRP vs. Cortisone — The Evidence

Outcome	PRP Injection	Cortisone Injection
Short-term (4–6 weeks)	Moderate (with 48h flare)	Best short-term relief
At 6 months	Superior to cortisone	Inferior to PRP
At 12 months	Clearly superior	Worse than PT alone
Effect on tendon tissue	Stimulates healing	May inhibit healing

Sources: Coombes et al., Lancet 2013; Mishra et al., AJSM 2006; Gosens et al., JBJS 2011.

The PRP Procedure — Step by Step

Blood Draw: 30–60 mL drawn from your arm — the same as a standard blood test.
Centrifuge Spin: The blood is spun for 10–15 minutes, separating the platelet-rich layer.
PRP Preparation: The concentrated platelet layer is extracted — 5–10× normal platelet concentration.
Ultrasound Guidance: Dr. Chambers uses live ultrasound to visualize the tendinosis area and guide the needle precisely.
Injection: PRP is injected into the tendinosis area. The whole procedure takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Recovery: 48–72 hours relative rest (expected flare). PT resumes at 1 week with progressive loading.

Expected Post-Injection Flare — This Is NormalA 48–72 hour increase in pain after PRP injection is expected — it represents the inflammatory healing response being initiated. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for 2 weeks after injection as they may blunt the healing response. Use acetaminophen if needed for pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP covered by insurance? +

PRP is generally not covered by most insurance plans for musculoskeletal conditions. Pricing can be discussed at your consultation. Many patients find the long-term results well worth the cost compared to repeated cortisone injections that produce worse outcomes at 12 months.

How many PRP injections will I need? +

Most patients require only one injection for tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, combined with a physical therapy program. Some patients with severe or long-standing tendinosis benefit from a second injection at 6–8 weeks based on their response.

How long does PRP take to work? +

PRP typically takes 6–12 weeks to produce significant pain relief, as tendon remodeling is a gradual biological process. Most patients notice meaningful improvement by 6–8 weeks. Full benefit is typically seen at 3–6 months — slower than cortisone but more durable.

Can I play pickleball after PRP? +

Modified play (light dinking only) may be possible at 2–3 weeks post-injection if pain allows. Full return to competitive pickleball — including hard drives and smashes — typically takes 8–12 weeks. Dr. Chambers will provide a specific return-to-play protocol based on your injury.

Better Long-Term Results Than Cortisone.

Dr. Chambers offers ultrasound-guided PRP injection at all four Raleigh Orthopaedics locations. No referral needed.

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