Golf/Tennis Elbow Pain Alleviated By Platelet Treatments

By Mayo Friedlis, MD

National Spine & Pain Centers

. http://www.treatingpain.com

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Golf/Tennis Elbow Pain Alleviated By Platelet Treatments

A recent study found that patients experiencing elbow pain reported a 55.1% improvement in pain scores 12 weeks after treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and a 71.5% improvement in pain scores after 24 weeks. The research concluded that, “Treatment of chronic tennis elbow with leukocyte-enriched PRP is safe and results in clinically meaningful improvements compared with an active control group.”

Elbow Pain Causes and Traditional Treatments

Elbow pain is commonly referred to as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. The grip that is used for the racket or golf clubs, if not done properly, can detach the muscles from the bone at the elbow, causing pain and discomfort. These tendons do not have a strong blood supply and, as a result, often do not heal properly on their own.

Cortisone shots, combined with physical therapy, are typical treatments for elbow pain. Cortisone shots will mask the pain, but often will not permanently heal the injury. Invasive surgery is another alternative, but can include significant pain and an extended recovery time.

Treating Elbow Pain With Biologic Regenerative Treatments

Biologic regenerative treatments use the body's natural healing process to create a long-lasting solution to elbow pain. Now, a more advanced platelet protocol, called Regenexx, is available. This protocol is offered exclusively by only 26 clinics around the U.S.

The Regenexx PRP protocol uses growth factors in a patient's own blood to start the healing process by attracting repair cells, including critical stem cells, to the site of injury. Many patients experience an improvement in just 2-3 treatment sessions, with minimal downtime. Patients can return to the sport they love, while avoiding invasive surgery.

This enhanced Regenexx protocol also offers the following benefits

Our super concentrated platelets produce a higher concentration of growth factors, which are better able to help heal injuries

The Regenexx Network of Physicians continuously strive for improvement by tracking actual outcomes to adjust treatments for optimal results.

Maximizing the Success of PRP Treatment

A physical examination can tell you if there is instability, pain, or restriction of motion. Regenexx-certified physicians, members of National Spine and Pain Centers, can also utilize ultrasound guidance, if needed, to locate the actual source of pain.

Regenexx providers use an in-house lab to customize treatment options, adjusting the concentration of platelets based on patient age and injury size. Precision application under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance is a key component to achieving the best results.

Regenexx-certified physicians have the ability to discuss all treatment options, including both conventional and regenerative techniques, to give you the best chance of alleviating elbow pain.