Introduction
At Alliance Regen and Rehab, we follow an innovative, research-backed tendon repair model that helps patients recover from tendinopathy and chronic tendon injuries. Our approach focuses on tissue remodeling, progressive loading, and regenerative treatments to promote long-term healing rather than temporary relief.
We utilize a three-step process to accurately diagnose, treat, and prevent tendon injuries:
Tissue remodeling and progressive loading is crucial in the rehab process and we’ve found it’s truly the missing piece in many rehab plans. In addition to that, many patients don’t understand even the basics of tissue healing and the ‘healing cascade’. This in fact is a huge difference in doctor’s of physical therapists/physio’s and a personal trainer. And when patient’s elect to rely on the later is when rehab doesn’t go quite as planned. We break down the healing cascade in our blog, How Long Will It Take My Injury To Heal?
Step 1: Comprehensive Diagnosis
Many patients with tendon pain have been told that their MRI or ultrasound results show damage, but imaging alone doesn’t always explain the root cause of pain. Our in-depth evaluation includes:
- A thorough movement assessment to identify how load is affecting the tendon.
- Functional testing to determine whether the tendon is in a reactive, dysrepair, or degenerative phase.
- Advanced diagnostics, including hands-on evaluation and selective imaging, to confirm the severity of the injury.
Step 2: Targeted Treatment Strategies
Once we identify the stage of tendon dysfunction, we implement a treatment plan that restores strength and function while preventing further damage. Our personalized treatment approach includes:
- Progressive tendon loading exercises – Using isometric, eccentric, and heavy slow resistance training (HSR) to stimulate healing.
- Manual therapy & dry needling – Techniques to reduce pain and stimulate collagen remodeling in the tendon.
- Regenerative injections (PRP, stem cell therapy, etc.) – Stimulating natural tendon repair at a cellular level.
Step 3: Long Term Tendon Strengthening & Injury Prevention
Many traditional treatments fail because they focus on short-term pain relief rather than restoring the tendon’s ability to handle load. Our final step ensures:
- A gradual return to activity with structured load progression.
- Building resilience through sport-specific or activity-specific rehab.
- Preventative strategies to reduce the risk of reinjury.
By following this approach, we help patients recover from tendon injuries while optimizing performance and long-term function.
Common Tendon Injuries Treated at Alliance Regen & Rehab
Achilles Tendinopathy
- Common in runners, athletes, and active individuals.
- Causes heel pain, stiffness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon.
- Treatment focus: Load management, eccentric strengthening, and regenerative medicine for chronic cases.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
- Pain located at the front of the knee due to excessive jumping, running, or squatting.
- Often seen in basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting athletes.
- Treatment focus: Isometric loading, HSR training, and movement optimization to prevent recurrence.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Overuse-related condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
- Caused by repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension activities.
- Treatment focus: Progressive tendon loading and dry needling/manual therapy for pain relief.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
- Affects the shoulder tendons, leading to pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
- Often caused by overhead activities, weightlifting, or poor shoulder mechanics.
- Treatment focus: Strengthening the rotator cuff & scapular stabilizers, optimizing movement patterns.
Hamstring Tendinopathy
- Pain in the upper or lower hamstring, often worsened by sitting or sprinting.
- Common in sprinters, runners, and field sport athletes.
- Treatment focus: Gradual isometric to eccentric strengthening, avoiding prolonged rest.
Why Traditional Treatments & Cortisone Fail for Tendon Injuries
Many patients with tendon pain have been told to rest, ice, or take anti-inflammatory medications to heal. However, these methods fail to address the underlying issue and often lead to recurring pain or further tendon degeneration.
Why Rest Alone Doesn’t Work
- Tendons need mechanical load to heal. Prolonged rest causes them to weaken further, making them more prone to injury when activity resumes.
- Pain may temporarily improve, but the tendon’s strength and capacity don’t recover. Without a proper progressive loading program, the pain often returns once normal activity resumes.
The Problem with Cortisone Injections
Cortisone is commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation, but in tendon injuries, it can do more harm than good:
- Short-term pain relief, long-term damage – While cortisone can reduce pain temporarily, it also weakens tendon structure, increasing the risk of rupture.
- It doesn’t fix the underlying cause – Pain relief without addressing the root issue leads to chronic tendon dysfunction.
- Research shows cortisone can delay proper tendon healing – Studies indicate worse long-term outcomes for patients who rely on cortisone rather than active rehab.
Instead of rest or cortisone, we focus on scientifically proven methods to strengthen and regenerate the tendon naturally.
Cutting Edge Tendon Treatments at Alliance Regen & Rehab
At Alliance Regen and Rehab, we utilize advanced, research-backed techniques to heal and strengthen tendons effectively.
Heavy Slow Resistance Training (HSR)
- One of the most effective methods for tendon repair.
- Uses progressive, controlled loading to stimulate tendon remodeling.
- Helps increase collagen synthesis, improving tendon strength and durability.
- Shown to be more effective than eccentric-only exercises in certain cases.
Shockwave Therapy for Tendinopathy
- Non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing at the cellular level.
- Breaks down damaged tissue and promotes blood flow to the tendon.
- Especially beneficial for chronic tendinopathies that have not responded to exercise alone.
- Learn more about shockwave here.
Regenerative Medicine (PRP & Stem Cell Therapy)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses your own platelets to release growth factors that stimulate natural tendon healing.
- MFAT Therapy – Encourages tissue regeneration for severe tendon degeneration.
- Learn more about Regenerative Medicine at Alliance Regen & Rehab.
Isometric & Eccentric Strengthening
- Isometric exercises help reduce pain while maintaining tendon integrity.
- Eccentric loading gradually builds tendon strength without excessive strain.
TECAR Therapy & Dry Needling
- Tecar therapy to reduce pain and improve tendon mobility.
- Dry needling stimulates blood flow and releases tension in surrounding muscles.
How To Get Started
If you’re struggling with chronic tendon pain, tendinopathy, or a lingering tendon injury, Alliance Regen and Rehab offers a proven, science-backed approach to help you heal and regain function.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
- Comprehensive Assessment
- A full movement analysis to determine the cause of your pain.
- Hands-on diagnostic testing to evaluate tendon strength, flexibility, and load tolerance.
- Customized Treatment Plan
- Progressive tendon loading exercises with your physical therapist.
- Regenerative treatments (PRP, shockwave therapy, etc.).
- Manual therapy, dry needling, and other advanced techniques.
- A Roadmap for Recovery
- Specific exercises to perform at home.
- Follow-up visits to progress your treatment safely.
- Strategies to prevent future tendon overload or breakdown.
Contact Alliance Regen and Rehab
📍 Location: St. Petersburg, FL
📞 Phone: (727) 258-7224
📧 Email: info@thealliancerx.com
🌐 Website: thealliancerx.com
Inquire About Availability & Pricing
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How long does it take to recover from tendinopathy?
- Mild cases may improve in 4-6 weeks, while chronic tendinopathy may require 3-6 months.
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Can I keep training while rehabbing my tendon?
- Yes! Our rehab programs modify load while keeping you active.
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Are regenerative treatments necessary for tendon healing?
- Not always, but they can enhance healing for chronic or degenerative tendon injuries.
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How do I know if I have tendinopathy?
- Pain that worsens with activity but improves with warm-up, morning stiffness, and localized tenderness.
Stop masking the pain—start addressing the root cause. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey!