London Bridge Regenerative Clinic

Tennis Elbow Treatment

We provide ultrasound-guided cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and prolotherapy injections for tennis elbow, as well as focused shockwave therapy. We also offer a free consultation to discuss the best treatment options.

AT A GLANCE

TREATS

Tennis elbow lateral epicondylitis

Anaesthesia

Local 

Duration

30 minutes

Recovery

48 hours low activity, followed by 2 weeks of avoiding heavy impact and intense loading activities

Ultrasound-guided cortisone injection can offer fast and effective pain relief and reduction in swelling

Focused shockwave therapy offers advanced tendon regeneration with minimally invasive techniques.

Prolotherapy stimulates the body's natural healing processes, encouraging the repair of damaged tendons and tissues.

Used to alleviate pain and improve limited movement resulting from tendon disorders, aiding in both the smooth movement of tendons and the regeneration process.

Tennis Elbow Treatment at London Bridge Regenerative Clinic

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, it can affect anyone, not just those who play racket sports. Although most cases of tennis elbow resolve on their own, this process can be prolonged, often lasting up to two years and causing significant pain and limited function during that time. 

At London Bridge Regenerative Clinic, we offer guided injection therapy and focused shockwave while combing these with a comprehensive rehabilitation and strengthening programme.  

 

TENNIS ELBOW INJECTION OVERVIEW

Tennis elbow, also referred to as common extensor tendinopathy or lateral epicondylalgia, is a prevalent condition impacting the muscles and tendons responsible for extending your fingers and wrist, resulting in discomfort on the outer side of the elbow. This discomfort tends to intensify during activities involving gripping, such as playing racquet sports or handling objects. Additionally, the pain may radiate into the forearm and wrist.

Typically characterized by a dull ache or burning sensation, tennis elbow is often exacerbated by tasks requiring repetitive gripping motions. Despite its name, this condition affects more than just tennis players, with various activities like painting, gardening, DIY projects, and frequent computer use also contributing to its onset.

Our commitment lies in aiding you in achieving your personal objectives, whether it’s as simple as lifting a cup of tea or as ambitious as competing in tennis matches at Wimbledon, free from elbow pain! We tailor your treatment plan to align with your goals and provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from diagnosis to your return to your desired activities or sports.

They prove particularly effective for treating inflamed joints, tendon sheaths, and chronic joint pain conditions like inflammatory arthritis, such as Rheumatoid arthritis.

In cases where prompt pain relief is necessary and NHS waiting times are prohibitive, we provide a quick, cost-effective solution.  Here at London Bridge Regen clinic  includes an ultrasound scan and musculoskeletal assessment, ensuring comprehensive care.

The use of ultrasound guidance enables precise localisation of the problem area, ensuring the injection reaches the intended location with accuracy. Research demonstrates that this approach significantly enhances procedure outcomes while allowing for the administration of the lowest effective dose. Conversely, blind injections, without ultrasound guidance, may necessitate repeat procedures, which are less desirable. Additionally, ultrasound-guided injections minimize the risk of damaging surrounding structures, thereby reducing tissue damage and associated pain.

What are the common characteristics of this elbow tendonitis?

 Typically, individuals experience discomfort on the outer side of the elbow. Pain is often felt during activities such as lifting objects with the arm, grasping items like a cup, or rotating the forearm while manipulating a door handle. The intensity of the pain typically ranges from mild irritation to severe discomfort, sometimes hindering participation in sports activities.

Obtaining imaging to confirm the presence of lateral epicondylitis and to eliminate other potential causes, particularly in complex cases, is crucial. Ultrasound imaging is employed to observe typical tendon alterations such as thickening and increased blood flow. Additionally, it allows visualization of the elbow joint and nerves surrounding the outer elbow area to ensure that the pain is not originating from these alternate sources.

Assuming there are no contraindications, the practitioner will proceed to inject the steroid directly into the inflamed area, such as a joint or the surrounding soft tissue identified during the diagnosis. Most patients find these injections to be comfortable and well tolerated.

Depending on your medical history and examination, we may need to postpone the injection if certain conditions are present, such as unstable blood pressure or fluctuating blood sugar levels due to diabetes. In such cases, specific written consent from your GP may be required before proceeding with the injection.

Following the injection, it’s common for the local anesthetic to provide immediate relief from pain. However, this initial numbing sensation typically subsides within a couple of hours. The full effects of the cortisone may take several days to start, usually resulting in a significant reduction in pain within a week post-injection. We will also advise specific rehabilitation exercises, pain and anti-inflammatory medication, ice, compression, and activity modification.

Depending on the area we are injecting, it is normally advised to avoid driving for 1 hour after the injection, as you may experience some numbness.

we recommend to refrain from strenuous exercise for approximately two days afterward. Similarly, if the injection is near a tendon, avoiding heavy impact and intense loading activities for 10-14 days post-injection is advisable. We will provide guidance on returning to normal activities on the day of treatment and may advise a course of shockwave therapy or physiotherapy.

