Written and medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD — Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Director of PRP Treatment Beverly Hills. Last medically reviewed: October 2026.
Quick answer: PRP has been studied for chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), but the evidence is mixed. A 2026 meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials found no significant improvement from PRP for lateral epicondylitis, while other comparisons with corticosteroid have reported different short- and long-term patterns. For that reason, PRP should not be presented as a guaranteed or clearly superior treatment.
What are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow usually involves the common extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow involves the flexor-pronator tendon origin on the inside. Both are typically overuse-related tendinopathies rather than simple inflammation.
Why diagnosis matters
Elbow pain can also come from ligament injury, nerve compression, joint arthritis, referred neck pain, or tendon tearing. The pattern and severity of disease should be evaluated before considering an injection.
What does the evidence say about PRP?
The literature is conflicting. Some studies comparing PRP with corticosteroid suggest different time-course effects, while recent placebo-controlled evidence has not shown a reliable benefit. This is exactly why patient selection and realistic counseling are important.
What usually comes first?
- Activity and load modification
- Structured rehabilitation and eccentric or progressive strengthening
- Ergonomic or technique changes
- Medication or bracing when appropriate
- Further imaging or specialist evaluation when symptoms are atypical or persistent
Read our PRP vs steroid injection for tennis elbow comparison and our broader tendon and sports injury page.
