Doctors Discover New Stem Cells to Treat Tendon Injuries

By Hal Blatman MD on Jun 29, 2020 in Blog, Stem Cells, Treatments

stem cells regenerative therapy

Recovery from tendon injuries can be painful and debilitating, primarily due to excess scar tissue buildup. And secondary injuries are common. New research, however, suggests that tendon stem cells could successfully be utilized to relieve tendons without the need for invasive surgery.

The results are very promising to stem cell doctors and the patients we treat.

The research was recently published in Nature Cell Biology.

“Tendons are connective tissue that tether our muscles to our bones,” explained Chen-Ming Fan, lead researcher for the project at the Carnegie Institution for Science. “They improve our stability and facilitate the transfer of force that allows us to move. But they are also particularly susceptible to injury and damage.”

A New Treatment with Improved Mobility Possible

Once these tendons are injured, recovery is rare, and results are mixed. Mobility is limited and long term pain management is often necessary. Often, patients require surgery.

But Fran discovered previously undefined tendon stem cells just below the kneecap. He conducted his research alongside Carnegie’s Tyler Harvey and Sara Flamenco.

“Because tendon injuries rarely heal completely, it was thought that tendon stem cells might not exist,” said lead author Harvey. “Many searched for them to no avail, but our work defined them for the first time.”

Science Daily reports:

“Surprisingly, the team’s research showed that both fibrous scar tissue cells and tendon stem cells originate in the same space — the protective cells that surround a tendon. What’s more, these tendon stem cells are part of a competitive system with precursors of fibrous scars, which explains why tendon healing is such a challenge.”

A protein called platelet-derived growth factor-A activates both tendon stem cells and scar tissue precursor cells.

“Tendon stem cells exist, but they must outcompete the scar tissue precursors in order to prevent the formation of difficult, fibrous scars,” Fan explained. “Finding a therapeutic way to block the scar-forming cells and enhance the tendon stem cells could be a game-changer when it comes to treating tendon injuries.

Hal Blatman MD

View all posts by Hal Blatman MD →

Name*
Email*
Phone #
How Did You Hear About Us?*
Message*
Terms*
- I Agree
Read Terms
Form Submission Terms
Close
I understand that by clicking "Send", I am providing Dr. Blatman / blatmanhealthandwellness.com with the personal information that I filled out above. Dr. Blatman / blatmanhealthandwellness.com will not share or sell this information with anyone outside of our organization, but it may be viewed by our extended team. Thus, do not share confidential or sensitive personal or medical information. By pressing “Send” I confirm and give permission to process my personal data.
Security

Patient Testimonials

When I first went to Dr. Blatman two years ago, I was spending 1-3 days a week in bed with severe neck pain, headaches and nausea. I had had migraines for 40 years and been to countless doctors, but did not receive any help. I had also developed chronic myofascial pain in my neck. Now, two years later, I have not been bed ridden with a sick pain event in my neck or head once, and I have a life again, thanks to Dr. Blatman's expert knowledge, thoughtful help and perseverance.

Wendy Andrews

As an author of one of the early texts on Evidence-Based Medicine I know the power and peril of anecdote. That said I arrived to present at a conference with a painfully familiar recurrence lower back pain, bracing myself for days if not weeks of symptoms to come. Hal kindly offered to diagnose and provide some hands on treatment. Within 10 minutes I felt 50% better and by morning I was 80% better and could put my socks on again. Within a week I was completely pain free. While this is by no means scientific evidence I could not help but feel awe inspired by Hal and his care.

Daniel Friedman, MD

After suffering with widespread pain for two years, I was told it was all in my head and that nothing could be done for my condition as nothing appeared on an x-ray or MRI. After joining a fibromyalgia support group, I was referred to Dr. Blatman. I found [it] to be very calm[ing] and reassuring that my pain was real. We discussed medication, therapies exercise and diet changes and Dr. Blatman literally walked with me in reclaiming my life.

Sylvia Link

I don’t have a lot of time to get better when my back hurts. Bad backs are an occupational hazard in dentistry. Treatment with Dr. Blatman gets me out of pain, back to work and back on the golf course with a minimal amount of down time. Having this treatment available has been an indispensable part of my life in terms of doing the things I need and love to do.

Dr. Richard Wolterman

Like so many people who suffer with chronic headaches, I had gotten only partial relief from traditional medicine. Dr. Blatman understands the impact of headache pain. His emphasis on multiple techniques made a big difference for me.

Chris Modrall

Within ten days, my groin muscle pain was gone and the elbow tendonitis pain resolved in a slightly longer time. Both problems have gone away with no recurrence.

Alan Rosenberg

Chronic Fatigue was my diagnosis in 2005. How do you treat Chronic Fatigue? Well, there is no magic pill or cure. So I suffered for almost 2 years. I did not find a magic pill but I did find Blatman Pain Clinic. I was cautious about many of his recommendations but I have found out the hard way to follow his advise. My energy level is back to normal. I can keep up with my hectic job and 2 teenage children. I am a single parent and they count on me! Thank You Dr. Blatman!

KG

I was in pain daily and forced to limit my exercise. This was a real blow to me because exercise had always been a part of my life. I tried anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, but nothing worked. I was afraid I was going to have to live the rest of my life like this. That’s when I was introduced to Dr. Blatman’s philosophies. By implementing his ideas of wellness into my life and selective trigger point injections, I’m happy to say that I am now happy, healthy and pain free.

Teri Boynton

I visited Dr. Blatman to receive relief from a strained groin, and recurrent calf pain due to an injury a year ago. After two visits where Dr. Blatman performed the trigger point injection technique, both problems have been resolved and I have been able to resume all activities including playing tennis 3 times a week. I would highly recommend Dr. Blatman and his associates.

Chris Uhlhorn

The key to relieving chronic pain, especially fibromyalgia and myofascial pain, requires identification and treatment of perpetuating factors. This must be done on a patient-by-patient basis, due to the variables these conditions present. Dr. Blatman provides this total patient care.

Devin Starlanyl

Since beginning treatment with Dr. Blatman, I have lost lost 30 pounds and gone from being unable to walk without help, to a career singing and dancing at retirement communities, sometimes up to four hours a day.

Linda Cosby

MENU