Tendon Injury

Regenerative medicine & pain doctor for lake oswego & greater portland

Tendon Injury Treatment in Lake Oswego, OR

Tendon pain can be frustrating because it often does not behave like a simple injury. It may improve with rest, then return as soon as you start exercising, lifting, gripping, walking, running, or getting back to the activities you care about.

At Maple Medical in Lake Oswego, we help patients explore thoughtful, non-surgical options for tendon injuries and chronic tendon pain. Tendon concerns may affect the elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, Achilles, foot, ankle, hamstring, gluteal tendons, or another non-spine musculoskeletal area.

The goal is to understand why the tendon is still painful, what type of tissue problem may be involved, and which treatment options may support a more complete recovery plan.

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Why Tendon Pain Keeps Coming Back

Tendons connect muscle to bone and help your body move, stabilize, lift, push, pull, run, jump, and absorb load. Because tendons are involved in repeated movement, they can become irritated when the amount of stress placed on the tissue is greater than what it can tolerate.

In the early stages, tendon pain may feel like a mild ache or tightness. Over time, it can become more persistent. Some patients notice pain that warms up during activity but returns later. Others feel morning stiffness, tenderness, weakness, or pain that limits normal movement.

When tendon pain becomes chronic, the issue may involve more than inflammation alone. The tendon may have changes in tissue quality, thickening, degeneration, poor load tolerance, or incomplete healing. That is why rest by itself does not always solve the problem.

Common Signs of a Tendon Injury

You may want to schedule a consultation if tendon pain is affecting:

Walking, running, jumping, lifting, gripping, reaching, or climbing stairs
Exercise, sports, work, or active hobbies
Golf, tennis, pickleball, cycling, running, hiking, skiing, or strength training
Strength or confidence using the affected area
Comfort with repetitive tasks
Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
Morning stiffness or tenderness near a joint
Symptoms that have lasted for weeks or months
Pain that has not improved as expected with physical therapy, injections, medication, rest, or activity modification

You do not need to know the exact tendon involved before scheduling. Many patients come to Maple Medical because they know the pain keeps returning, but they are not sure why.

Types of Tendon Problems We May Evaluate

Tendon pain can affect many areas of the body. During your consultation, Dr. Blatz may discuss whether your symptoms could be related to:

Achilles tendon pain
Patellar tendon irritation
Rotator cuff tendon pain
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Gluteal tendon pain
Hamstring tendon concerns
Biceps tendon irritation
Hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, or foot tendon pain
Overuse or repetitive strain
Pain that returns when activity increases
Symptoms that have not improved as expected with basic care

Tendon pain can also overlap with joint pain, bursitis, arthritis, nerve symptoms, muscle weakness, or movement limitations. A careful evaluation can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms and which next steps may make sense.

When Tendon Pain Becomes a Chronic Problem

A tendon injury can become chronic when the tissue does not fully recover or continues to be overloaded. This can happen after repetitive use, sudden changes in training, returning to activity too quickly, poor load tolerance, prior injury, or movement patterns that keep stressing the same area.

For active adults, chronic tendon pain can become especially disruptive. It may affect workouts, sports, work, travel, hobbies, or daily movement. Many patients also feel stuck because they have already tried rest or physical therapy, but the pain keeps returning.

At Maple Medical, tendon care is not just about quieting symptoms for a short period of time. The goal is to understand what is preventing recovery and whether a more targeted treatment plan may be appropriate.

Elbow, Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, and Gluteal Tendon Pain

Different tendon problems affect daily life in different ways.

Elbow tendon pain, including tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, can make gripping, lifting, typing, tool use, workouts, golf, tennis, or pickleball uncomfortable.
Achilles tendon pain can interfere with walking, running, stairs, hills, or exercise.
Patellar tendon pain may affect squatting, jumping, stairs, hiking, or workouts.
Rotator cuff tendon pain can limit reaching, lifting, sleeping, exercise, or overhead activity.
Gluteal tendon pain may cause discomfort along the outside of the hip, especially with walking, stairs, hills, or lying on one side.

Because each tendon has different demands, the right plan should be specific to the location, severity, activity goals, and tissue involved.

