If you’re dealing with lingering elbow pain, you’ve likely tried it all: rest, ice, physical therapy, and even cortisone shots. When those fail, surgery often feels like the only path forward. But what if removing damaged tissue isn’t the best answer? Many of our patients come to us looking for a better way. We focus on regenerative options like PRP for tennis elbow and stem cell therapy for elbow. A stem cell elbow treatment, for example, uses your body’s own healing power to rebuild the tendon and resolve the pain for good.

Is Your Job Causing Your Tennis Elbow?

There is a great likelihood that people reading this article have been diagnosed with tennis elbow that have never played tennis in their life. We have seen patients with tennis elbow who were carpenters, rock climbers, office workers, landscapers, golfers, and more. Many never having picked up a racquet.

  • Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a term for severe elbow tendonitis, or an inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside (lateral) part of the upper arm near the elbow.
  • It’s usually caused by a partial tear in the tendon fibers, which connect muscle to the bone.
  • Symptoms include elbow pain that gradually worsens and radiates outside of the elbow to the forearm and to the back of the hand.

While many of these people have never picked up a racquet, they usually have picked up a shopping cart filled with elbow tapes, braces, and sleeves that they hope will help them.

Why Aren’t Taping and PT Helping Your Elbow Pain?

Some people find great comfort in taping up their elbow or getting elbow sleeves. If it helps, then it is a good thing. For many however, sleeves, kinesiotaping, and ace bandages are not really helpful. Some people get great benefit from physical therapy.

A study from July 2019 (1) had three groups of people (10 in each group) with a new onset of elbow pain go to physical therapy. At the physical therapist’s they would receive treatment and taping.

  • Ten patients received kinesiotaping plus exercises
  • Ten patients received sham taping (Tape that would not help) plus exercises
  • Ten patients received  exercises only.

Findings:

  • “Kinesiotaping in addition to exercises is more effective than sham taping and exercises only in improving pain in daily activities and arm disability due to lateral epicondylitis.” In other words, this conservative care option of kinesiotaping did not fix the problem of the elbow degeneration.

When conservative treatments do no respond, often a patient is suggested to surgery. In 2018, Australian surgeons made headlines when they published their study in the  American Journal of Sports Medicine comparing tennis elbow surgery to placebo surgery.

The Surprising Truth About Tennis Elbow Surgery

Here is what the research team wrote: “A number of surgical techniques for managing tennis elbow have been described. One of the most frequently performed involves excising (shaving away) the affected portion of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB, a muscle of the forearm). The results of this technique, as well as most other described surgical techniques for this condition, have been reported as excellent, yet none have been compared with placebo surgery.”

When the surgery was compared to a sham surgery, the doctors concluded: “this study failed to show additional benefit of the surgical excision of the degenerative portion of the ECRB over placebo surgery for the management of chronic tennis elbow.”(2) So the surgical removal of damaged tissue did not help the patient anymore than the conservative treatments. How about regenerative treatments?

PRP and Stem Cell Therapy for Elbows: Hope or Hype?

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy extracts the healing platelets from your blood and then re-injects the Platelet-Rich Plasma into the injured elbow. The research below from leading medical universities and research centers from around the world helps confirm our own observations of these treatments.

PRP injections vs. Cortisone

In December 2018 a multi-national team of doctors wrote in the journal Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine compared PRP treatments to cortisone for tennis elbow. They wrote that, “The response to PRP seems to be favorable when compared to steroid injection for pain management and for patient-reported outcomes in lateral epicondylitis. PRP injection does not seem to have the potential complications associated with a steroid injection such as skin atrophy, discoloration, and secondary tendon tears.” They also noted that in comparison with extracorporeal shockwave, dry needling, or surgical treatments, (PRP injections in tennis elbow seems to be the best-studied intervention.”(3)

