If you suffer from pain due to tendon damage, you may be eligible for a minimally invasive procedure called Tenex. This is ideal for those who may have pain in the rotator cuff, tennis or golfer’s elbow, or runner’s knee. Advanced technology now offers a way for people to find relief without a lengthy procedure and recovery process.
How does Tenex work?
Doctors using the Tenex procedure use ultrasound imaging to view and remove damaged tissue in the affected area. Removing this damaged tissue allows the tendon to heal properly, while relieving any associated pain. Patients often need just local anesthetics for this procedure and no stitches are required afterwards. In fact, the overall healing time for this minimally invasive surgery is quite short as well.
Dr. Affan Akhtar is a podiatric physician and surgeon based in New Jersey. He is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and he is also a proponent of Tenex. “This minimally invasive procedure [Tenex] is almost the closest thing you’re going to get to a magic wand,” says Dr. Akhtar. “It’s a tiny little incision, done typically in an OR (operating room) setting.”
Dr. Akhtar describes Tenex as a “glorified injection” because the incision is so small and in most cases it doesn’t require a stitch. “The idea is to pulverize and get rid of inflammatory tissue, which typically gets you back on your feet a lot quicker,” says Dr. Akhtar.
The Tenex procedure is a great option for those who may have already explored more traditional treatments. If you have been in pain for more than three months and have yet to find relief, you may be eligible for the Tenex procedure.
What makes Tenex different?
Unlike other medical or physical therapies which primarily only work to increase blood flow, the goal of Tenex’ minimally invasive technology is to remove the source of a patient’s pain which is the actual damaged tissue inside the body. This damaged tissue is removed without involving open surgery and is relatively safer than other procedures. The procedure can be performed in as little as 20 minutes and the technology used accurately identifies where the damage is located.
Surrounding healthy tissue is not disturbed during this procedure and the process stimulates a natural healing response. Typically, the incision is less than a quarter inch in length. Most people don’t feel any pain during the procedure, though slight pressure may be felt. After the procedure, a small bandage is applied with no stitches needed.
Most people can return to their everyday activities within just 6-8 weeks of having the Tenex procedure performed. This is significantly less recovery time than for those who have open surgeries and more complicated procedures for tendon damage and pain. This breakthrough technology allows people to get back on their feet more quickly and return to the activities they love and enjoy.
The Tenex procedure was developed in collaboration with the MAYO Clinic to improve overall patient functionality and significantly decrease pain in the treatment of tendonitis in the elbow, hip, knee, ankle, and plantar fasciitis pain in the foot. If you believe you may be eligible for this procedure, find a certified Tenex Health Doctor near you. This procedure may not be right for everyone, so be sure to speak with your physician about your specific care plan.
