New Treatment for Stubborn Golfer’s Elbow
Non-surgical solution developed by the Mayo Clinic, now available in Watchung, NJ.
As the warmer weather approaches the Northeast, a significant increase in sports or activity related injuries will present to medical offices. Overuse injuries are one of the most common conditions we will encounter, with the most common condition being golfer’s elbow.
Golfer’s elbow, also know as medial epicondylitis, is classified as a tendonitis however, this condition does not just affect golfers. The golf swing can place excessive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons resulting in tendonitis and resultant scar tissue formation. The pain usually begins on the inside of the elbow (at the bump called the medial epicondyle), and may spread down the forearm, resulting in weakness into the hand.
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, for most people, will resolve with rest, bracing and over-the-counter medications. More serious conditions will require a cortisone injection and/or physical therapy. If the pain persists more then 3-6 months and has not responded to the previous interventions, you are likely suffering from tendinosis or chronic tendon disease. In this chronic condition scar tissue has formed in the tendon. This can be very problematic as long-standing scar tissue is more pain sensitive and prevents normal muscle movement. Until recently, surgery was the only medically accepted option for elbow tendinosis when conservative treatments had not delivered the desired results. Many patients and surgeons elect not to proceed with surgery for various reasons. This results in an entire population of patients that are referred to as the “Silent Sufferers”. This is why Tenex Health TX™ was created.
Tenex Health TX™
Tenex Health TX™ was developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic to solve chronic tendon disease, which until now was lacking a definitive medical solution. Performance Ortho has partnered with Tenex Health TX™ to offer this minimally invasive technology designed to precisely identify, remove, and extract damaged tendon tissue. Since Tenex Health TX™ only removes diseased tissue, while preserving healthy tissue, the patient experiences rapid pain relief and return to an active lifestyle much quicker than with traditional orthopedic surgical procedures.
The Treatment
The procedure involves using ultrasound-imaging technology, which helps the doctor identify the specific location of your damaged tissue. The physician then creates a micro-incision at the injured site and inserts the TX MicroTip (which is the size of a tooth pick.). The TX MicroTip uses ultrasonic energy to precisely remove only the damaged tissue, breaking it down, without removing or hurting any healthy tissue.
The benefits of Tenex Health TX™ are:
- Quick pain relief
- Rapid return to normal activity
- Local anesthetic used instead of general anesthesia
- No sutures or stiches
- Minimally invasive, not open surgery
- Covered by most insurances
If you are suffering from Golfer’s elbow, Tenex Health TX™ may be the solution to your problem. Please call one of our Patient Care Coordinators today at 908-756-2424 for an appointment. Or feel free to contact us via e-mail at info@perfromancerehabnj.com.
About the author
Joseph Mejia D.O., F.A.A.P.M.&R, Is a graduate of University of Michigan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Dr. Mejia received his Fellowship Training in Interventional Pain Management from University of Medicine and Dentistry. He has advanced training in Regenerative Medicine and is the Medical Director and Partner of Performance Ortho and Integrated Medicine.