Non-Surgical Relief for Tennis Elbow in Pittsburgh
Regenexx PRP & Bone Marrow Concentrate Treatments for Lateral Epicondylitis
If elbow pain is interfering with your ability to work, exercise, or even hold a coffee cup—you're not alone. Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is a frustrating condition caused by repetitive stress on the tendons of the outer elbow. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we offer advanced regenerative procedures like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)—backed by research and guided by experience—to help aid your body’s natural recovery processes without surgery or steroids.
What Is Lateral Epicondylitis?
Tennis elbow occurs when the extensor tendons—especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)—become damaged from overuse. Despite its name, it affects far more than tennis players. We frequently see it in:
Manual laborers
Weightlifters
Office workers
Parents of young children
Common symptoms:
- Pain on the outer elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain during lifting, gripping, or twisting
- Worsening discomfort over time
Why It Happens
Tennis elbow often stems from repetitive strain—particularly motions involving gripping or wrist extension. Over time, this leads to microscopic tears and tendon degeneration (tendinosis), not just inflammation. This is why traditional anti-inflammatories often fail to provide lasting relief.
Risk factors:
- Repetitive tasks or typing
- Racquet sports or heavy lifting
- Poor ergonomics or biomechanics
- Age-related tendon wear
Traditional Treatments—and Their Limits
Many patients try:
- NSAIDs or over-the-counter pain relief
- Bracing or elbow straps
- Physical therapy and eccentric strengthening
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery (in chronic, unresolved cases)
But here’s the catch: Steroid injections can weaken tendon tissue, and surgery carries downtime, scarring, and inconsistent outcomes.
The Regenexx Difference
We take a precision orthobiologic approach—meaning no one-size-fits-all protocols, no unnecessary surgery, and no guesswork. Instead, our board-certified physicians use ultrasound-guided regenerative procedures to target the source of tendon damage. You’ll be seen by one of our experienced specialists:
Dr. Paul S. Lieber
MD – Regenexx Pittsburgh
Dr. Marc Adelsheimer
MD – Regenexx Pittsburgh
Dr. Jesse A. Sally
MD – Regenexx Pittsburgh
All are Regenexx-trained and have performed hundreds of image-guided regenerative procedures.
How PRP & Bone Marrow Concentrate Work
01
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
We draw a small sample of your blood, concentrate your platelets in our on-site lab, and inject them precisely into the damaged tendon under ultrasound guidance. These platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain over time.
02
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
For more advanced cases, we aspirate bone marrow from your hip and inject the concentrated healing cells—including mesenchymal stem cells and cytokines—into the affected tendon. BMC is often used when PRP alone isn’t enough.
- Not all PRP is created equal. We follow Regenexx protocols that produce high-concentration, leukocyte-reduced PRP—which differs significantly from the low-quality PRP injections often offered elsewhere.
What to Expect:
Consultation
Consultation
Procedure Day
Procedure Day
Recovery Timeline:
Recovery Timeline: - Days 1–3: Mild soreness and swelling
- Week 1: Resume light activity; no NSAIDs
- Weeks 2–4: Rehab and physical therapy if needed
- Month 1–3: Tendon remodeling and long-term gains
Are You a Candidate?
You may be a great fit for Regenexx if:
- You’ve had pain for 6+ weeks
- Rest or PT hasn’t worked
- You want to avoid surgery or steroid injections
- You’re looking for a long-term, functional solution
Risks & Considerations
While PRP and BMC are generally low-risk, all medical procedures carry some level of uncertainty. Possible risks include:
- Mild swelling or bruising
- Temporary increase in pain
- Rare risk of infection
- Lack of significant improvement
Contraindications may include: Uncontrolled diabetes, active infection, clotting disorders, or immune compromise.
Comparing Your Options
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Recovery Time | Long-Term Results | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Physical Therapy |
Low |
Weeks |
Moderate |
$ |
|
Cortisone Injection |
Low |
Days |
Low (can worsen tendon) |
$$ |
|
Regenexx PRP |
Low |
2–4 weeks |
High |
$$$ |
|
Regenexx BMC |
Moderate |
3–6 weeks |
Very High |
$$$$ |
|
Surgery |
High |
6–12 weeks |
Variable |
$$$$$ |
Real Patients. Real Results.
I couldn’t grip my tennis racket or lift weights without sharp elbow pain. After PRP with Regenexx Pittsburgh, I was back to playing pain-free within a month.
— Mike T., Wexford
I thought surgery was my only option. Dr. Sally walked me through the regenerative path instead, and I’m back to work with zero downtime.
— Ashley D., South Hills
The Research Behind Our Approach
Regenexx regenerative techniques are informed by decades of clinical research. Here are just a few examples:
Mishra et al., 2014
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for chronic tennis elbow: a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 230 patients
Peerbooms et al., 2010
Positive effect of an autologous platelet concentrate in lateral epicondylitis in a double-blind randomized controlled trial: platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection with a 1-year follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for PRP to work?
Is PRP better than cortisone?
Is it covered by insurance?
Can I return to work/sports quickly?
What if I’ve already had cortisone?
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let elbow pain sideline you from the life you love. Let’s explore a smarter, safer way to heal.
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
