PRP for Tendon Injuries — Tennis Elbow, Rotator Cuff & Achilles | Epoch St Ives
PRP injections for tendon injuries at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Tennis elbow, rotator cuff and Achilles tendinopathy. Image-guided. North Shore specialist.
PRP for Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Does It Work?
Tennis elbow — technically known as lateral epicondylopathy — is one of the most studied indications for PRP injection therapy, and the evidence is increasingly positive.
What tennis elbow involves:
– Degeneration of the common extensor tendon at its attachment on the outer aspect of the elbow — not inflammation in the traditional sense, but a failure of the tendon’s normal healing response.
– This results in persistent pain with gripping, lifting, and repetitive wrist movements — often extremely frustrating for active individuals and those performing manual work.
How PRP helps:
– By delivering a concentrated dose of growth factors directly into the degenerated tendon under ultrasound guidance, PRP provides the powerful biological healing signal that the tendon’s own deficient healing response cannot generate.
– Multiple randomised controlled trials have shown PRP to be more effective than cortisone for long-term outcomes in tennis elbow — with cortisone often providing faster initial relief, but PRP delivering more sustained benefit over 6 to 12 months.
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, tennis elbow PRP is delivered under real-time ultrasound guidance with precise targeting of the area of maximum tendon degeneration.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & PRP Injection Therapy
The rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder are a common source of persistent shoulder pain — and PRP injection therapy is an increasingly used option when conservative management has been insufficient.
When PRP is considered for the rotator cuff:
– Rotator cuff tendinopathy (degeneration without a significant tear) that has not improved adequately with physiotherapy, activity modification, and cortisone injection.
– Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears where surgery is not immediately planned — PRP may support the tendon’s biological capacity for natural repair.
– As a complement to physiotherapy — PRP is not a standalone treatment but works most effectively when combined with a structured rehabilitation program.
Important distinction: PRP is not appropriate for large or complete rotator cuff tears where surgical repair is needed. Your orthopaedic specialist or sports physician will assess the size and nature of any tear from your MRI or ultrasound before recommending PRP. At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, shoulder PRP is delivered under real-time ultrasound guidance for precise tendon placement.
Achilles Tendinopathy: How PRP Promotes Tendon Healing
Achilles tendinopathy — persistent pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the Achilles tendon — is one of the most common and frustrating tendon conditions, particularly in active adults and runners. PRP injection therapy is a well-established option for cases that have not responded to conservative management.
How PRP helps Achilles tendinopathy:
– The Achilles tendon has a relatively poor blood supply, which is one reason it is prone to slow, incomplete healing. PRP directly delivers growth factors and angiogenic (blood vessel-forming) signals to the tendon.
– Concentrated growth factors stimulate the production of new collagen — the structural protein that makes up tendons — supporting genuine tendon repair rather than just symptom management.
– PRP is most effective for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (the area 2 to 7 cm above the heel). Insertional tendinopathy (at the heel bone attachment) may respond differently and requires careful assessment.
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, Achilles PRP injections are performed under ultrasound guidance. Importantly, the needle is placed alongside the tendon — not directly into it — to protect the tendon structure while delivering PRP to the peritendinous area.
Recovery After PRP Tendon Injection: What to Expect
Understanding the recovery process after a PRP tendon injection helps patients manage their expectations and return to activity at the right time.
Immediately after injection (days 1–3):
– It is normal and expected to experience a temporary increase in pain and soreness at the injection site — this is a sign that the PRP is stimulating the biological healing response.
– Ice packs and paracetamol can help manage discomfort. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) for at least 2 weeks — these can inhibit the platelet activity that makes PRP effective.
First few weeks (weeks 1–6):
– Relative rest from aggravating activities during this period is important — your treating practitioner will advise on specific activity restrictions.
– Gentle movement and activity as tolerated is generally fine.
– Physiotherapy and progressive loading exercises are typically reintroduced at 2 to 4 weeks as part of the rehabilitation plan.
Expected timeline for improvement:
– Meaningful improvement is typically seen at 6 to 8 weeks.
– Maximum benefit is often not reached until 3 to 6 months after injection.
– This gradual timeline reflects the biological healing process — PRP supports genuine tissue repair, which takes time.
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