If you have ever felt that sharp, burning pain in your elbow when lifting a coffee cup, the stiffness in your Achilles tendon during your morning walk, or the nagging ache in your shoulder that keeps you up at night, you know that tendonitis is more than just an annoyance. It is a barrier to living your life.
For the active community here in Setauket and across the North Shore—whether you are swinging a racket at the local club, running the Greenway Trail, or simply working with your hands—tendon injuries are one of the most common reasons for downtime. The standard medical advice is usually “R.I.C.E.” (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) followed by a prescription for anti-inflammatories. But for many, the pain returns the moment they resume activity.
Why doesn’t it heal? And more importantly, how can you fix it permanently without resorting to surgery or risky steroid injections?
At Messina Acupuncture, we specialize in treating orthopedic conditions. We use evidence-based acupuncture to treat the root cause of tendon dysfunction: poor blood flow and failed healing response. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the science of tendon repair, the specific conditions we treat, and why acupuncture is becoming the gold standard for non-surgical recovery.
Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: Understanding Your Injury
To understand the cure, we must first understand the anatomy. Tendons are the thick, rope-like cords of collagen that attach muscle to bone. They are designed to withstand immense tension. However, they have a fatal flaw: Poor Blood Supply.
Unlike muscles, which are red and rich in blood vessels, tendons are white and relatively avascular (lacking blood vessels). This means nutrients and oxygen take a long time to reach the injured tissue.
The Critical Distinction
Most people use the term “Tendonitis” for any tendon pain, but medically, there are two stages:
- Tendonitis (Acute): This is fresh inflammation caused by a recent injury or overload. The area is hot, swollen, and red. Healing usually happens within weeks with proper care.
- Tendinosis (Chronic): This is what happens when you ignore tendonitis. It is a degenerative condition where the collagen fibers become disorganized, frayed, and weak. There is no longer active inflammation; instead, there is failed healing and scar tissue.
Why This Matters: Anti-inflammatory pills (NSAIDs) and cortisone shots are designed for Tendonitis. They do nothing for Tendinosis (and can actually make it worse). Acupuncture, however, is effective for both because it stimulates the body to restart the remodeling process regardless of how old the injury is.
The Science: How Acupuncture Repairs Tendons
Patients often ask us, “How can a needle fix a frayed tendon deep inside my joint?” The answer lies in triggering specific physiological mechanisms that the body has stopped performing on its own.
1. Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessel Formation)
Since the primary hurdle to healing is a lack of blood, the primary goal of treatment must be to increase it. Research suggests that local acupuncture stimulation triggers a phenomenon called angiogenesis—the formation of new microscopic blood vessels. By increasing local microcirculation, we flood the injured tendon with oxygen, platelets, and growth factors essential for repair.
2. Collagen Realignment and Fibroblast Activation
Healthy tendons are made of Type I collagen fibers lined up in neat, parallel rows. Injured tendons are a messy tangle of scar tissue (Type III collagen). Mechanical stimulation from acupuncture (and dry needling) signals fibroblasts—the cells that build connective tissue—to produce new, healthy collagen. Over a series of treatments, this helps “comb out” the tangles and realign the fibers for strength.
3. Pain Modulation (The Neuro-Chemical Effect)
Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and adenosine (a natural painkiller) at the site of the injury. This helps “turn down the volume” on the pain signals sent to the brain. When pain is reduced, you stop “guarding” the joint, allowing for better movement mechanics which is crucial for rehabilitation.
6 Common Types of Tendonitis We Treat
Tendon pain can strike anywhere, but at our Setauket clinic, we see distinct patterns based on the lifestyles of our Long Island patients.
1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Symptoms: Pain on the outside of the elbow that radiates into the forearm; weak grip strength.
The Fix: Despite the name, this is common in carpenters, painters, and office workers (mouse usage). We needle the extensor muscles of the forearm to release the tension pulling on the elbow bone. Studies show acupuncture significantly improves grip strength and reduces pain scores in these patients.
2. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Symptoms: Pain on the inside of the elbow.
The Fix: Often caused by poor mechanics in golf or lifting heavy objects. We treat the flexor muscles of the wrist. By releasing the tightness in the forearm, the constant tug-of-war on the inner elbow tendon stops, allowing it to heal.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
Symptoms: Stiffness in the heel upon waking up; sharp pain when running or climbing stairs.
The Fix: This is the largest tendon in the body and prone to rupture if ignored. Acupuncture is combined with medical massage on the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to reduce the tension load. Research indicates that acupuncture combined with exercise yields better results than exercise alone.
4. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (Shoulder Impingement)
Symptoms: Pain when reaching overhead, putting on a coat, or sleeping on the side.
The Fix: Usually involves the Supraspinatus tendon. We use needles to increase blood flow to the subacromial space (the gap under the shoulder blade) and release trigger points in the upper back that contribute to poor shoulder posture.