How Maple Medical Evaluates Tendon Injuries

At Maple Medical, tendon injury care begins with a detailed conversation and condition-focused evaluation.

Dr. Blatz will review your symptoms, activity level, previous injuries, prior treatments, imaging history, medical history, and goals. He may also evaluate tenderness, strength, mobility, range of motion, movement patterns, and how the tendon responds to certain positions or activities.

When appropriate, ultrasound may be used to support evaluation, treatment planning, or image-guided care. If you already have imaging, reports, records, or notes from previous treatment, those materials can help support a more complete conversation.

The goal is to determine whether your tendon pain may fit a regenerative medicine, energy-based therapy, minimally invasive tendon procedure, or coordinated recovery plan.

Treatment Options for Tendon Injuries

Your treatment plan depends on your consultation and evaluation. Maple Medical may recommend one therapy or a coordinated plan depending on your condition, goals, and clinical needs.

PRP Therapy

PRP therapy uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood. It may be considered for certain tendon concerns when a targeted regenerative option is appropriate.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy to stimulate tissue response in targeted areas. It may be considered for certain chronic tendon or soft tissue concerns, especially when symptoms have not improved as expected with basic care.

EMTT

EMTT, or electromagnetic transduction therapy, is a non-invasive energy-based treatment that may be used as part of a broader musculoskeletal recovery plan.

Tenex / TenJet

Tenex and TenJet are minimally invasive options for certain chronic tendon conditions. These procedures may be considered when unhealthy or damaged tendon tissue is contributing to ongoing pain and limited function.

Cell Therapy: MFAT & BMAC

Many patients searching for stem cell therapy are looking for biologic treatment options that use material from their own body. At Maple Medical, cell therapy may include MFAT, or microfragmented adipose tissue, and BMAC, or bone marrow aspirate concentrate, depending on the patient’s condition and evaluation.

For tendon concerns, cell therapy may be discussed only when appropriate as part of a broader treatment plan.

Ultrasound-Guided Procedures

When appropriate, ultrasound guidance may be used to help visualize the treatment area and guide certain injections or tendon procedures with greater precision.

Physical Therapy Coordination

Tendon recovery often depends on rebuilding strength, improving load tolerance, and returning to activity in a controlled way. Maple Medical may coordinate with physical therapists or work alongside your current provider when appropriate.

At-Home Support

Depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Blatz may recommend at-home red light therapy, activity guidance, follow-up care, or maintenance recommendations to support your overall recovery plan.

What Tendon Treatment Is Not Meant to Do

Tendon treatment is not meant to be a quick shortcut back to full activity without recovery planning. Even when a procedure or therapy is appropriate, tendons often need time and the right progression of activity to respond.

Regenerative medicine, shockwave therapy, EMTT, Tenex, TenJet, and other options should be matched to the right condition. Not every tendon problem needs the same treatment, and not every patient is a candidate for every option.

Dr. Blatz will help you understand what may be realistic for your condition and what role follow-up care, activity guidance, or physical therapy coordination may play.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation is designed to help you better understand your tendon pain and the options that may fit your needs.

Dr. Blatz will discuss your symptoms, prior care, activity goals, medical history, and any imaging or records you provide. If regenerative medicine, shockwave therapy, Tenex, TenJet, or another non-surgical option may be appropriate, he will explain why that treatment may fit your condition and what the process may involve.

If another type of care is a better fit, he will guide you honestly.

Many regenerative medicine treatments are not covered by insurance. Our team will review expected costs before treatment begins.

Tendon Injury Care in Lake Oswego and the Portland Area

Maple Medical is located in Lake Oswego and serves patients from Portland and nearby communities who are looking for a more personalized, non-surgical approach to tendon pain.

Patients often come to Maple Medical because they want to understand why the pain keeps returning, what options may be available, and whether a more targeted care plan may help them move forward with greater clarity.

Take the Next Step

If tendon pain is limiting your movement, exercise, work, or quality of life, Maple Medical can help you explore your options with a personalized consultation.