  • University researchers in India suggest Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers a better option for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. In a comparison of PRP and cortisone injections, the doctors say  PRP is a superior treatment option in the long-term. (4)
  • A second study published in the Indian journal of orthopaedics compared single injection of platelet-rich plasma for tennis elbow as compared with single injections of triamcinolone (corticosteroid) and placebo (normal saline) over a short term period.
    • Both the PRP and triamcinolone groups had better pain relief at 3 and 6 months as compared to normal saline group, but at 6 months followup, the PRP group had statistically significant better pain relief than triamcinolone group.
    • In the triamcinolone group, 13 patients had injection site hypopigmentation (loss of skin color) and 3 patients had subdermal (skin and subdermal fat layer) atrophy. (5)
  • In the journal The Physician and sportsmedicine, doctors found steroid could slightly relieve pain and significantly improve function of elbow in the short-term (2 to 4 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks). PRP appears to be more effective in relieving pain and improving function in the intermediate-term (12 weeks) and long-term (half year and one year). Considering the long-term effectiveness of PRP, the researchers recommend PRP as the preferred option for tennis elbow.(6)
  • Doctors from teaching universities in Thailand examined injections of cortisone, autologous blood injection (simple blood injection) and PRP.  What they found was the blood injection and the PRP injection provided superior results to cortisone for pain reduction and functional improvement. The autologous blood injection had a higher rate of site complication that was significant enough to note.(7)
  • A November 2019 study compared the effectiveness of Platelet Rich Plasma injections versus autologous blood injection (blood without making it Platelet Rich), and cortisone. The findings were “PRP was associated with more improvement in pain intensity and 29 function in the long-term than the comparators.”(8)

Long term-benefit of PRP vs Cortisone

  • Dutch researchers writing in the American Journal of Sports Therapies documented the positive effects of PRP on tennis elbow. Treatment of patients with PRP reduced elbow pain and increased function significantly, exceeding the effect of corticosteroid injection even after a follow-up of 2 years.”(9)
  • British doctors agree – research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine says cortisone should never be used and that injections therapies including PRP can be effective and excellent long-term treatments for elbow pain.(10)

Long term-benefit of PRP vs Physical Therapy

  • In some of the more research reported in the surgical journal – Journal of Hand and Microsurgery doctors reviewed and presented their evidence on the effectiveness of PRP injections. They found PRP injections have an important and effective role in the treatment of elbow instability. Here is what they wrote:
    • The majority of sufferers recover within 1 year with conservative management which includes physical therapy. The most effective treatment for chronic lateral epicondylitis, however, is argued amongst experts.
    • In the opinion of this study, after review of the literature, PRP injections have an important and effective role in the treatment of debilitating tennis elbow pathology, in cases where physical therapy has been unsuccessful.
    • Previously, cases that persisted despite physical therapy have been treated with corticosteroid injections. Steroid injections are reported to give short-term pain relief, however the proven recurrence rates and complications (including dermal depigmentation, subcutaneous atrophy, and a theoretical risk of increased tendon rupture) should limit their use.
    • PRP has been shown to provide a continuing long-term benefit in cases of chronic lateral epicondylosis, in the recent literature. It is superior to autologous blood injection injections and placebo/dry needling procedures.(11)

PRP can eliminate the need for elbow surgery

A team of researchers in the United Kingdom wrote in the Journal of orthopaedics (12)

  • “Our study adds to the evidence that PRP injection for intractable lateral epicondylitis of the elbow is an acceptable and useful treatment with improvement in symptoms in 56 out of 64 patients (87.5%). It adds to the literature in that we have tried to ascertain the effect of PRP on reducing the need for a complex, risk laden, surgical intervention. . .we consider PRP injection, for intractable lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, not only a safe but also very effective tool in reducing symptoms and have shown it has reduced the need for surgical intervention in this difficult cohort of patients.”

What is Regenerative Medicine?

