Elbow conditions
Tennis & golfer’s elbow
Ultrasound-guided treatment for the tendon at the elbow that has stopped healing on its own.
Understanding the condition
A tendon problem, not an inflammation problem
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the tendon on the outside of the elbow; golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the one on the inside. Despite the "-itis" in both names, what is usually found in longstanding cases is degenerative change in the tendon rather than active inflammation — which explains why anti-inflammatory approaches often disappoint.
Most cases settle within a year with load management and a proper strengthening program. The ones that reach us are the ones that did not: two years of a painful handshake, a grip that fails without warning, a sport given up.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow
- Pain gripping, shaking hands or lifting a coffee cup
- Tenderness over a specific point on the bone
- Weak grip, or the hand letting go unexpectedly
- Pain that flares with racquet sport, golf, tools or keyboard work
- Aching down the forearm after use
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
Tennis & golfer’s elbow treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
PRP and bone marrow concentrate are both used at the elbow. The tendon here is superficial, so ultrasound shows exactly where the damaged tissue is and where the injection needs to go.
Bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip, concentrated in a centrifuge, and placed by Dr. Movva under ultrasound or X-ray guidance so the treatment reaches the structure that is actually injured.
Before surgery or steroids
Why look at regenerative options first?
Corticosteroid injection is the traditional treatment and can give quick relief, but the evidence over longer follow-up has not been kind to it, and repeated steroid around a degenerative tendon is generally avoided. Surgical release is reserved for cases that have exhausted everything else.
Regenerative injections target the degenerative tissue itself, and they pair with — not replace — a loading program. This is one of the areas where published randomized evidence for PRP is strongest; see our evidence page.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Ultrasound-guided PRP or bone marrow concentrate into the affected tendon
- Ultrasound assessment of tendon damage and any associated tearing
- A progressive loading program for the wrist extensors or flexors
- Grip, technique and equipment changes
- A counterforce brace during the return to activity
Every plan begins with a detailed assessment. Dr. Movva will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right option for your case.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after treatment
All patients go home the same day. Mild soreness at the bone marrow collection site and injection areas is common for several days, as the healing process begins with a natural inflammatory response.
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First few days
Mild soreness or stiffness is typical.
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Weeks 2–6
Gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function.
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Months 2–6
Continued healing as stem cells and growth factors support tissue repair.
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Your rehab plan
Dr. Movva provides a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Patient reviews
Patients in their words
He has kept me from having multiple unnecessary surgeries. I have now seen him three different times for stem cell treatments. First was on my elbow to repair two torn ligaments… A year or so later both shoulders went out on me. I did stem cell treatments again.
Individual results vary. Patient testimonials describe personal experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome for any other patient.
Related
More elbow conditions
Am I a candidate for regenerative orthopedic treatment?
Candidates are typically individuals seeking non-surgical options for joint pain, sports injuries, tendon or ligament damage, or degenerative orthopedic conditions. Your physician will determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and overall health.
Can I return to sports or exercise after the treatment?
Return to sports depends on your diagnosis, the procedure performed, and your body's healing response. Our team develops individualized recovery plans designed to help patients safely return to their desired activities as healing progresses.
How long before I notice improvement?
Healing is a gradual biological process. Some patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, while others continue to experience progress over several months as damaged tissues respond to regenerative treatment.
Will I need physical therapy after my procedure?
Many patients benefit from a personalized rehabilitation or physical therapy program following treatment. Combining regenerative medicine with guided rehabilitation often supports improved strength, mobility, and long-term recovery.
Consultation request
Get your elbow evaluated
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movva at our Dallas office.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call (817) 442-9292 or text (817) 441-0457.
Contact us or request an appointment
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