By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 6, 2025 · 7 min read Watch the Full Video Rotator cuff disease is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, accounting for up to 70% of all shoulder complaints. The condition spans a wide spectrum — from tendinopathy and subacromial impingement to partial and full-thickness tears — and the vast majority of cases can be managed without surgery. But when pain is severe enough to prevent participation in physical therapy , injecti

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 6, 2026 · 5 min read Watch the Full Video Tennis elbow — clinically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy — is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. It develops when the common extensor tendon in the forearm is subjected to repetitive overuse or overloading, leading to microtears that weaken the tendon over time. The result is chronic pain, reduced grip strength, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 6, 2025 · 7 min read Watch the Full Video Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most devastating injuries an active person can experience, leading to significant pain, disability, and time away from work and sport. While surgical repair was once considered the default treatment, a growing body of evidence now supports nonsurgical management for many patients. This raises an important question: if we can treat Achilles tendon tears w

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 10 min read Watch the Full Video One of the most common questions patients ask at their first consultation is whether their health insurance will cover platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections . It is an understandable concern — PRP is one of the most effective nonsurgical treatments available for conditions like knee osteoarthritis and chronic tendon injuries, yet the vast majority of insurance companies in the United States

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 30 min read Watch the Full Video Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have generated significant attention for their ability to treat joint pain, tendon injuries, and accelerate recovery using your body’s own healing mechanisms. But with growing interest comes a flood of questions: Does PRP actually work? How does it compare to cortisone or stem cells? Is the cost justified when insurance does not cover it? In this compreh

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Cortisone injections have been a staple of musculoskeletal medicine for decades. They are fast, relatively inexpensive, and can deliver meaningful short-term pain relief for conditions ranging from arthritis to tendinitis and bursitis. But what does the clinical evidence actually say about the long-term consequences of cortisone shots on your tendons and joints? In my practice as a sports me

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video For decades, surgery was considered the only reliable option for repairing torn tendons. Partial tears of the rotator cuff, in particular, present a clinical challenge because they rarely heal on their own and tend to worsen over time. However, emerging research suggests that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may offer a compelling nonsurgical alternative — one that not only reduces pain

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video CBD products have rapidly expanded from specialty clinics to mainstream health stores, with consumers turning to them for pain relief, anxiety management, and sleep support. But does topical CBD — in the form of creams, lotions, and oils — actually deliver on its promises? As a sports medicine physician , I frequently encounter patients asking whether CBD is worth trying for conditions like a

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 7 min read Watch the Full Video Platelet-rich plasma ( PRP ) injections have become one of the most effective nonsurgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis. However, what many patients and even physicians do not realize is that not all PRP injections are created equal. The number of platelets delivered during treatment — known as platelet dosing — plays a critical role in determining whether PRP will actually work. In this

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 3, 2026 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026 If you are considering a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for knee pain, arthritis, or a tendon injury, there is one critical factor that will determine whether your treatment succeeds or fails—and most clinics never mention it. The effectiveness of PRP depends heavily on platelet dosing. Research now shows that injections with too few plate

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 1, 2026 | Last Updated: March 1, 2026 Tennis elbow — medically known as lateral epicondylosis — can be one of the most frustrating conditions to deal with. It often drags on for months, sometimes even years, and many patients find that physical therapy alone does not provide lasting relief. But what if there is a treatment that goes beyond managing symptoms and actually helps repair