When traditional treatments like rest, physical therapy, and cortisone shots fail to provide lasting relief, it’s easy to feel like surgery is your only option. Regenerative medicine offers a different path. Instead of just managing symptoms or surgically removing damaged tissue, this approach focuses on harnessing your body’s own powerful healing abilities to repair injuries from the inside out. It’s about addressing the root cause of your pain—the damaged tendon itself—to promote genuine, long-term healing. Two of the most effective approaches in this field are Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, both of which are minimally invasive alternatives that can help you get back to your life without significant downtime.

Understanding Stem Cell Therapy

Think of stem cells as your body’s internal repair crew. These unique cells have the remarkable ability to develop into various types of specialized cells, like those needed to rebuild a damaged tendon. Stem cell therapy involves carefully harvesting these powerful cells from your own body, concentrating them, and then precisely injecting them into the injured area of your elbow. This process delivers a high dose of regenerative cells directly to the source of the problem, encouraging the growth of new, healthy tissue and helping to resolve the chronic inflammation and degeneration that causes tennis elbow pain.

Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Your blood contains tiny components called platelets, which are packed with hundreds of proteins called growth factors. These are the first responders that rush to an injury to stop bleeding and signal the body to begin the healing process. PRP therapy takes this natural process and amplifies it. We start by drawing a small sample of your blood, similar to a routine lab test. Then, we use a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, creating a powerful healing solution. This Platelet-Rich Plasma is then injected into your injured elbow, delivering a supercharged dose of growth factors to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain.

How Bone Marrow Stem Cells Can Heal Tennis Elbow

A study in the Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine (13) found that a bone marrow aspirate (containing plasma rich in growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells) injection was an effective treatment for tennis elbow. In this study, treatment of tennis elbow patients with single injection of bone marrow derived stem cells showed a significant improvement in short to medium term follow-up. In future, such growth factors and/or stem cells based injection therapy can be developed as an alternative conservative treatment for patients of tennis elbow, especially who have failed non-operative treatment before surgical intervention is taken.

The research team suggested that: “In the future, growth factors and/or stem cells based injection can be developed as second line conservative treatment in chronic tendinopathy as they could potentially reverse the degenerative process and encourage the regeneration of healthy tendon.”

More recently a 2018 study in the Journal of orthopaedics (14) commented on the above study:

“Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is an emerging, novel treatment for various bone and cartilage pathology and injury. Similar to other orthobiologic intra-articular injections like hyaluronic acid and PRP, BMAC gives patients the opportunity to restore the natural microenvironment of their damaged or diseased tissue. Bone marrow concentrate is commonly taken from pelvic bone, and contains mesenchymal and hematopoetic stem cells, platelets, growth factors, cytokines, and anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory cells. . . Further evaluating the efficacy of bone marrow injections, thirty patients who were untreated for Lateral Epicondylitis were evaluated with the Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) prior to and following the treatment of a single administration of Iliac Bone Marrow Aspirate. – This concentrate, composed of iliac bone marrow aspirate. . . was effective in simplicity and safety, avoiding further complications as other modes of treatment. Evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after administration, these patients showed drastic improvement in the two week evaluations, thus showing the efficacy of this treatment’s recovery time. Although (the authors} explained the limitation of their study in long term treatment, they believe that this treatment, when paired with growth factor and other stem cell treatment, can be an effective alternative in lieu of surgery.”

Setting Realistic Expectations: What Stem Cells Can and Can’t Do

When you’re dealing with chronic pain, it’s easy to hope for a miracle cure. While regenerative medicine is a groundbreaking field, it’s important to have a clear picture of what these treatments can achieve. The goal of stem cell therapy is not to provide a temporary fix but to stimulate your body’s own natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissue from the inside out. This is a fundamentally different approach than steroid injections that mask pain or surgery that removes tissue. It’s about regeneration, which is a process, not an overnight event. We want you to feel empowered and informed, and that starts with understanding both the potential and the process of your treatment.

