Tendon tears are a common yet debilitating injury that can cause severe pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Tendon tears can significantly impact mobility and daily function, whether caused by a trauma injury, sports activity, or repetitive overuse. Traditionally, surgical repair has been the primary option for treating severe tendon injuries. However, stem cell therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative that may promote healing and reduce the need for surgery.
Stem cell injections utilize the body’s regenerative capabilities to help repair damaged tendons, reduce inflammation, and restore function. Dr. Steven Struhl, a dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializes in advanced stem cell therapy to help patients recover from tendon tears without invasive surgical procedures.
What Are the Common Causes of Tendon Tears?
Tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing for smooth and controlled movement. When excessive force or repetitive strain is applied to a tendon, it can become overstretched or torn, leading to pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion.
Common Tendon Tears That May Benefit from Stem Cell Therapy:
- Rotator Cuff Tears (Shoulder) – Often caused by falls, sports injuries, or repetitive overhead movements, leading to shoulder weakness and pain.
- Achilles Tendon Tears (Ankle) – A sudden strain or forceful movement can cause partial or complete ruptures, resulting in difficulty walking or bearing weight.
- Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow (Elbow Tendon Tears) – Chronic overuse of the forearm tendons can lead to degenerative micro-tears, causing persistent pain and inflammation.
- Patellar Tendon Tears (Knee) – Often associated with jumping sports, these tears affect the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone, making walking and squatting difficult.
- Biceps Tendon Tears (Shoulder and elbow) Can occur from lifting heavy objects or a traumatic fall, resulting in pain and reduced arm strength.
Stem cell therapy provides a non-surgical treatment option for these injuries by stimulating natural tendon repair and enhancing recovery.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Support Tendon Healing?
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment that promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation by delivering highly concentrated stem cells directly to the site of tendon injury. The procedure involves:
- Harvesting Stem Cells – A small sample of bone marrow-derived stem cells is collected, usually from the hip bone (iliac crest).
- Processing & Concentration – The sample is processed in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate the most regenerative stem cells.
- Injection into the Affected Tendon – The stem cell injection is precisely delivered to the damaged tendon, stimulating cell regeneration and reducing inflammation.
Unlike traditional surgery, which requires extensive downtime and rehabilitation, stem cell therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative with faster recovery times and a lower risk of complications.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon Tears:
- Stimulates tendon tissue repair by providing undifferentiated stem cells that can develop into healthy tendon cells.
- Reduces pain and inflammation by modulating the immune response, decreasing swelling and irritation.
- Minimally invasive procedure performed in-office with little to no downtime.
- Enhances long-term recovery and may prevent further tendon degeneration.
- Delays or eliminates the need for surgery, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.
Patients experience gradual improvement over several weeks to months as the tendon heals naturally.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for Your Tendon Injury?
Stem cell therapy may be an effective treatment option for individuals who:
- Have a partial tendon tear that has not fully healed.
- Want to avoid surgery or long-term use of steroid injections.
- Experience chronic pain, weakness, or limited mobility due to a tendon injury.
- Are active individuals or athletes looking for a faster, regenerative recovery option.
- Have tried physical therapy, cortisone injections, or medications without success.
Stem cell therapy offers a non-surgical approach to tendon repair, allowing patients to heal naturally and regain full function.
Explore a Non-Surgical Solution for Tendon Tears
If you are dealing with a torn tendon and looking for a regenerative, non-invasive treatment, stem cell therapy may be your solution. Dr. Steven Struhl specializes in cutting-edge regenerative treatments to help patients recover from tendon injuries, restore function, and avoid surgery.
Schedule a consultation today to determine if stem cell therapy is the right option for your tendon tear recovery.