Platelet Rich Plasma Healing Pitcher's Elbow without Surgery

I recently treated two college baseball pitchers who were suffering from pitcher's elbow and looking at extended time on the bench. Pitcher’s elbow occurs in players that participate in sports that require repetitive throwing. It most frequently affects pitchers, but may also develop in outfielders, catchers, and infielders. Pitcher’s elbow is associated with other sports as well, including tennis and football.

Both pitchers responded very well to Regenerative Injection Therapy and were back on the mound within several weeks. Their parents were so happy with the results that they invited me to meet them at a baseball tournament so they could thank me in person.

It is so gratifying to know that patients like these pitchers are healing and getting back to their normal activities. If you have responded well to platelet rich plasma injections or have any questions, please leave a comment.

Thanks for reading!

Study Shows Positive Results for Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow

My colleague, Dr. Sampson of the Orthohealing Center, posted a blog entry about a study publishing positive results for PRP use in tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. You can read Dr. Sampson's post here.

Both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are common tendon injuries resulting from repetitive motions of the forearm.

Tennis elbow occurs on the outside bony portion of the elbow where large tendons attach to the elbow from the muscles of the forearm. The most common symptoms are pain over the outside of the elbow; pain when lifting objects; pain when radiating down the forearm; and warmth and swelling of the elbow.

Golfer's elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow. The pain usually occurs at the elbow joint on the inside of the arm accompanied by a shooting sensation down the forearm. Pain is also common while gripping objects.

Treatment for both conditions usually includes ice packs, resting the elbow, and anti-inflammatory medications. An elbow brace or cortisone injections may be given, and if the injury is severe, surgery may be necessary. PRP injections, or Renegerative Injection Therapy, offer an alternative or enhancement to surgery. 

As Dr. Sampson's post states, PRP is showing promise in the healing of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.