The Power and Limits of Human Regeneration

The good news is that the science is incredibly promising. A study published in the Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine found that a single injection of bone marrow-derived stem cells led to significant improvement for tennis elbow patients in the short to medium term. This supports what we see in our clinic: these treatments can effectively address the root cause of the pain by repairing the degenerated tendon. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a biological process. Your body needs time to regenerate the tissue. The outcome can depend on factors like the severity of your condition and your overall health, which is why a personalized consultation is the first step.

What to Expect During Your Elbow Treatment

The idea of a stem cell procedure might sound complex, but the process itself is remarkably straightforward and minimally invasive. At the Stem Cell Institute, our team, led by the highly experienced Dr. Marc Darrow, prioritizes your comfort and safety every step of the way. The entire treatment is typically completed in a single office visit. We use your body’s own powerful healing cells, which means the procedure is very well-tolerated with a low risk of complications. The process can be broken down into three simple steps: harvesting a small sample of your bone marrow, concentrating the stem cells from that sample, and then precisely injecting them into the damaged area of your elbow to kickstart the healing process.

The Three-Step Procedure

We believe in transparency, so let’s walk through exactly what happens during your appointment. Knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves and allow you to focus on the positive outcome you’re working toward. Each step is performed with meticulous care to ensure the best possible results.

Step 1: Harvesting the Cells

The first step is to collect the stem cells. We do this by taking a small sample of bone marrow from your pelvic bone, a procedure known as bone marrow aspiration. This area is a rich source of powerful cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, platelets, and growth factors, which are the essential building blocks for tissue repair. The area is numbed completely, so while you might feel a bit of pressure, the process is generally quick and causes minimal discomfort. These are the very cells your body would naturally use to heal an injury; we’re just concentrating them for a more powerful effect.

Step 2: Concentrating the Sample

Once we have the bone marrow sample, we don’t inject it directly. Instead, we place it in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed to separate and concentrate the most valuable components. This process isolates the stem cells and growth factors from the rest of the bone marrow, creating a potent, healing injectable. As noted in the Journal of orthopaedics, using this bone marrow aspirate concentrate is both simple and safe. By concentrating these cells, we can deliver a much more powerful regenerative signal directly to the site of your elbow pain, encouraging a more robust healing response than your body could mount on its own.

Step 3: Guided Injection

The final step is the injection itself. Using ultrasound guidance for pinpoint accuracy, Dr. Darrow will inject the concentrated stem cells directly into the damaged tendon in your elbow. This precision ensures the cells are delivered exactly where they are needed most to begin repairing the tissue. Research has shown that patients can experience drastic improvements in as little as two weeks following the procedure. The injection itself is very quick, and then you’re on your way to recovery. The entire in-office process is designed to be efficient, safe, and effective, setting you on the path to healing without the need for surgery.

Potential Side Effects to Be Aware Of

One of the most significant advantages of regenerative treatments is their excellent safety profile. Unlike steroid injections, which research from the Journal of Hand and Microsurgery links to complications like skin discoloration, tissue atrophy, and even tendon rupture, stem cell therapy uses your own biological material. This dramatically reduces the risk of adverse reactions. The most common side effects are minor and temporary, such as soreness, swelling, or bruising at the harvest and injection sites. These typically resolve on their own within a few days as your body begins its healing work. It’s a much gentler approach compared to the known risks of corticosteroids or invasive surgery.

Your Recovery Journey: Post-Treatment Care and Timeline

After your procedure, the focus shifts to recovery and allowing your body the time and space it needs to heal. Your recovery journey is a partnership between you and our team. We provide you with clear post-treatment guidelines, but the most important thing you can do is listen to your body. The healing process is gradual, as the injected stem cells work to regenerate and repair the damaged tendon fibers in your elbow. While some patients feel relief relatively quickly, the most significant and lasting improvements often build over several weeks and months. We are here to support you throughout this timeline, ensuring you feel confident and informed as you progress toward a pain-free life.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care

In the first few days after your treatment, rest is your best friend. We’ll advise you to avoid strenuous activities that put stress on your elbow to give the newly injected cells the best possible environment to begin their work. You might experience some mild soreness, which is a normal sign that a healing response is underway. Unlike steroid shots, which offer a quick but temporary fix, regenerative treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy are designed to create lasting benefits. As research confirms, these methods provide continuing long-term improvement for chronic conditions like tennis elbow, making them a superior choice for sustainable healing.

