Can Tendinosis and a Partial Tear Be Treated at the Same Time?

Yes, you can treat tendinosis and a partial tear simultaneously with a multimodal, non-surgical approach. This treatment plan targets tendon degeneration while also protecting and repairing the damaged fibers. However, if this approach fails to improve symptoms or the tear affects more than half the tendon, your doctor may recommend surgery.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we carefully review your symptoms, activity levels, imaging results, and tendon condition to design a personalized treatment plan. For severe cases, we also guide you through minimally invasive surgery options such as ultrasound-guided debridement that reduce the risk of further injury. Call us at 855-321-6784 to book your appointment.

What Is the Best Treatment for Tendinosis With a Partial Tear?

Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid shots, and stem cell or platelet-rich plasma injections are effective treatment options for tendinosis with a partial tear. In fact, a study published in WebMD reports that these treatments help reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and support healing in the shoulder joint.

Once symptoms improve, your doctor guides you through stretching and eccentric exercises to restore range of motion and function. Moreover, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the following treatments also support recovery in tendon injuries:

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Delivers targeted energy to regenerate tissues and reduce inflammation in chronic tendinopathy.
• Therapeutic ultrasound: Supports tissue recovery by improving circulation in rotator cuff muscles.
• Ultrasound-guided debridement: Targets damaged areas of rotator cuff tendons with precision to support healing.
• Topical nitroglycerin: Controls the local inflammatory process and manages pain.

What’s the Difference Between Tendinosis and a Partial Tendon Tear?

Tendinosis develops from long-term overuse that gradually weakens tendon fibers, while a partial tendon tear occurs when those fibers split due to sudden strain or injury. Beyond that, rotator cuff tendonitis progresses slowly and often causes stiffness and a dull ache. In contrast, a partial tear usually causes sharp shoulder pain and chronic inflammation after an injury. While both conditions lead to tendon pain, the following features help you distinguish tendinosis and a tear:

• Strength Changes: Tendinosis typically leads to mild weakness, whereas a partial tear often causes sudden loss of strength.
• Swelling or Bruising: Tendinosis rarely causes visible swelling, while a partial tear may cause bruising on the humeral head.
• Underlying Cause: Repetitive strain leads to rotator cuff tendinopathy, while acute overload results in a structural tear.

How Do Doctors Assess Tendon Damage When Both Conditions Are Involved?

Doctors diagnose tendinosis and a partial tear through a detailed physical examination and advanced imaging tests. During the assessment, they review your medical history and check for tenderness, swelling, weakness, and restricted movement in the shoulder and surrounding muscles.

They also assess your range of motion to identify stiffness, discomfort, or a torn tendon. According to the British Journal of Radiology, if these findings suggest an underlying cause, the following tests help confirm the diagnosis:

• Sonoelastography: Detects changes in tendon stiffness to identify degeneration linked to rotator cuff tendinosis.
• Ultrashort Echo Time MRI: Reveals early supraspinatus or patellar tendon damage and fiber disruption that standard MRI scans may not clearly show.
• Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI: Measures blood flow and tissue activity to detect active rotator cuff disease.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist, Dr. Jarret Boroniec, assesses your condition using these advanced imaging scans. As a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, he utilizes the latest image-guided techniques and subacromial injections based on imaging results to target inflammation and reduce pain. Schedule your appointment with our orthopedic specialist.

Can a Single Treatment Plan Address Tendinosis and Partial Tears?

Yes, a single treatment plan can address both tendinosis and partial tears at the same time. These conditions often occur together because tendon degeneration weakens the tissue, making it more prone to partial tearing and ongoing pain. Therefore, doctors typically use a multimodal treatment approach that combines several targeted therapies.

This treatment plan often includes deep friction massage, rehabilitation, activity modification, laser therapy, and subacromial corticosteroid injections to reduce discomfort. Moreover, the NIH study reports that combining pain-relief techniques such as EMS or TENS with acupuncture can further improve outcomes without the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Do Steroid Injections Increase the Risk of Tendon Weakening or Tear Progression?

Yes, steroid injections can weaken tendon tissue and contribute to tear progression. According to the Radiological Society of North America, repeated joint injections may lead to weakened tendons and increase the risk of arthritis and patellar tendinopathy. The National Health Service (NHS) also reports that these injections may cause the following side effects:

• Fluid retention or throbbing in the shoulder socket, upper arms, or legs
• Shortness of breath or sharp pain in joints
• Facial puffiness or blurred eyesight
• Symptoms of infection, such as fever or shoulder tendon irritation
• Diabetes-related signs like excessive thirst

Can Tendinosis Be Addressed During Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Yes, surgeons can address tendinosis during rotator cuff surgery. During the procedure, surgeons remove damaged tendon tissue to reduce nerve irritation and promote healthier tendon repair. They may also remove bone spurs or reshape part of the shoulder blade to ease pressure on the four rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis).

Here are common surgical techniques used to manage tendinosis during rotator cuff surgery:

• Tendon debridement
• Acromioplasty (reduces shoulder impingement)
• Calcific deposit removal
• Targeted tendon stimulation

However, surgeons choose these techniques based on the severity of tendon damage and the extent of symptoms that restrict shoulder movement and strength.

Can a Partial Tear Worsen Tendinosis If Left Untreated?

Yes, an untreated partial rotator cuff tear can worsen tendinosis over time. In fact, research published in ScienceDirect reports that approximately 42% of partial-thickness tears will enlarge if left untreated. It also reports that nearly 29% of these injuries progress to a full-thickness tear.

As the degenerative process worsens, the weakened tendon structure accelerates damage and raises the risk of a complete rupture. In response, your body shifts stress to nearby joints and the supraspinatus tendon, which leads to severe rotator cuff pain. This overload can lead to secondary conditions that limit movement, such as:

• Medial epicondylitis
• Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow)
• Insertional tendinopathy
• Frozen shoulder
• chronic achilles tendinopathy

How Long Does It Take to Recover When Both Conditions Are Treated Together?

Recovery from tendinosis and a partial tear typically takes 3 to 6 months. This timeline varies based on the severity of the tear, the extent of tendon degeneration, the affected tendon, and consistency with tendinosis treatment and activity modification. However, after surgery, recovery often extends beyond 6 months and requires a longer, structured rehabilitation program.

Quick Tip: To support tendon healing and tissue repair, you should prioritize a balanced diet, maintain regular sleep, and perform stretches daily.

What Activities Should Be Avoided During Recovery?

During recovery, avoid heavy lifting, external rotation, high-impact movements, and repetitive actions that stress the healing tissues of the shoulder blade. You should also avoid forceful pushing, pulling, or sudden changes in direction, as these movements increase the risk of rotator cuff injuries or patellar tendinosis. Moreover, limit activities that involve internal rotation, overexertion, or prolonged physical or mental strain during the recovery period.

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Jarret Boroniec At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine For Tendon Pain!

Ankle tendon pain can limit your ability to walk, stand, and perform normal daily activities. You may require ongoing care, follow-up visits, and specialized treatment to manage symptoms and restore function. This extended treatment process can increase physical strain and emotional stress while delaying recovery.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we treat tendon injuries using targeted injections, regenerative therapies, and coordinated follow-up care all under one roof. With specialization in arthroscopic and open surgery, Dr. Jarret Boroniec also utilizes advanced surgical techniques to minimize tissue trauma. Moreover, he provides guidance on targeted taping and stabilization techniques to reduce joint stress and support the healing process. Call 855-321-6784 or visit 769 Northfield Ave, Suite LL8, West Orange, NJ 07052 to consult Dr. Jarret.

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