Our Lake Oswego team will help you better understand what may be contributing to your tendon pain and whether regenerative medicine, shockwave therapy, Tenex, TenJet, or another non-surgical option may be appropriate for your needs.

answers to your Questions

FAQs About Tendon Injuries

Why do tendon injuries take so long to heal?

Tendons can be slow to recover because they handle repeated load and movement. Chronic tendon pain may involve irritation, tissue changes, degeneration, poor load tolerance, or incomplete recovery. A consultation can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms.

When should I schedule a consultation for tendon pain?

You may want to schedule a consultation if tendon pain has lasted for weeks, keeps returning with activity, limits work or exercise, or has not improved as expected with rest, medication, injections, or physical therapy.

Can chronic tendon pain be treated without surgery?

Some chronic tendon conditions may be managed with non-surgical care, depending on the tendon involved, severity, symptoms, and goals. Dr. Blatz will help you understand whether PRP therapy, shockwave therapy, EMTT, Tenex, TenJet, or another option may be appropriate.

What treatments does Maple Medical offer for tendon injuries?

Depending on your evaluation, treatment options may include PRP therapy, shockwave therapy, EMTT, Tenex, TenJet, ultrasound-guided procedures, physical therapy coordination, at-home red light therapy, follow-up care, or other supportive recommendations.

Do I need imaging before my tendon injury consultation?

If you already have imaging, reports, records, or notes from previous care, please bring them with you or ask our team how to share them before your visit. If you do not have imaging, Dr. Blatz can help you understand what next steps may make sense after learning more about your symptoms.

Moving You Toward Pain Relief & Recovery

get back to doing what you love. Our Role Is to Guide You There.

01

Book a Consultation

Schedule a convenient time to visit our Lake Oswego, OR office, just 15-min South of Portland, to meet with Dr. Blatz and our care team.

02

Understanding Your Needs

Dr. Blatz takes the time to listen and understand your goals, ensuring that your care begins with a clear picture of your health and desired outcomes.

03

Comprehensive Planning

Your treatment goes beyond a single procedure. Combining orthobiologic and shockwave therapies, Dr. Blatz addresses your pain and promotes recovery holistically.

04

Supportive Partnerships

In collaboration with physical therapists and other specialists, your plan includes ongoing support to strengthen your recovery and optimize results.

05

Lasting Results

Your care doesn’t end with treatment. Through follow-ups and maintenance, Dr. Blatz ensures you continue to thrive, supporting long-term wellness with a focus on prevention and strength.

Meet the doctor

DR. BRICE BLATZ

Dr. Brice Blatz is a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine with more than a decade of experience in non-surgical pain relief, regenerative medicine, and musculoskeletal care. He serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Medicine at Stanford University, where he helps train the next generation of physicians in advanced ultrasound, orthobiologics, and image-guided treatment techniques.

As President of the American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment and core faculty for The Orthobiologic Institute, Dr. Blatz is recognized as a leader in regenerative and energy-based therapies, including focused and radial shockwave, PRP, stem cell treatments, and ultrasound-guided procedures.

Inspired by a long-held dream to bring personalized, innovative care to Lake Oswego, he founded Maple Medical as a boutique medical experience where advanced medicine, compassion, and patient empowerment come together to address pain, restore function, and support lasting wellness.

what patients are saying

maple medical can help you too

    
 
 
        
   John Swan 
 10 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Blatz listens to his patients and is thorough in his analysis. Those are hard to find qualities in my experience with healthcare.
  
 
       
   dorine bright 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Dr. Blatz several times since 2021 for knee, SI joint, and most recently for tears in my shoulder.  I have had PRP with stem cell injections, shock wave and EMTT therapy.  I live in SW Washington yet the drive to Lake Oswego is not a problem for me since I have full trust in Dr. Blatz's work.  The team at Maple Medical is excellent in my opinion.  Cole is responsive to every message- Annee is superb at shockwave therapy focusing on patient comfort yet accomplishing goals specific to therapy needs.  Lexi also put me at ease with my procedure and works seamlessly with Dr. Blatz.  I consider Dr. Blatz to be an important part of my medical care team along with his staff.  In conversations with other people, I have heard various results about experiences in offices that would be closer to my area that provide these services.  It has been my experience that Dr. Blatz spends the time with you to answer your questions even throughout the procedure!  His knowledge of PRP and his love of his work is evident.  I have had excellent results from Dr. Blatz and his team and will continue to use them if the need arises.
  