The Healing Timeline: What to Expect Months Later

Patience is key as your body regenerates new, healthy tissue. While initial improvements can be seen within weeks, the full benefits of the treatment will unfold over the next few months. This is when the stem cells are actively repairing the tendon. Studies back this up, with one in the Journal of orthopaedics showing that 87.5% of patients with severe, persistent tennis elbow experienced significant symptom improvement after regenerative injections. You can expect a gradual reduction in pain and an increase in function and strength over time. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and are always available to answer any questions. If you want to learn more about what your personal journey could look like, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Is Stem Cell Elbow Therapy Right for You?

So now that we have presented the research, let’s talk about typical patients. Obviously not everyone with tennis elbow plays tennis as we discussed above. We see people who are office workers, clerical workers, people who do minor and heavy lifting, or spend a lot of time in front of a computer. Many of the people we see may have had tennis elbow for many years and they have it in both arms. In our more than 20 years of practice we have seen many  patients with chronic elbow problems, we have found Platelet Rich Plasma therapy and stem cells to be effective and reliable in helping to heal tennis elbow. It does not work for everyone. A clinical evaluation will help provide us with a better assessment.

When do we decide between stem cells and PRP?

Sometimes will do offer a patient stem cell therapy if they have an advanced elbow tendinopathy or a tear in the tendon. What we do in the treatment is to use ultrasound to look in that elbow and look at where the inside or outside extensor or flexor tendons of the elbow inserts. This will help us give the patients a realistic expectation of how long the healing recovery period will be. Will PRP and stem cells work for your tennis elbow? You need to start with a conversation

 

 

