Does a simple grip on a coffee mug, a steering wheel, or a grocery bag send a sharp reminder of pain through your elbow or wrist? That deep, stubborn ache might be tendonitis, an inflammation of a tendon, the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This pain can be a major hindrance to your daily activities. Unlike typical muscle strains, irritated tendons heal slowly, often leaving you in a cycle of pain that re-flares with everyday use.

At PRP in Seattle, we help you break that cycle with Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP) . We place PRP precisely, using real‑time ultrasound into the most irritated part of the tendon to calm inflammation and support tendon repair. 

What is PRP for Tendonitis

PRP is a concentrated portion of your blood that contains platelets (the body’s “first responders”) and hundreds of bioactive proteins. When injected into injured tendon tissue, platelets release growth factors that can modulate inflammation, stimulate tendon‑cell (tenocyte) activity, and encourage stronger collagen remodeling, the foundation of durable tendon healing. Results vary by condition and technique, but clinical studies support PRP’s role in many stubborn tendon problems.

Tendon Problems We Treat with PRP

Below are the tendon conditions we most often see. Every tendon behaves a little differently, so we tailor the dose, location, and guidance technique to you.

  • Tennis elbow (Outer Elbow Pain) : Burning or aching on the outside of the elbow, often worse when gripping or lifting. PRP helps repair small tendon tears and reduce long-term pain.
  • Golfer’s elbow (Inner Elbow Pain): Pain on the inner elbow with wrist flexion or forearm rotation is common in lifters and desk workers alike. When rest and therapy aren’t enough, PRP can help the tendon recover.
  • Patellar tendinopathy (“jumper’s knee”): Pain below the kneecap that makes stairs, running, or sports difficult. PRP may ease irritation and support the tendon’s ability to handle stress.
  • Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Tendons: Overhead or night pain from supraspinatus or biceps tendons can gradually improve when PRP augments a progressive loading program.
  • Wrist, Hand, and Ankle Tendons: Tendon pain in the wrist or ankle that doesn’t improve with rest can be frustrating. PRP may offer a healing option before surgery is considered. 

Benefits of PRP for Tendonitis

PRP is not a “pain shot.” It’s a biologic nudge that asks the tendon to rebuild over time. Here’s what that means for most people.

  • Reduce pain and flare‑ups over weeks to months: You may feel a brief “pro‑healing” soreness for a few days, then gradual improvements in daily use and sport. Benefits typically emerge over several weeks as collagen remodels.
  • Support real tendon repair, not just numbing: Unlike corticosteroids (short‑term relief, potential tendon weakening), PRP delivers growth factors that can stimulate collagen synthesis and more durable function for some tendons. 
  • Work with physical therapy, not against it: A progressive loading plan (eccentrics/isometrics) amplifies PRP’s effect and helps you return to the things you love with fewer setbacks. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?

PRP is best for chronic, stubborn tendon pain that hasn’t responded to the basic treatments. Good candidates typically:

  • Have Long-Standing Pain: Your tendon pain has persisted for months and hasn’t resolved with rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Want to Avoid Surgery: You are looking for a minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative to treat your injury and avoid the potential side effects of repeated steroid injections.
  • Have Goals to Get Back to Their Life: Your injury is stopping you from enjoying work, daily activities, or the sports you love, and your goal is to truly heal and regain full function.

The best way to know if PRP is right for you is through a personalized evaluation. We will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your goals to ensure it’s a promising option for your specific condition.

Your Tendonitis Treatment at PRPinSeattle

We keep the process simple, precise, and tailored to the tendon we’re treating.

  • Targeted evaluation: We review your history, examine the tendon, and when needed review or order imaging. This helps us confirm that PRP is a sensible choice (and if not, we’ll say so).
  • Small blood draw & processing: We spin your sample in a medical centrifuge to concentrate platelets into PRP. The preparation method affects the end product; we select what fits your tendon and goals.
  • Ultrasound‑guided injection: Real‑time ultrasound lets us place PRP exactly where it’s needed and avoid nearby nerves and vessels. Ultrasound guidance can improve accuracy and may improve outcomes versus “landmark” injections.
  • Back to normal life: Most people walk out and resume desk work the same day. Expect a sore, “bruise‑like” feeling for 24–72 hours.

Interested in the PRP for Tendonitis?

Fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation or ask any questions you may have.

    How Many Injections and When Will I Notice a Change?

    Most tendon protocols begin with one PRP injection and a 4–6 week reassessment. Some chronic cases benefit from a series of two to three injections spaced a few weeks apart. It’s common to notice steady improvement across 1–3 months, with continued gains as you progress rehab. In conditions like tennis elbow, PRP tends to outperform steroids after the early (first‑month) period and shows advantages at 3–12 months in pooled analyses.

    Risks & Side Effects

    Since PRP uses your own blood, allergic reactions are rare. The most common effects are temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Less common risks include infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation, but these are uncommon when the procedure is performed carefully. 

    Why Choose PRP in Seattle for Tendon Care

    At PRP in Seattle, we focus on precision and transparency. Every injection is guided by ultrasound for accurate placement, especially in smaller tendons of the elbow, wrist, and ankle. Our protocols are tailored to each patient, adjusting PRP concentration, volume, and rehab based on the best available evidence. And if we believe PRP isn’t the right solution such as in cases of complete tendon tears we’ll give you clear guidance on better options.

    Book Your PRP Tendonitis Consultation

    Don’t let tendon pain decide your day. Call (206) 279‑2112 or book online to see whether ultrasound‑guided PRP at PRP in Seattle can help you get back to the activities you love without more pills or downtime. 

    FAQs

     

    Does PRP work for tendinitis?

    PRP can help many people with chronic tendon pain by reducing inflammation and supporting tendon repair, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. Results vary depending on the tendon and severity.

    How long does PRP last for tendonitis?

    Improvements often build over weeks and can last for several months to a year or more. Some patients may need repeat treatments for lasting relief.

    What is the disadvantage of PRP?

    The main downsides are cost (since insurance usually doesn’t cover it), temporary soreness after treatment, and the fact that results aren’t guaranteed for everyone.

    When is it too late for PRP?

    PRP is less effective for complete tendon tears or when damage is too severe. In those cases, surgery or other treatments may be better options.

    STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

    Give us a call at (206) 279-2112. Chat by clicking the icon in the lower left hand corner of your screen. Otherwise, contact us by filling out the form above.