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By Kate Hunger

Regenerative injections are more effective for long-term healing of tennis elbow than corticosteroids, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis by Assistant Professor Julie Barnett, PT, D.P.T., MTC.

Barnett authored an article the findings, “The effects of regenerative injection therapy compared to corticosteroids for the treatment of lateral Epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” that was published in November in Archives of Physiotherapy. Assistant Professor Sandeep Subramanian, Ph.D., MS, BPT, assisted with the statistical analysis in the review.

“Tennis elbow is common, and corticosteroids are common,” Barnett said. “What we are looking for is what is more effective long-term for healing vs. short-term, symptomatic relief.”

The Barnett and her fellow researchers conducted a systematic review looking at the effects of regenerative injections on pain and how people with lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, perceive activity limitation. The topic is a timely one.

“There is a changing trend in orthopedics with chronic tendon injuries to look more toward these regenerative injections vs. corticosteroids, which have been the standard of care,” Barnett said.

After screening records for eligibility, the researchers analyzed nine studies that included 577 people. 

“Regenerative injections work, but they do take time,” Barnett said. “Long-term regenerative injections are better.”