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  2. Kroslak M, Murrell GAC. Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2018 Mar 1:363546517753385. doi: 10.1177/0363546517753385.
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  4. Yadav R, Kothari SY, Borah D.  Comparison of Local Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma and Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis of Humerus. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Jul;9(7):RC05-7. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/14087.6213.
  5. Seetharamaiah VB, Gantaguru A, Basavarajanna S. A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and triamcinolone to treat tennis elbow. Indian journal of orthopaedics. 2017 May;51(3):304.
  6. Mi B, Liu G, Zhou W, Lv H, Liu Y, Wu Q, Liu J. Platelet rich plasma versus steroid on lateral epicondylitis: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 2017 Apr 3;45(2):97-104.
  7. Arirachakaran A, Sukthuayat A, Sisayanarane T, Laoratanavoraphong S, Kanchanatawan W, Kongtharvonskul J. Platelet-rich plasma versus autologous blood versus steroid injection in lateral epicondylitis: systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Orthop Traumatol. 2015 Sep 11.
  8. Tang S, Wang X, Wu P, Wu P, Yang J, Du Z, Liu S, Wei F. Platelet-rich plasma versus autologous blood versus corticosteroid injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PM R. 2019 Nov 17. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12287. [Epub ahead of print]
  9. Gosens T, Peerbooms JC, van Laar W, den Oudsten BL. Ongoing positive effect of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection in lateral epicondylitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up.Am J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;39(6):1200-8. Epub 2011 Mar 21.
  10. Dong W, Goost H, Lin XB, Burger C, Paul C, Wang ZL, Kong FL, Welle K, Jiang ZC, Kabir K. Injection therapies for lateral epicondylalgia: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Sep 21. pii: bjsports-2014-094387. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094387.
  11. Murray DJ, Javed S, Jain N, Kemp S, Watts AC. Platelet-Rich-Plasma Injections in Treating Lateral Epicondylosis: a Review of the Recent Evidence.J Hand Microsurg. 2015 Dec;7(2):320-5. doi: 10.1007/s12593-015-0193-3. Epub 2015 Jul 8.
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  13. Singh, A., Gangwar, D. S., & Singh, S. (2014). Bone marrow injection: A novel treatment for tennis elbow. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine, 5(2), 389–391. http://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.136198
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### Conditions We Treat Beyond Tennis Elbow While “tennis elbow” is a common term, the pain you’re feeling might stem from a different, though related, condition. The good news is that regenerative medicine isn’t limited to just one type of elbow issue. Because these therapies focus on repairing damaged tissue and reducing inflammation at the source, they can be effective for a range of elbow-related ailments. At the Stem Cell Institute, we see patients with various forms of elbow pain, many of whom have struggled to find relief through conventional methods. Understanding the specific cause of your pain is the first step, and from there, we can explore how treatments like PRP Therapy or Stem Cell Therapy can target the root of the problem, helping your body rebuild and recover without invasive surgery. #### Golfer’s Elbow Don’t let the name fool you; just like tennis elbow, you don’t have to be a golfer to experience this. Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain on the *inner* side of your elbow, as opposed to the outer side pain of tennis elbow. It’s caused by damage to the tendons that control your wrist and fingers. This condition is common among people who perform repetitive gripping or wrist-flexing motions, whether it’s swinging a club, using hand tools, or even just carrying heavy bags. Regenerative treatments work here by delivering a high concentration of your body’s own healing factors directly to the inflamed and damaged inner elbow tendons, encouraging repair and providing lasting pain relief. #### Elbow Arthritis Arthritis in the elbow can be a significant source of chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Whether it’s from osteoarthritis (the “wear-and-tear” type) or an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, the underlying issue is the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation within the joint. Regenerative medicine offers a promising approach by aiming to reduce that inflammation and provide the building blocks for tissue repair. By introducing stem cells or platelet-rich plasma into the joint, the goal is to create a healthier environment that can slow down the degenerative process and improve function, helping you get back to your daily activities with less pain. #### Partial Tendon and Ligament Tears Minor strains often heal on their own, but partial tears in the elbow’s tendons and ligaments can linger for months or even years. These injuries, including tears in the biceps or triceps tendons and the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), are notorious for causing instability and persistent pain. This is where regenerative treatments truly shine. Instead of just masking the pain, therapies like Prolotherapy and PRP are designed to stimulate a powerful, targeted healing response. By injecting these solutions directly at the site of the tear, we can help your body mend the partially torn fibers, restoring strength and stability to the joint. #### Bursitis and Repetitive Strain Injuries If you have a tender, swollen spot on the tip of your elbow, you might be dealing with bursitis. This is the inflammation of the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bone. It’s often caused by prolonged pressure (like leaning on a desk) or repetitive motions. Bursitis falls under the larger umbrella of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which can affect anyone from office workers to mechanics. These conditions are rooted in chronic inflammation and micro-trauma to the tissue. Regenerative therapies can help break that cycle of inflammation and pain by promoting a more effective and complete healing process for the irritated tissues. ## Navigating the Financials and Choosing a Provider Deciding to pursue a regenerative treatment is a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions about the logistics, especially when it comes to cost and finding a qualified professional. This is an investment in your long-term health and mobility, so you want to feel confident and informed every step of the way. Being transparent about the financial aspect and knowing what to look for in a provider are key to a positive experience. It’s about finding a partner in your health journey who is not only an expert in their field but also someone you can trust to guide you toward the best possible outcome for your specific situation. ### Understanding the Cost of Treatment One of the first questions people ask is, “How much does it cost?” The price of regenerative therapies can vary significantly, typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. This wide range exists because every treatment plan is personalized. The final cost depends on several factors, including the specific therapy being used (PRP vs. stem cells), the complexity of your condition, and the number of sessions required to achieve the best results. While it’s a significant investment, it’s helpful to weigh it against the costs of long-term medication, ongoing physical therapy, and potential surgery, which often comes with its own set of expenses and a long recovery period. ### A Note on Insurance Coverage It’s important to go into this process with clear expectations about insurance. Currently, most insurance companies, including Medicare, classify stem cell and PRP therapies as “experimental” for orthopedic conditions. This means they typically do not cover the cost of these treatments. While this can be frustrating, it’s the reality of working with cutting-edge medical procedures that are still making their way into mainstream acceptance. We recommend you speak with your insurance provider directly, but you should be prepared for the treatment to be an out-of-pocket expense. Our clinic staff is always available to discuss payment options and help you understand the full financial picture before you commit to a plan. ### How to Choose the Right Clinic for Your Care Your results are directly tied to the expertise of the person performing your procedure, so choosing the right clinic is critical. When researching your options, don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions. Find out where the cells or platelets come from and what methods are used to ensure they are viable and concentrated. Most importantly, make sure a specialized physician is performing the treatment, not just an assistant. With over two decades of experience in regenerative medicine, Dr. Marc Darrow personally administers treatments and oversees all patient care at our institute. A thorough consultation should be your first step, giving you a chance to discuss your goals and ensure you feel comfortable with the clinic’s approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need PRP or the more advanced stem cell therapy for my elbow? That’s a great question, and the answer really comes down to your specific situation. Think of PRP therapy as a powerful first-line regenerative treatment, excellent for persistent tendonitis where we need to kickstart a strong healing response. We often consider stem cell therapy for more advanced cases, such as significant tendon degeneration or a partial tear that hasn’t healed. The best way to know for sure is through a personal consultation where Dr. Darrow can use ultrasound to see exactly what’s happening inside your elbow and recommend the approach that gives you the best chance at a full recovery.

