Medically reviewed by Derek Wimmer, PA Updated
Tendinopathy is chronic tendon pain from overuse or degeneration, common in the elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow), Achilles, patellar tendon, and rotator cuff. Wimmer treats it non-surgically using Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, and image-guided injections among the options — and focused shockwave therapy, one of the better-studied non-surgical choices for stubborn tendons — guided by in-office imaging when it adds precision.
| What it is | Chronic tendon pain (tendinopathy) |
|---|---|
| Common sites | Elbow, Achilles, patellar, shoulder |
| Key options | Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, injections |
| Also used | Focused shockwave therapy |
Common causes & symptoms
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar (knee) tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff tendon pain
- Pain that lingers despite rest
When to seek care
If tendon pain is limiting your activity, lingering for more than a couple of weeks, waking you at night, or causing swelling or instability, it's worth a proper evaluation. Early, accurate assessment often opens up more — and less invasive — options.
How we evaluate it
Your visit begins with an in-office evaluation, with imaging — ultrasound or fluoroscopy — when it's needed, so we can see the area clearly. Occasionally we'll arrange additional imaging elsewhere. From there, Derek builds a personalized, honest plan — and walks you through the options for your situation.
Non-surgical options we may consider
- Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells — an umbilical-derived allograft for the affected tendon, an emerging non-surgical option offered with honest counsel
- PRP — platelet-rich plasma to support tendon repair signaling
- Peptides — targeted peptides such as BPC-157 to support recovery and tissue resilience
- Injections — precise, image-guided targeting
- Focused shockwave therapy — one of the better-studied non-surgical options for stubborn tendons
- Load & activity guidance — to rebuild tendon resilience
Keeping you active
For golfers, pickleball and tennis players, boaters, and active retirees, the goal isn't just less pain — it's getting back to the life you love and staying there. That's the heart of how we plan your care.
Terms to know
- PRP
- Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a patient's own blood to concentrate platelets for an injection.
- Focused shockwave
- A non-surgical treatment that directs acoustic waves to a selected tissue area.
- Ultrasound
- Imaging that uses sound waves to show soft tissue and guide selected procedures.
