Overuse Injury and Inflammation
Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, occur when repetitive stress is placed on a tendon, leading to inflammation. The “-itis” in tendonitis indicates this inflammatory response. Sometimes, this natural response enables the injured area to recover on its own.
The Timeline and Phases of Healing
Healing from tendon injuries follows a specific timeline, even with intervention. A hands-on physical exam and diagnostic scan are performed to determine the most suitable approach. If the patient is a good candidate, stem cell therapy treatment is initiated, and the recovery process begins, which typically unfolds in three main phases:
- Inflammatory Phase: This initial stage is marked by increased inflammation, contrary to common belief. After regenerative medicine treatment, patients may experience stiffness, soreness, and swelling as healing cells release growth factors. If stem cells are used, exosomes are released to further support healing. These events spark the immune response, jumpstarting tissue repair. It is crucial during this period to avoid strenuous activity, as exercising through inflammation can prolong recovery and increase discomfort.
- Proliferative (Repair) Phase: After a few days, the healing process enters the proliferative phase. Here, healing cells focus on rebuilding tissue, laying down essential proteins such as collagen and forming new blood vessels. This phase lasts several weeks and benefits from gentle movement, without overexertion. The repair phase establishes a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
- Remodeling (Maturation) Phase: Finally, after about a month or more, the maturation phase begins. During this period, newly formed tissue matures and disorganized collagen transitions into functional, resilient tissue. This mature tissue is what allows patients to return to activity and enjoy long-term benefits from treatment.
