Download this new white paper, “The Treatment of Tendinopathies and Plantar Fasciitis: Current Approaches and Future Trends,” for a review of the prevalence, etiology, and treatment strategies for tendinopathies and plantar fasciitis.

Tendinopathies are common among athletes in sports requiring repetitive motion, affecting areas such as the Achilles and patellar tendons, with plantar fasciitis impacting over 1 million Americans annually. The paper discusses three theories on the cause of tendinopathies: extrinsic (due to increased strain and tissue damage), intrinsic (related to poor vascularity and healing), and neural (focused on nerve alterations and neurotransmitter activity).

The white paper emphasizes the importance of thorough examination and accurate diagnosis, categorizing tendon injuries as tendinitis (acute), tendinosis (chronic), or tendinopathy (symptomatic). Treatment should be multimodal, joint-specific, and adaptable, incorporating exercise, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization, among others.

The white paper highlights the efficacy of eccentric exercise and explores heavy, slow resistance training (HSR), and flywheel training as effective modalities. Isometric exercises are also noted for their safety and effectiveness, particularly for short-term pain relief.

Explore the use of photobiomodulation (light therapy) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as impactful treatments for tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. These methods aim to reduce pain and promote recovery, often used in conjunction with each other for enhanced results.

Discover tailored treatment approaches for specific conditions like lateral epicondylitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and patellar and Achilles tendinopathies, stressing the importance of individualized treatment plans.

The white paper concludes that tendinopathies and plantar fasciitis are common in both athletes and the general population, across a variety of sports and activities at all levels of participation. Tendinopathy treatment should combine a complete and accurate examination, activity modification, and both exercise and non-exercise therapies. Progressive loading has ultimately been shown to be more important than the type of exercise employed. Return-to-sport considerations should include gradual progression of activities with careful attention to avoid acute spikes in the volume or intensity of activities. Technologies like photobiomodulation and extracorporeal shockwave therapy are proving to be inherently useful in the successful management of plantar fasciitis and a wide variety of tendon pathologies, serving to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve outcomes.

Download the full white paper at https://learn.chattanoogarehab.com/treatment-of-tendinopathies-and-plantar-fasciitis-kol-white-paper

Contact our team to learn how shockwave therapy can improve your outcomes and drive cash-pay revenue.

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Reach out to our team to find out how laser therapy can help level up your outcomes and drive cash-pay revenue.

Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT

Copyright © 2025 DJO, LLC

Individual results may vary. Neither DJO, LLC nor any of the Enovis companies dispense medical advice. The contents of this document do not constitute medical, legal, or any other type of professional advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for information on appropriate courses of treatment.

The opinions expressed herein are independently prepared and for informational purposes only. They are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

*Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT, FAPTA is a paid consultant for Enovis. The opinions and experiences presented here are for informational purposes only.