1. How does PNT work? 

PNT is a simple procedure that involves using a thin needle to create small holes in a damaged tendon. While this might sound counterintuitive, it helps restart the tendons’ stalled healing process by breaking up unhealed tissue and encouraging new tissue growth.

2. What Are the Benefits of PNT?

PNT offers several advantages, especially compared to more invasive treatment options such as surgery:

• The procedure is minimally invasive. 
• We perform it in our clinic with no general anesthesia or prolonged downtime.
• It promotes natural tissue repair, meaning it actually resolves the source of your pain (rather than just masking it, as pain medication would).
• It has a high success rate for chronic tendon pain.

3. What conditions can PNT help with?

We recommend PNT for chronic tendon injuries that haven’t responded to typical care. Some of the conditions that respond well to PNT include the following:

• Tennis elbow 
• Golfer’s elbow 
• Jumper’s knee
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Achilles tendinosis
• Plantar fasciitis

4. What can I expect during my PNT sessions?

Most sessions last around thirty minutes. Depending on your needs, multiple sessions may be necessary for the most effective treatment. During each session, we’ll…

1. Numb the affected area with local anesthesia.
2. Use ultrasound technology to locate the damaged tissue and guide the insertion of a thin needle into the tendon.
3. Move the needle back and forth to break down scar tissue and stimulate blood flow, jumpstarting healing in the damaged area.

Risks are low, and minor swelling or soreness at the treatment site may occur. These side effects typically resolve in a few days. Most patients return to normal activity in 1 to 2 weeks, and our team will provide guidance on how to make the most of your PNT treatment.

5. How effective is PNT?

Studies show that PNT provides lasting relief for many patients, who report reduced pain and improved function after just one procedure. The effects tend to improve over several weeks as new tissue forms.

Outcomes are best when PNT is paired with rehabilitation, as strengthening the surrounding muscles and restoring mobility are key to lasting improvement. We can refer you to a specialist to help with the rehabilitation process.

6. Who is a good candidate for PNT?

• You’ve had tendon pain for more than 3 months.
• First-line treatments like physical therapy or injections haven’t helped.
• Imaging shows degenerative tendon changes (not a full tear).

We generally don’t recommend PNT for acute injuries or complete tendon ruptures (for example, if you tore your rotator cuff after a fall). However, we can evaluate your case and let you know if PNT will work for you.