Non-Surgical Relief for Golfer’s Elbow in Pittsburgh
Regenexx PRP and Bone Marrow Concentrate Treatments for Medial Epicondylitis
Pain on the inside of your elbow making work, workouts, or even daily tasks uncomfortable? You could be dealing with medial epicondylitis, better known as golfer’s elbow—and you don’t have to settle for rest, braces, or steroid shots that only mask the problem. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we offer regenerative orthopedic procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC) to help your body heal the damaged tendon—without surgery, cortisone, or extended downtime.
What Is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)?
Medial epicondylitis is a degenerative tendon condition that affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow—specifically the flexor-pronator tendon group. It’s caused by repetitive stress and microtears at the tendon’s attachment point on the bony bump of the elbow called the medial epicondyle.
Despite the name, golfer’s elbow isn’t just for golfers. We frequently see it in:
Weightlifters and CrossFit athletes
Manual laborers and tradespeople
Office workers with repetitive wrist movement
Climbers and racquet sport athletes
Common symptoms include:
- Aching or burning pain on the inside of the elbow
- Pain with gripping, wrist flexion, or twisting motions
- Weakness in the forearm or hand
- Discomfort during lifting or repetitive tasks
What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Repetitive stress to the wrist flexors and forearm muscles leads to tiny tears and gradual breakdown of the tendon over time. While it can start with a single activity, it often worsens with continued overuse and poor biomechanics.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Lifting with poor form
- Gripping tools or weights repeatedly
- Working at a computer without ergonomic support
- Racquet sports or rock climbing
In many cases, this is a tendinosis—a degenerative process, not inflammation—which is why anti-inflammatory medications or injections often fail to provide lasting relief.
Traditional Treatments for Medial Epicondylitis
Most patients start with conservative treatments like:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice, bracing, or compression sleeves
- NSAIDs or pain relievers
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy (eccentric exercises, manual therapy)
While these can help in the early stages, they often fall short for chronic or recurrent cases. Cortisone may relieve pain temporarily, but research shows it can actually weaken the tendon over time. Surgery is typically a last resort due to long recovery and inconsistent outcomes.
Comparing Your Options
| Treatment Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
PRP |
Promotes tendon healing, minimal downtime, non-surgical |
Not typically covered by insurance |
|
BMC |
Ideal for advanced cases, rich in healing cells |
Higher cost, slightly longer recovery |
|
Cortisone Injection |
Quick pain relief |
May degrade tendon over time |
|
Surgery |
Option for severe degeneration |
Long rehab, mixed results |
Regenexx Pittsburgh’s Non-Surgical Solution
At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we specialize in orthobiologic treatments—advanced, non-surgical procedures that use your body’s own healing cells to repair damaged tissue.
01
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Concentrated platelets from your own blood are injected into the damaged tendon using real-time ultrasound guidance. These platelets release healing signals that reduce pain and promote tendon repair.
02
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
For more severe or long-standing cases, we use a rich concentrate of regenerative cells from your own bone marrow to support deeper, longer-term healing.
All procedures are performed by our board-certified physicians—Dr. Jesse Sally, Dr. Paul Lieber, and Dr. Marc Adelsheimer—who have extensive experience in orthopedic and regenerative care. Unlike generic PRP treatments at med spas, Regenexx follows proprietary protocols developed through more than 100,000 procedures across the country—tailored specifically for orthopedic conditions.
What to Expect:
Consultation and Evaluation
Consultation and Evaluation
Procedure Day
Procedure Day
Recovery Timeline:
Recovery Timeline: 
Are You a Candidate?
Regenexx treatments may be a strong fit if:
- You’ve had inner elbow pain for more than 6 weeks
- You’ve tried bracing, PT, or cortisone without success
- You want to stay active and avoid surgery
- You’re seeking a solution that supports real healing—not symptom masking
When Regenexx Might Not Be the Right Fit
While Regenexx is a powerful option for many, it may not be ideal if:
- You have an active infection or severe systemic illness
- You have advanced arthritis unrelated to the tendon
- You’re looking for an instant fix without follow-up care
- You’re unwilling to modify activities or complete rehab
Real PRP Results for Golfer’s Elbow in Pittsburgh
We've helped hundreds of patients in Pittsburgh—including athletes, tradespeople, and weekend warriors—recover from chronic medial epicondylitis without surgery.
I couldn’t grip a barbell without sharp pain in my elbow. After PRP at Regenexx Pittsburgh, I’m lifting pain-free and didn’t have to stop training. Highly recommend this team.
— Jason M., Cranberry Township
My job involves a lot of tool use, and my elbow was wrecked. I was told to just live with it or get surgery. Regenexx got me back to work without either.
— Kelly S., South Hills
Why Choose Regenexx Pittsburgh?
Trusted by patients across Pittsburgh, Wexford, Mt. Lebanon, and surrounding areas
Regenexx-certified regenerative medicine protocols
Personalized treatment plans and expert diagnostics
Real-time, image-guided injections—not blind shots
Board-certified physicians with orthopedic expertise
We treat the person, not just the condition—and we prioritize outcomes over shortcuts
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PRP really work for golfer’s elbow?
What’s the difference between PRP and BMC?
Will I need time off work or sports?
Is the procedure painful?
Does insurance cover PRP or BMC?
Start Healing Today
If you’re tired of band-aid solutions and want to treat the root cause of your elbow pain, Regenexx Pittsburgh offers a smarter way forward.
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
About the Author
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jesse Sally, DO Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Dr. Sally has performed over 500 image-guided regenerative procedures for tendon injuries and brings over a decade of experience in non-surgical orthopedic care.
