Lateral epicondylitis responds well to regenerative therapies. We treat the underlying tendon damage-not just mask the pain with steroids.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is damage to the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. These tendons connect the forearm muscles that extend your wrist and fingers.
Despite its name, most people with tennis elbow have never played tennis. Any repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting motion can cause it-typing, using tools, cooking, gardening, or even carrying a briefcase.
The pain is located on the lateral (outside) epicondyle-the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. You may also feel pain radiating down your forearm toward your wrist.
Outer elbow (lateral side)
Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow (lateral). Golfer's elbow affects the inside (medial). Both respond well to regenerative treatment.
Burning or aching on the bony bump outside the elbow
Difficulty holding objects, opening jars, or shaking hands
Worse when lifting objects, especially with palm down
Pain radiating from elbow down into the forearm
Elbow feels stiff and painful first thing in the morning
The outer elbow is painful when pressed
Racquet sports
Using hand tools
Typing / mouse use
Cooking / chopping
Multiple studies have shown that cortisone injections for tennis elbow lead to worse outcomes at 6-12 months compared to doing nothing at all. While cortisone provides short-term pain relief, it weakens the tendon tissue and delays the natural healing process.
A proven protocol that heals the tendon and restores grip strength.
Visualize the Damage
Dr. Buchheit uses diagnostic ultrasound to visualize the tendons at the lateral epicondyle. This identifies the location and extent of tendon damage, tears, or calcification-guiding precise treatment.
Deliver Healing Factors
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is injected directly into the damaged tendon using ultrasound guidance. The concentrated growth factors stimulate the body's natural repair process and restore the cytokine balance needed for healing.
Strengthen and Prevent Recurrence
A structured exercise program strengthens the forearm muscles and tendons. Eccentric exercises (controlled lowering) are particularly effective for stimulating tendon remodeling.
Slowly lower a weight with palm down, then lift with other hand
Progressive resistance to rebuild grip strength
Yes, the vast majority of tennis elbow cases heal without surgery. Regenerative therapies like PRP combined with targeted exercises have shown excellent results, often outperforming cortisone injections in long-term studies.
While cortisone provides short-term relief, research shows it leads to worse outcomes at 6-12 months compared to doing nothing. Steroids can weaken tendon tissue and actually delay healing. PRP and other regenerative therapies promote actual tissue repair.
No, tennis elbow affects many people who have never played tennis. It's caused by any repetitive wrist and forearm motion-typing, using tools, painting, cooking, or any activity that involves gripping and twisting.
With regenerative treatment and proper rehabilitation, most patients see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. Complete recovery typically takes 3-6 months, though this varies based on severity and how long you've had symptoms.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow and is related to wrist extension. Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inside of the elbow and is related to wrist flexion. Both respond well to regenerative treatment.
Find out if PRP or regenerative treatment is right for your tennis elbow. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Buchheit today.