Is the stem cell procedure itself painful? It’s completely understandable to worry about this. We take every measure to ensure you’re comfortable. The areas for both the bone marrow harvest and the injection are thoroughly numbed, so most patients report feeling a sense of pressure rather than sharp pain. Afterwards, it’s normal to feel some soreness at the injection site for a few days. This is actually a positive sign that your body is beginning its powerful healing process.

How long is the recovery, and when can I get back to my normal routine? Your body needs time to do its work, so patience is part of the process. We advise taking it easy for the first few days to let the treatment settle in. Most people with desk jobs can return to work very quickly. For more strenuous activities or sports, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. The full healing and tissue regeneration happens over several weeks and months. We’ll give you a personalized timeline, but the most important thing is to listen to your body as you gradually get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

What makes someone a good candidate for these elbow treatments? The ideal candidate is typically someone who has been struggling with chronic elbow pain for months or even years. You’ve likely tried the standard routes—rest, physical therapy, braces, and maybe even cortisone shots—without finding lasting relief. If you’re looking for a solution that addresses the root cause of the injury rather than just masking symptoms, and you want to avoid the risks and long downtime of surgery, regenerative therapy could be the right path for you.

Why aren’t these treatments typically covered by insurance? This is a common and important question. Because regenerative medicine uses your body’s own cells in a novel way, most insurance carriers still classify these procedures as “experimental,” even with the growing body of research supporting their effectiveness. This is often the case with cutting-edge medical advancements. We encourage you to think of this as an investment in your long-term health—a way to potentially resolve the problem for good, rather than continuing to pay for treatments that only offer temporary relief.

Key Takeaways

  • Look beyond temporary fixes: If cortisone shots and physical therapy haven’t provided lasting relief, there’s a reason. These methods often just manage symptoms, while research shows regenerative options like PRP offer better long-term results without the risks associated with steroids or ineffective surgery.
  • Use your body’s own healing power: Regenerative treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy are designed to rebuild the damaged tendon, not just mask the pain. By concentrating your own platelets or stem cells, these therapies give your body the tools it needs to repair the injury from the inside out.
  • Understand that healing is a process: While the procedure is a straightforward, in-office visit, true tissue regeneration happens gradually. The goal is lasting repair, not an overnight cure, so you can expect your improvements to build over several weeks and months as your body works to heal the tendon for good.

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