Acupuncture Treatment for Tendonosis

Acupuncture can be a valuable complementary therapy for treating tendinosis, a chronic condition characterized by degeneration of a tendon, typically due to overuse, without significant inflammation. Unlike tendonitis, tendinosis is about tendon degeneration, which usually involves microtears, thickening, and pain in the tendon due to repetitive strain and inadequate healing time. Here's how acupuncture can help in managing and treating tendinosis:

1. Promoting Circulation: Enhanced blood flow to the affected tendon is crucial for healing, as tendons generally have poor blood supply. Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation, which can facilitate the delivery of nutrients and oxygen necessary for tissue repair. Improved circulation also helps remove waste products from the area, which can aid in healing and reduce pain.
2. Stimulating Healing: Acupuncture can help stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms at the cellular level. By promoting the activity of fibroblasts, cells that play a critical role in tissue repair, acupuncture may encourage the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, essential for the repair and strengthening of the degraded tendon.
3. Pain Relief: Acupuncture is effective in reducing pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and by modulating pain perception pathways in the brain and spinal cord. This can provide significant relief from the discomfort associated with tendinosis.
4. Reducing Muscle Tension: Tendinosis often causes or is exacerbated by muscle tension in surrounding muscles, which can further stress the tendon and impair its ability to heal. Acupuncture can relax these tight muscles, reducing strain on the tendon and aiding in recovery.
5. Improving Tissue Elasticity: Regular acupuncture treatments can improve the elasticity and flexibility of tendon tissues, which may become stiff and less elastic due to tendinosis. This improvement can help prevent future injuries and support the overall function of the tendon.
6. Holistic Health Improvement: Acupuncture treats the individual as a whole, addressing not just the localized symptoms of tendinosis but also underlying systemic factors that may contribute to musculoskeletal health, such as inflammation, systemic circulation, and hormonal balance.
7. Supporting Functional Recovery: By alleviating pain and enhancing the structural integrity of the tendon, acupuncture can help maintain or improve the range of motion and overall function of the affected joint or body part, facilitating a return to normal activities.