If you experience pain relief from the injection and alternative treatments have been ineffective or unsuitable, repeat steroid injections can typically be administered safely, but we would not normally have more than 3 per year. Some injections serve to create a ‘window of opportunity’ for engaging in exercise and rehabilitation. As your pain becomes better managed, the emphasis often shifts towards exercise and conservative management, potentially reducing the necessity for further injections. Once the pain levels have reduced to a more tolerable level, we may also advise other treatment modalities such as focused shockwave or HA injections.

  1. Have an infection
  2. Exhibit allergies to local anesthetics or steroids
  3. Feeling unwell or have fever
  4. Have upcoming surgery planned in the same area
  5. Are unsure or hesitant about receiving the injection

We offer all new patients a free initial consultation, which will include a preliminary ultrasound scan. This will help ascertain the best treatment and give you an opportunity to ask questions.

Procedure Specialists

Fee

 Ultrasound guided Cortisone Injections

Gary & Jon

£300 (One area)

Focused shockwave 

Gary

£120

Prolotherapy

Jon

Benefits of cortisone Injections

These types of injections, can offer several benefits in various musculoskeletal conditions such as bursitis, tendinopathy, osteoarthritis, and other related sports injuries.

Pain Relief: cortisone injections can provide significant relief from pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. They work by reducing inflammation in the affected area and reducing pain.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which make them effective in reducing swelling, redness, and pain caused by inflammatory mediators due to the injury.

Fast-acting: cortsione injections often provide rapid relief compared to oral medications because they are delivered directly to the affected area, bypassing the digestive system and quickly exerting their effects. We also increase accuracy by using guided ultrasound.

Localised Treatment: Unlike other oral medications and other painkillers that affect the entire body, ultrasound-guided steroid injections can be targeted to a specific area of pain and inflammation, allowing for precise treatment with minimal systemic side effects.

Adjunct to Other Treatments: cortisone injections can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physical therapy, rest, or other medications. They can help manage symptoms while underlying conditions are being treated or managed.

It’s important to remember that whilst these injections can offer significant benefits, they also carry potential risks and limitations. These include the risk of infection, tissue damage, temporary worsening of symptoms, and systemic side effects. Therefore, it’s important to carefully read through the consent form to fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.

After the procedure,  typically we dvise refraining from engaging in strenuous physical activities for several days to allow your body to recover optimally. It’s essential to prioritise hydration by drinking plenty of water to help flush out any toxins and aid in the healing process. If you experience any discomfort or pain, Paracetamol can be safely used for pain management as needed.

It is important to follow your clinician post-procedure instructions carefully and attend follow-up consultation. 

Have Questions?

SEND US A MESSAGE

You can send us a message, give us a call or click below to get in touch

Book consultation

Book a free consultation with one of our practitioners today  

YOUR SIMPLE 4 STEP JOURNEY

Step 1. Free Intial consultation

London Bridge Regen clinic gives every patient a free consultation with one of our injecting practitioners.

There is no obligation to proceed to treatment. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your issue in detail and the benefits and risks of the procedure.

Many individuals find significant relief through ultrasound-guided injections when grappling with persistent conditions such as tennis elbow.

STEP 2. Physical exam and ultrasound

We will perform palpation and orthopaedic tests to help confirm your diagnosis.  If required we may also perform a diagnostic ultrasound scan to assist in visualising the issue.  We may also refer you for an X-ray or MRI, depending on the examination findings.  

We will allow time to explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.  We make sure you understand the advantages and risks with the procedure before going ahead

STEP 3. Injection procedure

All cortisone injections are delivered with ultrasound guidance.  You’ll be given individual pre-injection advice to reduce your chance of bleeding or infection and support your recovery and aid healing

It’s important to let your practitioner know if you’re on any prescription or over-the-counter medications. You may be asked to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory tablets, which can increase the risk of bruising. It’s also important to stop smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes before and after the procedure because they can disrupt the healing process.

Local anesthetic is normally used for this procedure so it not advised to drive to your appointment.  

STEP 4: RECOVERY AFTER INJECTION

Following the procedure, most individuals can return home and resume their normal activities. Our clinical team will be available to offer water and provide guidance on post-injection care.

For the next 48 hours, it’s advisable to refrain from strenuous activities and alcohol consumption. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t notice immediate effects; it typically takes a few days for the injection to take effect

A follow-up appointment or phone consultation will be scheduled for four weeks after the procedure to review the progress.

MEET THE TEAM

Gary Edwards

Doctor of Chiropractic and Injection therapy

Jon Handley-Collins

Doctor of Chiropractic and Injection therapy

Book Your Consultation

To book you free consultation,  please complete the form below.  One of our practitioners will contact you to discuss your condition and schedule your appointment.  

Book Your Consultation

REVIEWED WIDELY
ACROSS THESE PLATFORMS

What our clients say

                          ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 Star 

MEET THE TEAM

schedule appointment
Hello 👋
Can we help you?