Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Shoulder and Elbow Problems

Introduction

If you have shoulder or elbow pain, you may have heard about PRP. But what is it, and does it work? PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. This treatment uses your own blood to try to help your body heal naturally.

What Is PRP?

PRP comes from your own blood drawn from your arm. The blood is spun in a special machine (centrifuge) to separate and concentrate the platelets.

• Platelets are tiny parts of your blood that help with clotting and healing. They release natural growth factors that may help tissues repair.

• The concentrated platelets are mixed with plasma (the liquid part of your blood).

• This PRP is then injected into the injured area to promote healing.

The whole process takes about 30–45 minutes and is usually done in the office.

When is PRP used in the shoulder?

PRP is being studied and used for several shoulder problems:

• Rotator cuff tears (small or partial-thickness): Some studies show PRP can reduce pain and improve function compared to steroid injections.

• Shoulder impingement / rotator cuff tendinopathy: Research suggests PRP may give better long-term pain relief than cortisone shots.

• After surgery (such as rotator cuff repair): PRP is sometimes used to boost healing, but results are mixed and more studies are needed.

When is PRP used in the elbow?

PRP is also used for elbow problems, especially painful tendon injuries:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Strongest evidence supports PRP here. Studies show it helps with pain and may reduce the need for surgery.

• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Newer research shows PRP can improve pain and function.

• Biceps tendon irritation: Sometimes used, but evidence is still limited.

How is the procedure done?

• Outpatient procedure — usually in the office.

○ Step 1: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm.

○ Step 2: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets.

○ Step 3: The PRP is injected into the injured area, often using ultrasound to guide the needle.

No anesthesia is required, though a numbing shot may be given.

Benefits of PRP

• Uses your own blood — very low risk of reaction.

• May improve healing in tendons and reduce pain.

• May help patients avoid or delay surgery.

• Fewer side effects compared to steroid injections.

Limitations and Risks

• Not covered by insurance in most cases → usually out-of-pocket cost.

• Results vary — not everyone improves.

• May take weeks or months to notice benefits.

• Soreness for a few days after the injection is common.

What does the research say?

The research on PRP is mixed:

• Positive results: A number of studies show PRP helps with tennis elbow and rotator cuff conditions.

• Mixed or unclear results: Other studies do not show a difference compared to cortisone or standard care.

• Ongoing research: More high-quality studies are needed to know exactly who benefits most.

Recovery after PRP

• Rest the area for a few days.

• Avoid heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks.

• Physical therapy often begins soon after injection.

• Gradual return to activity as pain improves.

Alternatives to PRP

• Physical therapy.

• Cortisone injections.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

• Surgery if non-operative treatments fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP safe?

Yes. Since it uses your own blood, the risk of reaction is very low.

How long does it take to work?

Some people feel better in a few weeks. Others may need more time.

How long do the results last?

Relief may last 6 months or longer, but it varies from person to person.

Does insurance cover PRP?

Often not. Many patients pay out of pocket.

Conclusion

PRP is a promising treatment for some shoulder and elbow problems, especially tendon injuries like tennis elbow and rotator cuff conditions. But it doesn’t help everyone, and the research is still ongoing.

Call to book an appointment to see if PRP might be a good choice for your shoulder or elbow condition:

646-665-6784

---

About the Author

C. Lucas Myerson, MD – Orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting or changing treatment.

Sources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. OrthoInfo: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).

• Bliddal H et al.. Comparative effectiveness of injection therapies in lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med. 2013

• Kwong CA et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients With Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears or Tendinopathy Leads to Significantly Improved Short-Term Pain Relief and Function Compared With Corticosteroid Injection: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthroscopy. 2021

• Mishra AK et al.. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for chronic tennis elbow: a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 230 patients. Am J Sports Med. 2014

• Rossi LA et al. Subacromial injection of platelet-rich plasma provides greater improvement in pain and functional outcomes compared to corticosteroids at 1-year follow-up: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024

• Ye Z et al. Platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injection for tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025