PRP for Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the tendons around the elbow. It can significantly limit a patient’s ability to engage in sports or even perform daily activities. While conservative treatments are effective for many patients, more severe cases of epicondylitis often require therapeutic intervention.

One of the most advanced minimally invasive techniques for treating this condition is Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injection, which has shown significant results in promoting healing and relieving pain in patients with epicondylitis. In this article, we will explore what Ultrasound-Guided PRP Therapy is, how it works, and why it may be the right choice for treating epicondylitis.

What is Ultrasound-Guided PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a revolutionary technique that utilizes the patient’s own blood to promote tissue healing. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it in a special centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it precisely into the affected tendon area under ultrasound guidance. This platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that help restore tendon health.

When combined with Ultrasound Guidance, PRP injections are safer and more effective. Ultrasound technology allows real-time monitoring of the needle and injection site, enabling a specialized Radiologist to perform the procedure with accuracy and safety. Unlike blind injections (performed without ultrasound guidance), ultrasound ensures precise targeting of the affected area while avoiding unintended damage to surrounding structures, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness.

How does Ultrasound-Guided PRP for Epicondylitis work?

PRP therapy is recommended for patients with epicondylitis who have not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.

When treating epicondylitis, PRP injections offer superior long-term therapeutic benefits compared to corticosteroid injections. While corticosteroids provide more immediate relief, PRP supports long-term healing and tissue regeneration. Additionally, since PRP is a natural treatment derived from the patient’s own blood, it can be safely repeated without exposing the body to pharmaceutical substances.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injection for Epicondylitis

Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injections offer several key advantages over other treatment methods:

PRP provides a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment option, reducing the risk of complications and minimizing recovery time compared to surgery.
Ultrasound guidance ensures that PRP is injected accuratelyand safely into the affected area, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment and preventing injury to surrounding tissues.
Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, there is a natural recovery from the pathology with no risk of allergic reactions or treatment rejection.
PRP stimulates the body's natural healing process, accelarating recovery, helping to shorten symptom duration and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.

How is Ultrasound-Guided PRP Therapy Performed?

The procedure follows these key steps:

Blood Collection: A small amount of blood (approximately 20 mL) is drawn from the patient’s arm.
Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Ultrasound-Guided Injection: A specialized Radiologist, using real-time ultrasound guidance, inserts a thin needle into the affected area and precisely injects PRP into the injured tendon.

Post-Treatment: After the procedure, patients may experience mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-Guided PRP Therapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for epicondylitis. By leveraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms, PRP provides long-term relief without the need for surgery or pharmaceutical medications.

Testimonials

An excellent scientist with advanced knowledge, capable of diagnosing damage caused by rheumatic diseases and thus contributing to their effective treatment. I hope there are more scientists like her so that patients can continue to enjoy a good quality of life, as these diseases are incurable.

Alexia S.
I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi