What to Expect During and After Your Tenex Procedure

If you’re struggling with chronic pain as a result of tendonitis, and previous treatments have failed, the Tenex procedure may just work some magic for you.

It’s a relatively new, minimally invasive procedure that provides pain relief and helps the affected area of the body function normally again.

Here at Carolina Joint and Arthritis in Wilmington, North Carolina, Dr. Austin Yeargan and his team are experts in the Tenex procedure. Here’s more about what you can expect and how it can help you.

What is the Tenex procedure?

The Tenex procedure is a technique used to treat chronic pain from tendonitis with ultrasound energy that breaks down and removes damaged tissue. The procedure also stimulates the body’s natural healing response so the tendon can begin functioning normally again.

The procedure is used to treat continuing pain resulting from tendonitis (an inflamed and swollen tendon) and tendinosis (damage caused by overuse). The damage inflicted on your tendon can cause degenerative changes, including the buildup of scar tissue, the formation of  irregular collagen strands, and thickening and hardening of the tendon. Not only does this make movement painful, but it also weakens your tendon.

Injuries that can be treated by Tenex include Achilles tendinitis, lateral and medial epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff impingement and tendonitis, and more.

How should you prepare?

Although the procedure is quick and you’ll only receive a local anesthetic, there are still a couple of things to do in preparation. You should stop taking all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) a week before your procedure. This includes medicines such as Advil, aspirin, and Aleve.

It’s also a good idea to bring someone with you who can drive home. Depending on the joint being treated, you may have movement restrictions that would make driving difficult.

What is the procedure like?

The medical name for the procedure is a percutaneous tenotomy or fasciotomy. Dr. Yeargan will clean the area and inject a local anesthetic before inserting the needle-like Tenex device. He’ll use ultrasound guidance to view the tendon and the position of the device before turning on the ultrasound energy.

The device sends out ultrasound waves that cut away the damaged tissue, which is then sucked up into the hollow core of the needle. Once the treatment is complete, Dr. Yeargan will withdraw the device and place a small bandage on the area. The whole procedure usually takes 15 minutes or less, then you can go home.

What is the recovery process?

Depending on the area treated, you’ll need to take it easy for a few days. You can use ice to reduce any swelling and take anti-inflammatories as needed. You may need to start some gentle range-of- motion exercises to prevent tissues from sticking together, and then you may have an exercise regimen to help you build strength and regain mobility. Total recovery time is usually a few weeks.

If you’re frustrated from dealing with unresolved tendon pain, the Tenex procedure at Carolina Joint and Arthritis may be the answer you need. To find out more, call our office at 910-659-9597 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment anytime.