Tendinopathy arises from a failed tendon healing process. Current non-invasive therapeutic
alternatives are anti-inflammatory in nature, and outcomes are unpredictable. The
benefit of invasive alternatives resides in the induction of the healing response.
A new technology that uses non-invasive monopolar capacitive coupled radiofrequency
has demonstrated the ability to raise temperatures in tendons and ligaments above
50°C, the threshold for collagen modulation, tissue shrinkage and recruitment of macrophages,
fibroblasts, and heat shock protein factors, without damaging the overlying structures,
resulting in activation of the wound healing response. Monopolar capacitive-coupled
radiofrequency offers a new non-invasive choice for tendinopathies and sprained ligaments.
It does not interfere with subsequent surgical procedures should they become necessary.
Keywords
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© 2009 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
