Tenex Therapy

What is Tenex therapy?

Tenex is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic tendon pain. Guided by imaging, Tenex uses a small needle-like device to break up and remove damaged areas of the tendon while leaving the healthy tendon intact. Removing the damaged tissue relieves pain and discomfort without an invasive surgery.

Indications

Tenex is commonly used for chronic tendon issues

  • Shoulder/rotator cuff tendinopathy

  • Lateral & medial epicondylitis (Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow)

  • Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)

  • Gluteal and hamstring tendinopathy

  • Quadricepstendon

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Plantar fasciitis

Before the Procedure

  • If you take blood thinners as your doctor whether you need to pause them beforehand and for how long.

  • Avoid NSAIDs. Unless otherwise directed, avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for about 5-7 days before the procedure, as inflammation plays a role in the healing process this treatment relies on.

During the Procedure

Tenex is done in the office as a same-day, outpatient procedure.

  • The area will be numbed with a local anesthetic.

  • Using diagnostic imaging, your doctor will locate the exact source of pain

  • A mini incision will be made in the area, and the Tenex device will be inserted. Using ultrasonic energy, the device will precisely cut and remove the damaged tissue.

This procedure generally takes around 15-20 minutes.

Post Procedure

Some soreness, swelling, and mild bruising around the treatment area is normal and will resolve in a few days.

Medication Guidelines

  • Avoid NSAIDs for approximately 2-4 weeks after the procedure, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take if needed for pain relief.

  • Ice packs may be applied to the treated area

  • Confirm with your doctor

Activity Guidelines

  • 1-2 weeks post procedure: Rest treated area. Avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting, and high-impact activities such as running and jumping.

  • Most patients return to normal activities in 6-12 weeks.

  • Follow any rehabilitation or exercise programs recommended by your doctor or physical therapist.

Improvement in pain is often noticeable in the first 1-2 weeks, with improvement continuing over the following months.

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following after the procedure

  • Fever or chills

  • Severe or worsening pain

  • Numbness or tingling that does not resolve

  • A sudden sharp pain or popping feeling at the treatment site

  • Redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Many patients benefit from a structured physical therapy program after Tenex to support healing. Your doctor will let you know if this is recommended for you.

  • Because Tenex is typically performed without sedation, most patients are able to drive themselves home after this procedure. If the procedure was performed on your dominant hand, wrist, or elbow, you may have limited grip strength. Some patients prefer to have a driver for these cases.

  • No, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil during the course of your treatment. Tylenol can be used as needed for pain relief.