Heal Elbow Tendon and Ligament Strains Without Surgery in Pittsburgh
Regenexx PRP and Bone Marrow Concentrate Procedures for Elbow Overuse Injuries
Whether you're lifting weights, coaching tennis, or working with your hands, your elbow’s tendons and ligaments work hard. When overuse, strain, or trauma causes injury, the result can be persistent pain, swelling, and loss of function. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we offer non-surgical regenerative treatments—including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC)—to help you heal the damage, not just hide the symptoms.
What Are Tendon and Ligament Strains?
Your elbow joint is stabilized by multiple tendons (which connect muscle to bone) and ligaments (which connect bone to bone). Strains or sprains can occur suddenly or develop over time—especially in active people and athletes.
Common Injuries We Treat:
- Common extensor tendon strain (tennis elbow)
- Common flexor tendon strain (golfer’s elbow)
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) sprain (throwing injuries)
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) injury (posterolateral instability)
Causes of Elbow Soft Tissue Injury
- Repetitive overuse (e.g., weightlifting, construction, racquet sports)
- Acute trauma (e.g., fall or hyperextension)
- Poor biomechanics or posture
- Weak supporting muscles
- Incomplete healing from previous injuries
- Tendons and ligaments have limited blood supply, so they often don’t heal well on their own—especially in the elbow.
Symptoms of Elbow Tendon or Ligament Strain
- Sharp or aching pain near the elbow
- Pain that worsens with gripping, pushing, or overhead movement
- Weakness or instability in the arm
- Swelling or tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Symptoms that flare with use and persist at rest
Standard Treatments—And Their Limitations
Conventional care usually starts with:
- Rest and bracing
- NSAIDs or pain relievers
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery (in advanced or chronic cases)
The Problem:
- NSAIDs and cortisone reduce inflammation but do not repair the tissue.
- Repeated cortisone can weaken tendons.
- Surgery often leads to long recovery times, strength loss, and mixed outcomes.
Regenexx Pittsburgh’s Regenerative Approach
We use your body’s own healing components to stimulate recovery at the source of pain and injury—without surgery.
01
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Drawn from your blood and concentrated in our lab
- Injected directly into the damaged tissue
- Stimulates collagen production and tendon/ligament repair
- Guided by real-time ultrasound for pinpoint accuracy
02
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
For cases where arthritis, tendon degeneration, or soft tissue swelling is contributing:
- Contains regenerative cells, growth factors, and signaling molecules
- Used for chronic or severe tendon/ligament injuries
- May promote structural healing in cases resistant to PRP
Our protocols are based on over 100,000 Regenexx procedures performed nationwide—and refined for orthopedic outcomes.
Meet Your Physicians
Dr. Jesse Sally, DO
Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Fellowship-trained in Interventional Orthopedics; 10+ years in regenerative musculoskeletal care
Dr. Marc Adelsheimer, MD
Board-Certified in Pain Medicine and PM&R; advanced training in ultrasound-guided injections
Dr. Paul Lieber, MD
Board-Certified in PM&R; Regenexx provider; Interventional Orthopedics Foundation member
What to Expect:
Consultation & Imaging Review
Consultation & Imaging Review
Procedure
Procedure - PRP or BMC is collected and prepared
- Ultrasound-guided injection targets the exact injury site
- Performed in-office, typically under 90 minutes
Recovery & Results
Recovery & Results - Mild soreness for 2–5 days
- Return to light activity within 3–7 days
- Gradual strengthening over 4–8 weeks, with ongoing tissue healing up to 3–6 months
Rehabilitation Support
Rehabilitation Support - We may recommend PT, bracing, or home rehab protocols to complement your healing.
Treatment Comparison
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
NSAIDs & Bracing |
Good for short-term pain |
Doesn’t heal tissue |
|
Cortisone Injections |
Quick symptom relief |
Weakens soft tissue long-term |
|
PRP |
Supports natural healing, low risk |
Not covered by insurance |
|
BMC |
Ideal for chronic or severe cases |
Slightly more invasive, higher cost |
Risks and Limitations
Common Side Effects
- Soreness at the injection site
- Temporary stiffness or swelling
Rare Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Over-response (e.g., excessive inflammation)
Not Ideal For
- Active infections
- Severe uncontrolled autoimmune disorders
- Complete tendon rupture (surgical repair may be required)
Scientific Evidence
Fitzpatrick et al., 2017
PRP significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic tendon injuries (Sports Med)
Dallaudière et al., 2020
BMC demonstrated structural healing in partial tendon tears (Skeletal Radiology)
Regenexx Registry Data
Over 100,000 procedures tracked across multiple orthopedic conditions with high satisfaction and functional outcomes
Mishra et al., 2014
PRP showed better outcomes than corticosteroids for elbow tendinopathy (Am J Sports Med)
We stay current with orthopedic and sports medicine literature to guide our evidence-based approach.
Are You a Candidate?
Regenexx may be a good fit if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with or suspect a tendon/ligament strain or sprain
- You’ve tried conservative care with limited success
- You want to avoid surgery or repeated cortisone injections
- You’re an athlete, manual laborer, or active adult seeking function—not just relief
- Your injury is new, chronic, or recurrent
Real Patients. Real Results.
I injured my elbow lifting and tried rest and PT for months. The PRP injection at Regenexx finally helped it heal. I’m lifting again without pain.
— Jared L., Wexford
I’m a tennis coach, and my elbow was killing me. After one round of PRP, I could teach pain-free for the first time in over a year.
— Monica S., Mt. Lebanon
Why Choose Regenexx Pittsburgh?
Regenexx-certified orthopedic specialists
Thousands of procedures performed locally
Advanced imaging-guided injections for precision
Data-backed protocols developed specifically for tendon and ligament recovery
Data-backed protocols developed specifically for tendon and ligament recovery
Serving Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Wexford, Cranberry Township, and surrounding communities
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PRP actually heal tendons and ligaments?
How is this different from cortisone?
How many injections will I need?
How long until I feel better?
Is this covered by insurance?
Most regenerative procedures are not covered. We offer clear pricing and affordable financing.
Get Back to What You Love—Stronger Than Before
You don’t have to live with elbow pain—or settle for band-aid treatments. Regenexx Pittsburgh offers advanced, biologic healing to help you restore strength, range of motion, and confidence.
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