 
       
   Debbie Lampson 
 58 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
       
   Mary Fox 
 106 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Blatz has given me the best chance to live my life pain free and with the ability to physically do the things I haven’t been able to. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. I am grateful for all the information he provided when asked, from literature to detailed explanations. I felt so grateful to have found a provider for my condition who is such an expert in his field along with an attentive, caring bedside manner.
His entire office staff is just as caring. They are all knowledgeable and excellent at what they do. The connections with each felt personal and the level of communication so reassuring.
  
 
       
   Charlene McCarthy 
 121 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a stem cell procedure done by Dr. Blatz on one of my knees. Long story short, I had a long history of degenerative issues. I had done lots of PT, am too young for certain other interventions, but it still continued to worsen. After the procedure done by Dr. Blatz, I was able to do simple things like sit and stand and walk on stairs with no pain in my knee (this was after having nearly 10 years of pain). Not only that, but he knew my goals of keeping up certain activities and I progressed back into those activities as he said I would. Having Dr. Blatz do that procedure was 100% the best decision. He and his staff also closely monitored my recovery and rehab. Also, at this point, I think I have interacted with everyone at his office. They are all great. His office is very responsive. He fit me in same day recently on very short notice for an unrelated new injury, and he got the MRI I needed very quickly and the appropriate referrals that I needed. Also, the shockwave treatment they do was great at reducing pain levels for me during recovery.
  
 
       
   Amy Fleming 
 164 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had a great experience with Maple Medical and Dr. Blatz. He is extremely thorough in his assessments and takes the time to really understand the root cause of injuries rather than just treating symptoms. I have used shockwave and EMTT treatments and have had excellent results for recovery and pain improvement. His knowledge, attention to detail, and personalized approach really stands out. Highly recommend for anyone looking for thoughtful, cutting-edge care focused on recovery and long-term healing.
  
 
       
   Mike Doolin 
 183 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a professional guitarist. I was unable to play guitar for 15 months due to an injury to my left wrist. I had seen many other doctors and therapists, from chiropractors to acupuncturists to orthopedic surgeons, and nobody could treat my wrist injury. I found Dr Blatz by searching for PRP therapy. He treated my wrist, and in 4 weeks the injury was healed. It's been 2-1/2 years now and I've been playing guitar regularly again all that time without pain. Dr Blatz restored my music career!
  
 
       
   tracy coultas 
 183 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Maple Medical is the definition of concierge patient care. Cutting edge science meets Every member of the team truly cares about your wellness and treats you with compassion. I had stem cell treatment with Dr Blatz and continue my care with Annee for ESWT and EMTT. I have increased mobility, decreased pain, and improved posture. I cannot say enough nice things about the whole team. Schedule a consultation and see for yourself. It’s evident from the first meeting that you made the right choice.
  
 
       
   Tyler King 
 259 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brice and his team are outstanding. They've helped me get clarity on several injury related issues and provided shockwave therapy that noticeably improved my recovery. Professional, knowledgeable, and results driven. I'm very grateful for their care.
  
 
       
   Bob Lewicki 
 281 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with Maple Medical has been great. The front desk folks, Cole & Lexi, are uniformly helpful.......Dr Blatz has been a wonderful ally. He doesn't over-promise and is realistic in our conversations. He has explained that my condition is a stubborn one (Don't I know it!) but from the start told me he believed they could help me and they have. He also is very positive and good humored. The condition has been with me for years so you don't get overnight success and I have had to be patient and now am seeing positive results....... Annee is my clinician and performs the shockwave treatment. She has been very professional and approachable at the same time. Some days it's not a walk in the park but the discomfort is fleeting. For instance, I drive to and from my appointments with no problem and the condition is in my foot. Professional, smart, honest, people is a great place to start. I am now back walking at a pace and distances that is very satisfying and am encouraged that it will continue on a positive trajectory.