Lateral epicondylosis—commonly referred to as “tennis elbow”—is a significant upper extremity condition frequently seen in primary care, with an incidence of approximately 4 to 7 cases per 1,000 patients annually. While it can affect athletes, it most often impacts individuals who perform repetitive or high-load tasks with their arms, including those who engage in frequent keyboarding or manual labor.
Although the term lateral epicondylitis is still widely used, it is somewhat misleading. Research shows that most overuse tendon injuries, including tennis elbow, are not primarily inflammatory but degenerative in nature. This makes lateral epicondylosis—a term that better reflects the chronic breakdown of tendon tissue—the more accurate diagnosis.
Innovative Non-Surgical Treatment Options
At our clinic, we specialize in treating chronic cases of tennis elbow that have not responded to conventional therapies. One of our primary approaches is Prolotherapy, also known as Prolozone when combined with ozone therapy. This non-surgical injection treatment is designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and strengthen damaged tendons and ligaments.
Prolotherapy typically uses solutions such as dextrose (a form of glucose) or sodium morrhuate (derived from cod liver oil). These substances are injected at the affected tendon and ligament attachments, promoting tissue repair and reducing pain over a series of treatments—usually 3 to 5 sessions spaced about a month apart.
Animal studies suggest that prolotherapy may help increase the size and strength of tendon and ligament insertions, although the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood. First formalized by Dr. George Hackett in the 1950s, prolotherapy is now used by sports medicine physicians, primary care providers, and chiropractors to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain and osteoarthritis.
Evidence and Expertise
While multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown promising results for prolotherapy in conditions like low back pain and osteoarthritis, no RCT had assessed its effect on tendinopathy—until recently. We conducted a double-blind RCT to evaluate prolotherapy’s impact on lateral epicondylosis, specifically its effects on pain reduction, grip strength, and isometric elbow extension strength in patients who had not found relief through standard care.
Dr. Philipose brings over 22 years of experience in treating lateral epicondylosis. He has achieved excellent outcomes using both prolotherapy and dry needling, helping patients return to their daily activities without the need for surgery.
If you’re struggling with persistent tennis elbow pain and are looking for effective, non-surgical treatment options, contact our office at 405-848-7246 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Philipose.