Tendon injuries commonly cause chronic pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility, affecting athletes, active individuals, and those with repetitive motion strain. Conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, and jumper’s knee can become persistent sources of discomfort if not properly treated.
For those seeking a non-surgical solution, stem cell therapy has emerged as a regenerative treatment option to help repair damaged tendons, reduce inflammation, and restore function. Dr. Steven Struhl, a dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon, offers advanced stem cell injections to promote healing and provide long-term relief for chronic tendonitis.
How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help with Chronic Tendonitis?
Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed due to overuse, trauma, or repetitive motion. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to tendon deterioration, resulting in persistent pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Common Conditions Treated with Stem Cell Therapy for Tendonitis:
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis – Inflammation of the shoulder tendons, common in athletes and individuals with repetitive overhead movements.
- Achilles Tendonitis – Affects the Achilles tendon in the ankle, often caused by running, jumping, or overuse.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – A painful condition affecting the tendons in the forearm and elbow, caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) – Similar to tennis elbow, but affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) – Affects the patellar tendon in the knee, common in individuals who participate in jumping sports.
- Wrist and Hand Tendonitis – Often seen in individuals who perform repetitive gripping motions, such as typing or manual labor.
For these conditions, stem cell therapy helps by:
- Promoting tendon regeneration – Stem cells can develop into tendon cells, aiding in tissue repair and strengthening.
- Reducing chronic inflammation – Stem cells modulate the immune response, helping to decrease swelling and pain.
- Improving function and flexibility – As damaged tissue heals, patients experience improved mobility and reduced stiffness.
- Providing long-term relief – Unlike steroid injections or pain medications, which only offer temporary symptom relief, stem cell therapy targets the root cause of tendon degeneration.
Many patients find that stem cell therapy helps them return to normal activities without surgery or long-term medication use.
How Is Stem Cell Therapy for Tendonitis Performed?
Stem cell therapy for chronic tendonitis is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office. The process includes:
- Harvesting Stem Cells – A sample of bone marrow-derived stem cells is collected, typically from the hip bone (iliac crest).
- Processing & Concentration – The harvested sample is processed in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate the most regenerative stem cells.
- Precise Injection into the Affected Tendon – The stem cell injection is carefully administered into the damaged tendon, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients can return to daily activities with minimal downtime. Unlike steroid injections, which only mask symptoms, stem cell therapy focuses on tissue repair, offering longer-lasting relief.
What to Expect After a Stem Cell Injection for Chronic Tendonitis
Since stem cell therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing process, results develop gradually.
Recovery Timeline:
- First Few Days: Patients may experience mild soreness or stiffness at the injection site.
- 3-6 Weeks: Initial improvements in pain and mobility become noticeable.
- 3-6 Months: Most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved function as tissue regeneration progresses.
- Long-Term Benefits: Many individuals experience sustained relief for several months to years, often delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.
Stem cell therapy is not a quick-fix pain reliever like cortisone injections; it is a regenerative treatment supporting long-term healing.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?
Stem cell therapy may be an effective option for individuals who:
- Have chronic tendon pain that has not improved with physical therapy, rest, or medications.
- Want to avoid surgery or prolonged use of steroid injections.
- Experience limited mobility due to tendon inflammation and stiffness.
- Are active individuals or athletes seeking a regenerative approach to injury recovery.
For many individuals, stem cell therapy can restore function, reduce pain, and allow them to return to an active lifestyle without surgery.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief
If you are dealing with chronic tendonitis pain and are looking for a non-surgical, regenerative treatment, stem cell therapy may be the solution you need. Dr. Steven Struhl specializes in advanced stem cell therapy to help patients heal from tendon injuries, reduce inflammation, and regain mobility.
Schedule a consultation today to determine if stem cell therapy is right for your chronic tendon pain.