PDRN Injections Improved Tennis Elbow Outcomes in Trial
Adults with chronic lateral epicondylitis saw better performance and strength scores after receiving PDRN.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Arthritis
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Should regenerative injections like PDRN be a standard treatment for chronic tendon injuries?
A small randomized controlled trial found that patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis experienced improved functional outcomes when PDRN injections were added to their exercise and shockwave therapy regimen. These findings, which tracked patients over 12 weeks, offer a potential new approach to managing persistent elbow pain.
Why it matters
Managing chronic tennis elbow often involves a combination of conservative treatments, and this study explores whether adding PDRN injections can enhance the effectiveness of standard physical therapy and shockwave protocols. Identifying synergistic treatment combinations may help improve recovery outcomes for patients who do not find relief through initial therapies.
In a randomized controlled trial of 48 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, those who received PDRN injections combined with exercise and shockwave therapy showed greater improvements than those who received saline. Results were measured at 6 and 12 weeks using performance and strength scores.
The players
ClinicalTrials.gov
A registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants.
The details
PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is administered as a 3 mL injection at the common extensor tendon origin to aid tissue recovery. The study evaluated its use alongside extensor muscle strengthening and extracorporeal shockwave therapy to address chronic inflammation. Patients receiving the 5.625 mg PDRN dose showed measurable decreases in color Doppler activity and increased common extensor tendon depth compared to the control group.
Timeline
- 2024-02-12
The study was registered in the clinical trial database.
Baseline: Researchers conducted the initial evaluation of all 48 participants.
6 weeks: Clinical teams assessed intermediate outcomes for pain and performance.
12 weeks: Final evaluations were completed to measure lasting functional improvements.
Health Landscape
This study sits within the clinical evaluation of regenerative medicine therapies for tendinopathy, which seeks to move beyond traditional anti-inflammatory treatments. It follows a growing pattern of testing novel injectable agents as supplements to standard physical therapy and shockwave protocols.
If you are struggling with persistent elbow pain that has not responded to traditional exercises, it may be worth discussing these emerging injection options with your doctor. Always consult a specialist to determine if injectable therapies are appropriate for your specific stage of tendon injury.
The takeaway
This trial suggests that combining biological injections with physical therapy may offer superior relief for chronic tennis elbow compared to exercise alone. Readers should focus on tracking their pain levels and grip strength to share with a physician when discussing potential treatment adjustments.
Further reading
You can find more background on managing chronic joint and tendon conditions in our Arthritis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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Should regenerative injections like PDRN be a standard treatment for chronic tendon injuries?