5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (“Tech Thumb”)
Symptoms: Sharp pain at the base of the thumb and wrist.
The Fix: Exploding in popularity due to smartphones and remote work. It involves inflammation of the tendon sheath. Acupuncture is highly effective here because we can treat the local area precisely to reduce swelling without medication.
6. Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Symptoms: Pain just below the kneecap.
The Fix: Common in runners and basketball players. We treat the Quadriceps muscles to stop them from pulling so hard on the kneecap, giving the patellar tendon a chance to recover.
Acupuncture vs. Cortisone: The Safety Debate
Patients often ask: “Why shouldn’t I just get a cortisone shot?”
Cortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory that works by shutting down the immune response in the area. While it provides fast relief, it comes with a hidden cost: It is catabolic.
This means it breaks down tissue. Repeated cortisone injections have been proven to weaken tendon fibers, soften cartilage, and increase the risk of tendon rupture. For this reason, most orthopedists will limit you to 3 shots a year.
Acupuncture is Anabolic. It builds tissue. It stimulates growth factors and collagen production. It may take longer to feel the full effect (weeks vs. days), but the result is a stronger, healthier tendon, not a masked injury waiting to tear.
Complementary Therapies We Use
At Messina Acupuncture, we rarely use just one tool. To accelerate tendon healing, we often layer therapies:
- Electro-Acupuncture: Running a mild, rhythmic electric current between needles helps stimulate nerve regeneration and drives blood flow deeper into the tendon than manual needling alone.
- Moxibustion (Moxa): Burning the herb mugwort near the skin to generate deep, penetrating heat. This is crucial for “cold” or chronic tendonitis where the joint feels stiff and aches in winter weather.
- Gua Sha (Scraping): Using a smooth tool to gently scrape the skin over the muscle. This breaks up superficial fascial adhesions and brings blood to the surface (Sha), which reduces tension on the tendon.
Nutrition and Lifestyle for Tendon Repair
Healing happens 24/7, not just when you are in our office. To get the best results, you need to feed your tendons the building blocks they need.
1. Collagen & Vitamin C
Tendons are almost entirely collagen. Taking a collagen supplement (or drinking bone broth) provides the raw amino acids needed for repair. However, your body cannot build collagen without Vitamin C. We recommend taking them together about an hour before your acupuncture session or physical therapy.
2. Hydration
Dehydrated tissues are brittle tissues. Keeping your water intake high ensures that the fascia remains pliable and that nutrients can flow freely into the dense tendon tissue.
3. Eccentric Loading
Rest helps acute pain, but movement heals chronic pain. “Eccentric” exercises (lengthening the muscle under load) are proven to align collagen fibers. We can guide you on safe movement patterns to perform at home between visits.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We know that trying a new therapy can be intimidating. Here is what a session at our Setauket clinic looks like:
- The Assessment: We don’t just poke the pain. We check your range of motion, grip strength, and posture. We look for “upstream” and “downstream” issues (e.g., treating the shoulder to fix the elbow).
- The Treatment: You lie comfortably on a table. We insert thin, sterile needles. We usually treat the muscle belly attached to the tendon, and use specific points on the hands/feet to reduce systemic inflammation.
- The Sensation: You may feel a dull ache or a heavy sensation. This is called De Qi and is a sign the nervous system is responding. It is generally very relaxing.
- The Plan: We set a treatment course—typically 2 times a week for 3-4 weeks for acute cases, or longer for chronic issues.
Why Setauket Residents Choose Messina Acupuncture
We are proud to be the trusted orthopedic acupuncture clinic for the North Shore. From Stony Brook University professors to local contractors and athletes, we have helped our community get back to work and play without surgery.
Don’t just take our word for it. Read the experiences of your neighbors who have walked the path to recovery:
See Our 5-Star Reviews on Google
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the needle go directly into the tendon?
Generally, no. We treat the surrounding tissue, the muscle belly, and the tendon sheath. Needling directly into a highly inflamed tendon can be painful and is usually unnecessary to get the healing response.
Can I exercise while getting treatment?
We usually recommend “active rest.” You shouldn’t do the exact activity that caused the pain (e.g., no tennis for a few weeks), but total immobilization is bad for tendons. We will help you find cross-training activities that keep you moving without damaging the repair process.
How does this differ from Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a specific technique we use to release trigger points in muscles. Acupuncture is a broader system that treats pain, inflammation, and systemic health. We often combine both in a single session for tendonitis to get the best of both worlds.
Stop Living with Chronic Pain
You do not have to accept tendon pain as “part of aging.” Your body has an incredible capacity to heal if given the right signals. With the right treatment plan, you can strengthen your tendons and return to the activities you love.
We are conveniently located to serve Setauket, Port Jefferson, and Stony Brook:
Messina Acupuncture 100 N Country Road Setauket, NY 11733
Ready to start healing? Contact us today or call (631) 403-0504 to schedule your consultation.