Tenex Tenotomy Procedure

If you’re struggling with chronic tendon pain from tendonitis that hasn’t improved with rest, physical therapy, or injections, a Tenex tenotomy could be the solution you need. Conditions like gluteal tendonitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis can cause persistent pain and limit your ability to move freely. In these cases, a Tenex tenotomy can help.

This minimally invasive procedure treats pain from common conditions caused by tendon damage. With fast recovery time and little downtime, Tenex allows patients to return to their daily activities pain-free and without the risks of traditional surgery.

What is a Tenex Tenotomy Procedure?

The Tenex procedure is a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided technique that removes damaged tendon tissue. Using real-time ultrasound imaging, the physician inserts a Tenex MicroTip probe through a tiny incision. The probe then emits high-frequency energy to break down and remove damaged tendon tissue while preserving healthy tissue.

Once the damaged tissue is removed, the body’s natural healing process is stimulated, allowing the tendon to regenerate and recover. Compared to traditional tendon surgery, Tenex offers faster recovery, less post-procedure pain, and a lower risk of complications, making it a safe and effective option for chronic tendon pain relief.

The Benefits of Tenex Tenotomies

Many people suffering from tendon pain resulting from wear and tear or sports injuries have lasting results from Tenex tenotomy procedures. Some of the primary benefits of a Tenex tenotomy include:

Relieves pain quickly
Allows you to return to your normal activities quickly
It is minimally invasive, without the need for surgery

Conditions Commonly Treated by Tenex Procedures

Tenex procedures are typically recommended to help correct various tendon conditions. In general, a Tenex tenotomy may help those who have:

Gluteal Tendonitis (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome or “Bursitis”)
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Plantar Fasciitis
Biceps Tendinitis

What to Expect During a Tenex Tenotomy

A Tenex tenotomy is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The procedure begins with the physician numbing the treatment area to eliminate pain. Using real-time ultrasound imaging, the physician then precisely locates the damaged tendon tissue to ensure accurate treatment.

Once the affected area is identified, the physician makes a tiny incision (about 3 millimeters) through which a specialized Tenex MicroTip probe is inserted. This needle-like probe delivers high-frequency ultrasound energy, gently breaking down, emulsifying, and removing damaged tendon tissue while preserving healthy surrounding structures.

After the damaged tissue is removed, the body’s natural healing response is triggered, allowing the tendon to regenerate and strengthen. Because the procedure does not involve cutting or suturing the tendon, patients experience minimal trauma and faster healing than traditional tendon surgery.

Tenex Tenotomy Recovery Timeline

After the procedure, patients may experience mild soreness, swelling, or stiffness, which typically resolves within a few days. Since no stitches are required, recovery from a Tenex procedure is faster than traditional surgery. Patients can resume light activity within a few days but should avoid strenuous movements and heavy lifting for a few weeks.

Most patients see significant pain relief within 4-6 weeks of the procedure, with continued improvement as the tendon heals over 12 weeks. Depending on the location, your physician may also recommend physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

Who is a Candidate?

A Tenex tenotomy may not be effective for those with complete tendon tears, severe tendon degeneration, or acute injuries that require surgical repair.

In general, you may be a candidate for a Tenex procedure if you have:

Chronic tendon pain lasting three months or longer
Been diagnosed with tendinitis or tendinosis confirmed by imaging (MRI or ultrasound)
Pain that has not responded to conservative treatments (rest, physical therapy, medications, injections)
No complete tendon tears or severe findings requiring surgery
The desire for faster recovery and less downtime compared to surgical intervention

A Tenex Tenotomy is an excellent option for active individuals, athletes, or those looking for long-term pain relief without significant surgery. The board-certified physicians at Desert Spine & Sports Physicians can help determine if this procedure is right for you.

Reduce Tendon Pain and Improve Mobility Today

If Hip Tendonitis, Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendinitis, Plantar Fasciitis, or another common tendon condition has negatively impacted your life, we invite you to request an appointment at one of our six convenient locations today.

Through a careful assessment of your condition by one of our non-surgical pain specialists, we’ll find the solution that’s right for you, whether that’s a Tenex tenotomy or another advanced non-surgical treatment. Don’t wait to finally get the care you need—an improved quality of life is just one call or click away.