Tendinitis Treatment: Heal Damaged Tendons Without Surgery
What Is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis refers to inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Most commonly caused by overuse, repetitive stress, or acute injury, tendinitis can occur in nearly any tendon but is especially common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. It’s most frequently seen in individuals who perform repetitive motions—such as athletes, manual laborers, or those with poor ergonomic habits.
If left untreated, tendinitis can worsen over time, potentially progressing into tendinosis—a degenerative condition characterized by chronic pain and structural damage to the tendon. Fortunately, early diagnosis and non-surgical intervention can help prevent long-term damage.
Common symptoms of tendinitis include:
- Localized pain or tenderness near a joint
- Swelling or a thickening sensation over the tendon
- Pain that worsens with movement or activity
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- A grating or crackling feeling when the tendon is moved
Common Types of Tendinitis We Treat
The regenerative physicians at CHARM diagnose and treat a wide range of tendinopathies using non-surgical, image-guided, and regenerative techniques tailored to each patient’s condition and activity level. Below are some of the most common types of tendinitis we treat:
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (Shoulder): Inflammation of the tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, typically caused by overhead activity, repetitive lifting, or postural imbalance.
- Biceps Tendinitis: Occurs when the long head of the biceps tendon becomes inflamed, often presenting as a deep, throbbing ache at the front of the shoulder.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): An overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outer part of the elbow, commonly seen in racquet sport players or those performing repetitive gripping tasks.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): A similar overuse condition, but affecting the inner elbow. It often results from repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It typically develops from repetitive strain, muscle imbalance, or tight calf muscles.
- Patellar Tendinitis (“Jumper’s Knee”): A condition involving inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Common in athletes who jump or run frequently.
- Gluteal Tendinopathy / Trochanteric Bursitis: Lateral hip pain from irritation or degeneration of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, often accompanied by inflammation of the nearby bursa over the hip bone.
- Wrist and Hand Tendinitis (De Quervain’s, etc.): Tendon inflammation in the wrist and thumb, often caused by repetitive hand movements. Symptoms include wrist pain, swelling near the base of the thumb, and difficulty with gripping or pinching.
How Tendinitis Develops and Why It Lingers
Tendinitis usually starts with microscopic tears in the tendon caused by repetitive strain—whether from sports, daily activities, or poor movement mechanics. These microtears trigger inflammation and pain, which typically worsen with continued use.
Unlike muscles, tendons have a relatively poor blood supply, which limits the body’s ability to deliver nutrients and healing factors to the injured area. As a result, recovery from these tears is slower or incomplete leading to setbacks and frequent reinjury.
When tendons don’t get adequate time or support to heal, the inflammation can become persistent—or worse, the tissue can begin to degenerate, a condition known as tendinosis. In many cases, traditional approaches like rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications may provide short-term relief but fail to resolve the underlying problem.
Relief for Tendinitis: CHARM’s Regenerative Approach
At CHARM, we take a regenerative, whole-body approach to treating tendinitis, one that goes beyond symptom relief to support true tendon healing. Every treatment plan begins with a functional evaluation of joint mechanics, movement patterns, and surrounding structures to identify what’s contributing to excess stress on the affected tendon.
Our regenerative physicians work closely with skilled physical therapists to develop an integrated care plan that not only targets the injured tendon but also restores balance across the entire kinetic chain. This collaborative model ensures we reduce biomechanical overload, address root causes, and create the conditions necessary for lasting recovery.
Regenerative Tendinitis Treatments We Offer
We offer several advanced, non-surgical therapies designed to promote tendon healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function—without masking symptoms. These include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Derived from your own blood, PRP delivers concentrated growth factors directly to damaged tendon tissue.
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC): BMAC therapy harnesses regenerative cells from your bone marrow to support healing in more advanced or degenerative tendinopathies.
- Prolotherapy: Prolotherapy involves the injection of a mild irritant solution into the affected area to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes. This approach helps to strengthen weakened tendons and ligaments over time.
- Ultrasound or Fluoroscopy Guided Injections: Most tendon injections at CHARM are performed under real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance. This ensures precise targeting of the affected tissue for maximum effectiveness and safety.
- Redcord Neurac® and NeuFit®: These innovative neuromuscular re-education tools are used to retrain dysfunctional movement patterns and restore proper muscle activation.
Signs You Should Seek Tendinitis Treatment
While some cases of tendinitis may resolve with rest and self-care, persistent or worsening symptoms often indicate a need for medical evaluation. Early intervention can prevent further tendon damage and reduce the risk of chronic pain or dysfunction.
Consider seeking care if you experience:
- Pain that worsens with activity or continues even at rest
- Decreased strength or limited range of motion in the affected joint
- Pain that lasts several weeks despite home care measures
- A history of tendon injuries that never fully healed
- Tendon-related pain that disrupts your ability to work, exercise, or perform daily tasks
Why Choose CHARM for Tendinitis Treatment?
At CHARM, we view tendinitis not as an isolated injury, but as part of a broader pattern of movement, load, and tissue health. Our goal is to uncover the underlying factors contributing to tendon stress and address them with precision therapies that promote long-term healing—not just temporary relief.
To do this, our team collaborates across regenerative, interventional, and therapeutic disciplines to design care plans tailored to your body, your function, and your goals. With a convenient Austin location and an on-site regenerative medicine lab, we deliver expert-level care with unmatched continuity.
If you’re ready to move beyond band-aid solutions and treat the root of your tendon pain, request an appointment or call us at 512-614-3300. Your recovery starts here.