Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a procedure used to treat tendon injuries and practiced by select clinicians. Recent studies have supported the findings that PRP is more efficient in healing tennis elbow injuries than corticosteroid injections.
Due to the limited blood circulation, injured tendons commonly heal particularly slow. Due to their natural attraction to healing growth factors, the basis of platelet rich plasma therapy is the injection of a patient’s own blood platelets to the location of the injured tendon.
Although studies have shown patients undergoing platelet rich plasma therapy report a 64% and 84% improvement in pain and disability, respectively; most insurance plans do not cover the procedure and treatment can cost between $750 and $1,500.
About the author
Board certified by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jonathan Komar, MD received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Focusing on physical rehabilitation, Dr. Jonathan Komar has been practicing medicine for more than 15 years and most recently served as partner at Southwest Spine and Sports in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Komar has extensive education and training in platelet rich plasma therapy.
Jonathan Komar, MD 