Wichman Orthopedics & Wellness
Orthobiologics

Orthobiologics for the Elbow.

Regenerative options for stubborn tennis elbow and other elbow tendon problems, one of the better-studied uses of PRP.

Download the printable guide (PDF)
By jointKneeHipShoulderElbow
What we treat

Common elbow problems we consider biologics for

Which biologic, and why

Matching the treatment to the elbow

PRP, often leukocyte-rich, is our usual choice for stubborn tennis elbow and related tendon problems that haven't responded to rest, therapy, and other measures.

The honest headline. The elbow has one of the longest track records in the field. It has been about two decades since Dr. Allan Mishra's landmark 2006 study on PRP for chronic tennis elbow, work that helped launch modern orthobiologics.

New to these treatments? Start with the orthobiologics overview for how PRP, Protein Concentrate, and BMAC actually work.

What the science says

A straight read on the evidence

Tennis elbow is one of the best-studied uses of PRP, with one of the longest track records in all of orthobiologics. It has been about 20 years since Dr. Allan Mishra's landmark 2006 study on PRP for chronic tennis elbow helped launch the modern field. There's reasonable evidence PRP can help stubborn cases that haven't settled with conservative care, and it's a thoughtful option to consider before surgery. As always, we'll give you an honest read on whether it's likely to help you.

The strongest overall evidence for orthobiologics remains PRP for knee osteoarthritis, recognized in an April 2026 guidance statement from the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Evidence for other joints and products is earlier and still developing, and we'll always tell you where yours falls.

Candidacy & expectations

Who this is, and isn't, for

The honest answer depends on you. Here is the general picture, and we settle it together after we examine you and review your imaging.

✓Often a reasonable option

  • Mild-to-moderate arthritis or a chronic tendon problem still painful after therapy and simple measures
  • Wanting to calm pain and possibly delay surgery, with realistic expectations
  • Even more advanced arthritis, when the goal is to delay surgery, understanding the odds of success are lower
  • Generally healthy enough to heal well, and able to pause anti-inflammatories around the injection

−Probably not the answer

  • An active infection, or certain blood or bone-marrow conditions
  • Expecting a guaranteed cure or an overnight result
  • Unable to follow the pre- and post-injection plan, such as holding NSAIDs and resting

On what to expect around the procedure, see preparing for your procedure and after your procedure.

Wondering if it's right for you?

Let's talk it through, honestly.

We'll evaluate your elbow and give you a straight recommendation, whatever it is, biologics, something simpler, or surgery when that's genuinely the right call.

This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Orthobiologic treatments are not FDA-approved to cure or reverse any condition, results vary from person to person, and they are not right for everyone. Whether a treatment is appropriate for you is a decision we make together after an evaluation.