PRP (Plasma Rich Platelet) Injection - Anyone?

Dealing with tendonitis the last several months in my dominant arm, Forearm / Elbow area. It has really affected my quality of life. The arm band did little to help nor did exercises. Cortisone shot gave me some temporary relief but wore off and it started getting even worse.

Elected to have the PRP injection last Wednesday. It is a relatively new treatment where your own blood is drawn then centrifuged to separate the Platelets and injected into the tendon area. It is supposed to be very effective in healing tendon issues. Most Insurance do not cover it either, because it's not a "Standard" treatment yet.

The injection itself hurt like "Holy Hell" or like getting kicked in the knutz. The injection took what seemed like forever, probably 30-45 seconds directed into my elbow area. I had painful spasms from my elbow to my fingertips. I wasn't comfortable to leave and drive for about 45 minutes.
The Dr. said it would be sore for a few days. I could barely bend my elbow at all and when I did it hurt like hell. Supposedly the fluid injected in the elbow area is putting pressure on it causing the pain & discomfort. I could barely get comfortable to sleep that night.
Almost 48 hrs and the pain has subsided some about 50% of what it was and elbow movement has increased some without pain.

I had heard of PRP a few times in recent past and had heard great things about it. I just didn't hear how painful the FN injection would be. I sure hope it is worth it in the end!

 

I worked in a pain clinic where we did these. Yes. They hurt like hell. Are they doing clear prp or red prp. (Is the injectate yellow or red?). Clear is better than red and hurts less. Are you signed up for a set of three injections ? The later injections usually hurt less. So far we have had nothing but positive results. So it should help you.

 

It was not Red at all, more yellowish but somewhat clear. There was no talk of anymore injections. I will inquire on my followup in 3 weeks. This was thru an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Glad to hear of good results!

 

tennis elbow and achilles tendon's can be healed very well by shock-wave therapy. They've been doing it in Europe for years now but it has yet to catch on in the states. It is available here, but you must seek it out. I'd try this before going to PRP.

 

Good on the clear/yellow. It was our standard that everyone got 3 injections. This was on active duty at military hospital so reimbursement/insurance wasn’t an issue.

 

Update:
PRP has not been effective. MRI shows some tears in the UCL. Doc says repairable; Day Surgery then 6 weeks arm immobilized then 6 weeks therapy.

Or I could just live with it depending on threshold of pain and quality of life. I may get a second opinion while trying to decide when to have this done. Never a good time!

 

Ugh... I feel your pain... literally... I had tennis elbow in both arms... each lasted about 9-12 months, even with cortisone injections. The tough part is avoiding the activities that aggravate it. EVERYTHING aggravates it. I used a lot of ice massage on it, and that helped with the pain temporarily. I can’t say there was any one thing that was a “cure”... eventually gradually got better. I did not have PRP injections for that, but I had them during one of my shoulder surgeries... can’t say for sure if it made a difference in outcome as both of my shoulder surgeries were successful. Good luck!!!

 

I really wish you guys would stop playing tennis. You never heard of anyone having badminton elbow...they ya are, all fixed

Attempt at some humor. I know what your going through, my knees are about shot

 

GAH!!!
AND... six weeks recovery time is a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of your life... AND... might be worth a second opinion... good luck and keep us posted!

 

Id avoid surgery if you can, especially for tendonitis. I had good luck with ART, heres a link for the providers in your area. Call around to see who would be best to see for your elbow.
http://activerelease.com/find-a-provider.asp?strGeocode=(29.7604267,+-95.3698028)&strAddress=Houston,+TX,+USA

My Jiu jitsu crew and crossfire crew both use ART for many issues. I just recently had 4 sessions for a two ligaments that were stuck together like an overuse injury in my bicep/elbow area. I dealt with it for 6 months before I went to him to get it treated. All better now.

 

I appreciate all the input guys. Not in a hurry to get cut on. Will wait a bit and see how it progresses or digresses. Get a 2nd opinion and look into the ART.