Tenex And Its Role In Treating Tendinopathy and Fasciopathy

Understanding Tenex and Its Role in Treating Tendinopathy and Fasciopathy

Tendinopathy and fasciopathy are medical terms that describe a range of conditions affecting the tendons and fascia in the body. These tissues, which are crucial for movement and stability, can suffer from damage, scar tissue formation, thickening, or even partial failure. In some cases, inflammation is also present, contributing to further deterioration and pain. These conditions, though common, can be incredibly frustrating and painful to deal with.

You may have heard of conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, jumper’s knee, or plantar fasciitis. These are examples of tendinopathies and fasciopathies, where pain and dysfunction in the affected tendon or fascia can significantly disrupt daily activities. While these terms might sound like a mouthful, they simply describe what happens when these tissues become damaged or irritated.

Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: Understanding the Differences

Tendons can become painful for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is inflammation, which can lead to a condition known as tendonitis. In tendonitis, the tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness. On the other hand, some tendons may experience chronic degeneration without significant inflammation, which is referred to as tendinosis. Tendinosis involves microscopic tears, scar tissue buildup, and tissue degeneration over time.

While tendonitis often occurs acutely or after an injury, tendinosis is a result of long-term strain or overuse, and is more common in people experiencing pain for 3 months or longer. Fasciopathy, which involves similar changes in the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), can also occur in a similar fashion.

The Limited Treatment Options for Chronic Tendinopathy and Fasciopathy

Historically, treatment options for chronic tendinopathy and fasciopathy have been limited. Patients dealing with these conditions often found themselves stuck with minimal options for relief, especially when symptoms had persisted for more than three months. Common advice from doctors in the past was to simply “live with it” or “rest it out,” with the expectation that the condition would eventually improve on its own.

In some cases, available treatments—such as cortisone injections—were used, but these came with their own risks, including the potential for weakening the tendons further or not providing long-term relief. Surgery was also considered, but it could be invasive, with longer recovery times and uncertain results.

A New Approach: Percutaneous, Minimally Invasive Technology

Recent advancements in the understanding of tendinopathy and fasciopathy have led to exciting new treatment options. By focusing on the underlying processes causing pain and dysfunction, medical professionals are now able to provide more effective and safer treatments for chronic tendon and fascia issues.

At Sports Health Northwest, Dr. David Westerdahl, MD, a highly respected sports medicine doctor with many years of experience, utilizes percutaneous, minimally invasive technology to help patients manage and treat chronic tendinopathy and fasciopathy. This approach, which involves small incisions and ultrasound guidance, allows for more precise treatment without the need for major surgery.

The Tenjet and Tenex Procedures: A Game-Changer in Tendon and Fascia Treatment

Two of the most promising treatments for chronic tendinopathy and fasciopathy are the Tenjet and Tenex procedures. These minimally invasive procedures use specialized devices to selectively target damaged tissue. By cutting, debriding, and aspirating the affected tendon or fascia, these procedures help to remove scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing—all while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact.

Both the Tenjet and Tenex procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance, which allows for real-time imaging to ensure precision during the treatment. This technology ensures that only the damaged tissue is treated, minimizing any risk of injury to healthy tissue.

The Recovery Process: Faster and Less Disruptive

One of the most appealing aspects of the Tenjet and Tenex procedures is the relatively fast recovery time. Unlike traditional surgery, which can require weeks or months of recovery, these minimally invasive procedures allow for quicker healing and a faster return to normal activities.

After the procedure, most individuals need to rest the treated area for 1-2 weeks to allow initial healing. Over the next 6 weeks, activity levels are gradually increased, and most patients can return to their usual activities without significant limitations. The gentle nature of the treatment, along with its precise targeting of damaged tissue, contributes to a faster, less painful recovery compared to more invasive procedures.

Conclusion: A Better Way to Manage Tendinopathy and Fasciopathy

For individuals dealing with chronic tendon and fascia pain, conditions like tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, or jumper’s knee can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, with the development of advanced techniques like the Tenjet and Tenex procedures, patients now have more treatment options available to them. These minimally invasive procedures are safe, effective, and offer a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery, making them a promising solution for those struggling with chronic tendinopathy and fasciopathy.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain and dysfunction in your tendons or fascia, it’s worth exploring these cutting-edge treatments with Dr. David Westerdahl, MD, at Sports Health Northwest. With his expertise in sports medicine and a focus on the latest advancements in tendon and fascia care, he can help you understand your condition and offer a personalized treatment plan to get you back to living your life with less pain and more freedom.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Westerdahl, call our office at 503-747-6376. 

Author

David Westerdahl MD FAAFP RMSK Sports Medicine Physician and owner Sports Health Northwest, Inc.