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Evidence Table: Tendon Treatments
Tendon pain treatments rated by evidence: exercise, shockwave, cortisone, PRP and stem cells.
Medically reviewed by Dr James Bristol, MD, PhD · Updated 2026-11-15
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Stem cell treatment leads the regenerative options for tendons, with positive results in rotator cuff repair (10-year follow-up), partial cuff tears and tennis elbow. Loading exercise remains the foundation of rehab, PRP helps tennis elbow, and cortisone gives short-term relief but can backfire.
| Treatment | Evidence |
|---|
★TOP
PICKStem cellsRecommended | Positive: rotator cuff repair (10-year follow-up), partial cuff tears, tennis elbow |
| Loading exercise | Strong for most tendons |
| Shockwave | Moderate: plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder |
| Cortisone | Short term; worse long term in tennis elbow |
| PRP | Positive in tennis elbow; negative main Achilles trial |
| Physio vs surgery, small degenerative cuff tears | Similar results |
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Backed by research in
JAMAThe LancetBMJAmerican Journal of Sports MedicineBone & Joint JournalStem CellsArthroscopyInternational Orthopaedics
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