Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common and often troublesome elbow pain that primarily affects the tendon attachment on the outside of the elbow. For many who suffer from this condition, everyday tasks such as lifting, gripping or even typing on the keyboard can become painful and challenging. Many have previously received cortisone treatment, which has been shown to provide short-term relief but can negatively affect the tendon structure in the long term. This is where PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) treatment comes in as a natural and long-term treatment option.
At Stockholms Lid- & Smärtspecialist, we offer a unique combination treatment with PRF and heat-coagulated albumin gel (ALB-PRF), which has been shown to provide effective and lasting results for our patients.
In this article, we summarize our latest study on our treatment and its results.
What is PRF and ALB-PRF treatment?
PRF treatment is a regenerative method that takes blood from the patient and processes it to extract platelets and fibrin – components that naturally stimulate the body’s healing processes. PRF is rich in growth factors such as TGF-β and PDGF, which are crucial for promoting healing and reducing inflammation in damaged tissues.
In our combination treatment, PRF is mixed with a heat-coagulated albumin gel (ALB-PRF), which prolongs the effect of the growth factors over time. This means that the treatment can provide long-lasting pain relief and tissue repair, without the need to add external substances.
Study Results – Effectiveness and Long-Term Relief
A new comprehensive study, published by our specialist Torbjörn Ogéus , in which 528 patients underwent PRF and ALB-PRF treatment for chronic tennis elbow. Strong evidence was presented on all measurement points. Here are some of the most notable results:
- Pain relief: Patients experienced a 97% reduction in pain according to the numerical pain scale (NRS) one year after treatment. After just one month, most reported a noticeable difference in daily activities that were previously painful.
- Ultrasound improvements: Ultrasound images showed that the structure of the tendons was significantly improved, with reduced hypoechoic (dark) areas, indicating improved tissue quality and healing.
- Long-term effect: One year after treatment, patients reported continued low pain levels and increased mobility. The results suggest that PRF and ALB-PRF not only offer short-term pain relief but also long-term improvement in tendon health.
Advantages of PRF compared to cortisone and surgery
Cortisone injections have long been used to treat tennis elbow, but studies show that they only provide short-term relief and that the effect can wear off quickly, in the worst case with more damage to the structure than before. PRF treatment, on the other hand, is based on the body’s own healing processes, which minimizes the risk of side effects and long-term problems that cortisone can cause. In addition, PRF is minimally invasive and provides a significantly shorter recovery time than surgery.
Is PRF treatment right for you?
If you have tried other treatments without success and are looking for a more natural and evidence-based solution for your tennis elbow, PRF may be an excellent option. As a patient with us at Stockholms Lid- & Smärtspecialist, you can expect to receive customized treatment where our experts use the latest technology to give you the best possible results.
Book a consultation with Stockholm’s Joint & Pain Specialist
Do you suffer from tennis elbow or similar problems? Then PRF treatment could be the solution for you. Contact us at Stockholms Lid- & Smärtspecialist for a consultation. We are here to answer your questions and help you regain a pain-free everyday life.
Let us help you find the right treatment – book your consultation today!
Link to the study
