If tendon pain keeps coming back or just won’t improve with rest, physical therapy, or changes to your routine, it may be time to talk about PRP injections for chronic tendon pain. At Steven Struhl MD – Stem Cell Therapy NYC, we start by finding out what’s causing your pain before talking through whether platelet-rich plasma injections make sense for you.
What Are PRP Injections?
PRP injections use a concentrated part of your own blood. During your treatment, we draw a blood sample and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. The PRP is then injected near the irritated tissue.
Platelets carry growth factors that help your body repair itself. According to AAOS guidance, PRP is being studied for several orthopedic issues, including some chronic tendon injuries. The goal is to support healing in the treatment area, not just numb pain for a short time.
When Is PRP Worth Discussing for Tendon Pain?
You might consider PRP for tendon pain when a tendon problem just won’t go away. If your symptoms keep coming back after rest or therapy, an orthopedic evaluation can help you see if the tendon is still irritated, overloaded, partially damaged, or if something else is going on in the joint.
PRP may come up during a consultation for:
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Achilles or patellar tendon pain
- Rotator cuff-related tendon pain
- Chronic tendonitis that returns after rest, therapy, or activity changes
A 2025 systematic review on PRP for tendinopathy found that PRP can help with pain and function in some cases, especially in the mid-term. Long-term results still need more research. In plain English, clinical studies support PRP for certain tendon problems, but it’s important to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
When Might Another Treatment Be Better?
PRP isn’t the answer for every tendon problem. If you have a complete rupture, severe tear, major instability, infection, advanced arthritis, or pain coming from somewhere else, you’ll likely need a different approach.
Other options might include physical therapy, bracing, cortisone injections, stem cell therapy, or surgery. The best choice depends on what your exam and imaging show, not just where you feel pain.
What Does Dr. Struhl Evaluate First?
Dr. Steven Struhl is a dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician who treats shoulder, knee, and sports injuries with both surgical and non-surgical options. Before recommending PRP treatment, he’ll look at your symptoms, exam, imaging, tendon location, past treatments, and your activity goals.
This evaluation helps us figure out whether regenerative orthopedics, traditional injections, therapy, or surgery is the best fit for your tendon pain.
FAQs
Is PRP the same as stem cell therapy?
No. PRP uses platelet-rich plasma from your blood. Stem cell therapy uses cells collected from another source in your body, often bone marrow. Dr. Struhl can explain which option fits your diagnosis and treatment goals.
How long does PRP take to work for tendon pain?
PRP usually doesn’t work like a numbing shot. If PRP is part of your treatment plan, you’ll track your progress over time instead of expecting instant results. How long it takes depends on your diagnosis, tendon damage, activity level, and treatment history.
Talk With Steven Struhl, MD – Stem Cell Therapy NYC, about PRP Injections
If tendon pain keeps getting in the way of your work, workouts, or daily movement, a focused orthopedic evaluation can help you get answers. Steven Struhl, MD – Stem Cell Therapy NYC, sees patients in New York City and White Plains for PRP injections in NYC, PRP treatment in White Plains, and other regenerative orthopedic options.