Tenodesis refers to a surgical procedure used to re-anchor a tendon to the bone, often performed to address chronic pain, instability, or rupture. Common examples include Biceps Tenodesis(re-anchoring the long head of the biceps tendon, often alongside Rotator Cuff Repair) or procedures involving the ankle or knee. Because these surgeries involve repairing the critical junction between soft tissue and bone, the success of the outcome is entirely dependent on a cautious, expert post-operative rehabilitation program.
At Dosher Physical Therapy, our Tenodesis Rehabilitation services, a specialized component of Orthopedic Post-Operative Rehabilitation, are protocol-driven and designed to protect the healing tendon while systematically restoring maximum strength and function. We guide patients in the Upstate area through a safe, successful return to full activity.
What is Tenodesis Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation following a tenodesis procedure is characterized by a deliberate, phased progression that respects the time required for the tendon-to-bone junction to heal (which can take 6-12 weeks or longer). The primary goal is to prevent stress on the healing tendon while ensuring the joint does not become stiff.
Our structured therapy focuses on:
- Strict Protection: Adhering precisely to the surgeon’s limitations on range of motion and weight-bearing during the initial phase to prevent failure of the repair.
- Preventing Stiffness: Initiating gentle, controlled Passive Range of Motion (PROM) early on (when allowed) to avoid the painful stiffness that can occur post-surgery.
- Restoring Strength: Gradually introducing low-load General Strengthening Exercises and techniques like Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR) to rebuild the muscle bulk without placing excessive stress on the repaired tendon.
- Functional Integration: Training the surrounding muscles and the entire kinetic chain to support the joint effectively, ensuring the patient can return to lifting, gripping, or running safely.
Who Can Benefit from Tenodesis Rehabilitation?
Anyone who has undergone surgery to re-anchor a tendon requires specialized post-operative care. This is critical for:
- Biceps Tendon Repair: Releasing pain in the shoulder associated with the long head of the biceps tendon, requiring strict protection of elbow flexion and forearm rotation initially.
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Requiring a long period of protected weight-bearing and specialized progressive loading to regain the power needed for walking and pushing off.
- Tendon Transfers: Re-education and strengthening of the muscle when a tendon is moved to perform a new function.
- Elbow and Hand Tendon Procedures: Ensuring the repaired tendons are strong enough for gripping and fine motor skills.
- Athletes: Requiring a systematic and objective progression through Proprioception Exercises and Athletic Performance & Return-to-Sport Training to prevent re-injury.
Key Treatment Phases and Techniques
Recovery is divided into sequential phases, with techniques tailored to protect and then challenge the repair:
Phase | Goal | Key Techniques Used |
Protective (Initial Weeks) | Strict immobilization/protection, pain control, gentle passive range of motion (PROM). | Pain Management, gentle Soft Tissue Mobilizations (non-tendon area), basic Muscle Spasm Management. |
Intermediate (Restorative) | Initiating active range of motion, light isometric and concentric strengthening. | General Strengthening Exercises, light Proprioception Exercises, Manual Therapy for surrounding joints. |
Advanced (Loading/Functional) | Full strength and endurance building, eccentric loading of the tendon. | Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR), Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on surrounding tissue, job-specific training. |
Locations
Tenodesis Rehabilitation is available at all five of our Dosher Physical Therapy clinics:
- Anderson, SC
- Easley, SC
- Pickens, SC
- Powdersville (Piedmont), SC
- Clayton, GA
Additional Resources and Services
We integrate cutting-edge therapies to support tendon healing:
- Dry Needling: Used to manage protective Muscle Spasms and release tension in muscles connected to the repaired tendon.
- Shoulder Pain and Bursitis Rehabilitation: Often integrated for Biceps Tenodesis patients.
- Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation: Crucial for Achilles and foot tendon repairs.
To schedule your post-operative rehabilitation and ensure the optimal outcome for your tendon repair, please visit our Contact page or call your preferred clinic location.
