Introduction
Tendon pain can be stubborn. Whether it’s tennis elbow, Achilles tendon pain, or jumper’s knee, tendinopathy can linger for months — even years — if not treated correctly. Many patients try rest, medications, or injections, only to find the pain keeps coming back.
At Central Ohio Spine & Joint in Westerville, Ohio, we’ve found the most effective approach isn’t one or the other — it’s the combination of shockwave therapy and progressive, load-based exercise. This evidence-based strategy not only relieves pain but also restores strength and resilience to the tendon.
What is Tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy is a condition where the tendon — the tissue that connects muscle to bone — becomes irritated and structurally weakened. It’s not just “inflammation” (as tendonitis suggests). Instead, tendinopathy involves:
- Micro-tears in tendon fibers
- Collagen breakdown
- Reduced blood flow and poor healing response
Common Types of Tendinopathy
- Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow (elbow tendon pain)
- Achilles Tendinopathy (heel/ankle pain)
- Patellar Tendinopathy (“jumper’s knee”)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (shoulder pain)
Why Rest Alone Doesn’t Work
Many patients are told to simply “rest” their tendon. But tendons need mechanical loading (progressive exercise) to adapt, remodel, and heal. Without proper stimulus, rest often leads to temporary relief — followed by recurrence once activity resumes.
Why Shockwave Therapy is a Breakthrough for Tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendon tissue. Research shows it:
- Increases blood flow and oxygen supply
- Stimulates collagen production (critical for tendon repair)
- Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions
- Reduces chronic pain by calming irritated nerve fibers
For chronic tendon pain that hasn’t responded to rest, injections, or PT alone, shockwave therapy is a game-changer.
Read supporting research from the National Library of Medicine.
The Missing Piece: Load-Based Exercise
While shockwave therapy jumpstarts healing, progressive tendon loading is what cements long-term results. At COSJ, we prescribe individualized exercise programs that include:
- Isometric holds → Reduce pain and improve tendon tolerance.
- Eccentric loading → Gradually remodel tendon fibers.
- Heavy slow resistance (HSR) → Builds strength and capacity for daily and athletic demands.
This structured loading teaches the tendon to handle real-world stress again — so you can get back to lifting, running, or simply enjoying pain-free movement.
Why the Combination Works Best
On their own, shockwave therapy and exercise can help. But together, they create the perfect environment for tendon healing:
- Shockwave resets the tissue and reduces pain.
- Exercise restores function, strength, and resilience.
This integrated approach is why our Repair → Retrain → Reinforce model works so well for chronic tendon pain.
What to Expect at COSJ in Westerville
- Assessment: We identify the type and severity of your tendon pain.
- Shockwave Therapy: Focused sessions stimulate healing at the tendon.
- Exercise Prescription: Tailored program of isometrics, eccentrics, and HSR.
- Long-Term Reinforcement: Ongoing strength training in our integrated clinic + gym environment.
FAQs: Tendinopathy Treatment in Westerville
Does shockwave therapy replace exercise?
No. The best outcomes come from combining both shockwave and structured loading.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients need 3–6 shockwave sessions, alongside progressive rehab.
Will I be able to return to sports?
Yes. Our goal is not just pain relief but restoring tendon capacity for the activities you love.
If tendon pain has been holding you back, don’t settle for rest and quick fixes. The combination of shockwave therapy and targeted exercise may be the long-term solution you’ve been searching for.
📍 Central Ohio Spine & Joint
768 Park Meadow Rd.
Westerville, Ohio 43081
📞 (614) 392-2730
👉 Schedule your $49 diagnostic scan today and take the first step toward lasting tendon health.
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