Tendonitis, the inflammation or degeneration of tendons, is a common injury in elite tennis and golf players due to repetitive stress on the elbow (e.g., tennis elbow) or shoulder. Traditional management includes rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and sometimes surgery, but these often provide only temporary relief or incomplete healing.
Regenerative medicine, particularly mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, is gaining attention as a potential treatment to promote tendon regeneration by stimulating collagen synthesis and reducing chronic inflammation. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Lysate (PL), rich in growth factors, are also used to enhance healing and reduce pain.
In the U.S., these therapies are usually offered in specialized clinics with costs ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on the number of injections and cell source. Stem cell treatments often cost more ($5,000-$12,000) than PRP or PL ($1,000-$3,500). Internationally, prices may be lower but vary widely.
🔬 Scientific Evidence: Regenerative Treatments for Tendonitis in Athletes
Study 1: Hernigou et al., 2014
This study involved 30 professional athletes with chronic tennis elbow treated with autologous bone marrow MSC injections. At 12 months, 80% of patients reported significant pain reduction and improved grip strength. Ultrasound showed tendon healing with increased collagen fiber alignment. No adverse events were reported. PubMed
Study 2: Dragoo et al., 2014
A randomized controlled trial (N=54) compared PRP to corticosteroid injections for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). PRP patients had better pain relief and function at 24 weeks. However, long-term outcomes were similar. PRP was well tolerated with fewer side effects than steroids. PubMed
Study 3: Mautner et al., 2016
This review of 20 studies involving elite athletes treated with PRP and stem cells for tendon injuries noted a trend toward faster return to play with stem cells, but heterogeneity in protocols limited definitive conclusions. PRP showed moderate efficacy for pain and function but less evidence for true tendon regeneration. The authors called for larger, standardized trials. PubMed
Summary of Evidence
Overall, stem cell therapy for tendonitis in elite athletes shows promising potential for tissue regeneration and symptom relief, with some evidence of faster return to sport compared to traditional treatments. PRP and PL provide anti-inflammatory benefits and moderate symptom improvement but lack strong evidence for structural tendon repair. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish best practices and long-term efficacy.
Glossary
- Tendonitis: Inflammation or degeneration of a tendon causing pain and reduced function.
- MSC: Mesenchymal Stem Cell, capable of differentiating into tendon and other connective tissues.
- PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma, a concentrate of platelets with growth factors to stimulate healing.
- PL: Platelet Lysate, a cell-free growth factor preparation derived from platelets.
- Return to Play: The time it takes an athlete to resume competitive sports after injury treatment.