American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
For Immediate Release Apr 24, 2008

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS:  To treat chronic tendon injuries often caused by overuse, Dr. Karim Khan, MD, PhD, prescribes particular exercise strategies designed to promote tendon repair. Dr. Khan’s discussion was part of a general session on Tendonopathies at the 2008 American Medial Society for Sports Medicine Rendezvous II Meeting in Las Vegas, NV.

Dr. Khan emphasized that eccentric exercise (slow muscle lengthening as the muscle is contracting) can stimulate tendon healing through improved cellular communication. The recommended “mechanotherapy” program includes 3 sets of 15 eccentric contractions of the affected musculotendonous region.

In addition to the exercise program, Dr. Khan also reviewed topical nitric oxide patches for tendon healing, with recommended use of 1/8 patch per application to reduce side effects (headache, dizziness, postural hypotension).

Overall healing time incorporating the above strategies can take up to 6 months in certain cases of tendon injury.

Dr. Khan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Practice and Centre for Hip Health and Musculoskeletal Research at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was organized in 1991 by physicians who recognized the need for an organization within the field of sports medicine that approached athletes, exercising individuals and teams comprehensively with consultative and continuous care of their orthopedic, medical, nutritional and psychosocial issues. Although sports medicine concepts are often thought of in conjunction with professional and elite athletes, these concepts apply to athletes of all levels including grade school, high school, college and recreational athletes. AMSSM is comprised of over 1000 Sports Medicine Physicians whose goal is to provide a link between the rapidly expanding core of knowledge related to sports medicine and its application to patients in a clinical setting.

NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 11639 Earnshaw, Overland Park, KS 66210, (913) 327-1415.