Can tendinopathy be permanent?

[fbc91]

I was wondering if length of time combined with severity of symptoms (inability to tolerate even the lightest loads) could mean tendinopathy is permanent?

I was reading that tendons enter a degenerated state with disorganized collagen, and the rehab targets the non- degenerated portion of the tendon. But what if almost all of my tendon is degenerated?

I had to start rehab with a 1 lb dumbbell because I could not even tolerate that. I can do working sets of lat pulldown and neutral grip rows with 85 lb for sets of five at an rpe of maybe seven (tempo reps). But I’m wondering if I’ve just reached the max that I will be able to do since I’ve had this problem for so long and for how severe it’s been. Plus I am 30 so I’m getting old.

[The_Average_Lifter]

Bring up this post.

[fbc91]

@The_Average_Lifter

Bring up this post.

My severe elbow tendinopathy, which I had for 15 years, is almost entirely gone at this point. So I would say it isn’t permanent. I was much worse off when I posted this. Wouldn’t worry about tendon degeneration either.

[The_Average_Lifter]

@fbc91

My severe elbow tendinopathy, which I had for 15 years, is almost entirely gone at this point. So I would say it isn’t permanent. I was much worse off when I posted this. Wouldn’t worry about tendon degeneration either.

That’s great to hear man. I’m glad for you :). I too had some elbow issues for nearly 2 months, but appropriately loading the area with tempo work and lower RPE payed off.

[Hannah_Mora]

@fbc91

I was wondering if length of time combined with severity of symptoms (inability to tolerate even the lightest loads) could mean tendinopathy is permanent?

I was reading that tendons enter a degenerated state with disorganized collagen, and the rehab targets the non- degenerated portion of the tendon. But what if almost all of my tendon is degenerated?

I had to start rehab with a 1 lb dumbbell because I could not even tolerate that. I can do working sets of lat pulldown and neutral grip rows with 85 lb for sets of five at an rpe of maybe seven (tempo reps). But I’m wondering if I’ve just reached the max that I will be able to do since I’ve had this problem for so long and for how severe it’s been. Plus I am 30 so I’m getting old.

Sorry this post got lost in the mix.

First of all, come on, 30 is not old. I’m offended.

Short answer, no, I do not think that we have evidence to suggest that tendinopathy can be permanent. A little review, tendons are a type of connective tissue that attach bone to muscle, they are compromised mostly collagen fibers and cells called tenocytes and tenoblasts. Tendons are a living tissue that have the capacity to regenerate and rebuild over time. Unfortunately, this process does not happen quickly, and takes upwards of several months and possibly longer.

While the length of time that an individual has had symptoms can influence overall prognosis (i.e. things may take a bit more time to get better) I would certainly not suggest that you have reached your capacity or maximal recovery at your current state. I recognize that it has been quite some time since your original post, and it looks like you have experienced reduction in your symptoms since then which is awesome to hear.