Tendinopathy: the interplay between mechanical stress, inflammation, and vascularity

Review written by Dr Seth O’Neill info

Key Points

  1. Mechanical load (under or overdoing it) triggers a loss of homeostasis.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Tendinopathy is a chronic, multifactorial condition affecting tendon health, with significant personal and socioeconomic impacts. Despite its prevalence, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

This review aims to unify current knowledge by focusing on three key drivers of tendinopathy: mechanical stress, inflammation, and vascular changes, proposing a dynamic ‘tendinopathic loop’ where these factors interact and reinforce each other (1).

Tendinopathy is a chronic, multifactorial condition affecting tendon health, with significant personal and socioeconomic impacts.
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Understanding the tendinopathic loop helps physiotherapists tailor interventions targeting mechanical load, inflammation, and vascular changes.

METHODS

This was a narrative review, synthesizing findings from molecular, cellular, and biomechanical studies to conceptualize the interconnected mechanisms driving tendinopathy.

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