A New Option for Stubborn Tendon Pain: Meet TendoNova

At Impact Sports Medicine, we know how frustrating it can be when tendon pain just won’t go away. Whether it’s tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, or even rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, these problems can linger for months—and often don’t respond well to rest, therapy, steroid injections or medications.

That’s why we’re excited to offer TendoNova, our newest in-office, minimally invasive procedure designed specifically for chronic tendon injuries.

What is TendoNova?

TendoNova is a needle-only system that requires no incision and is performed with just a small lidocaine injection for comfort. Using an oscillating needle, we carefully break up unhealthy tendon tissue under ultrasound guidance—kickstarting your body’s natural healing process.

Here’s the best part: the treatment itself takes only 20–60 seconds.

Combining TendoNova with PRP: A Powerful Duo

On its own, TendoNova stimulates healing. But when combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections—using your body’s own concentrated platelets and growth factors—the results can be even stronger.

Think of it this way:

  • TendoNova = aerating your lawn (breaking up the tough, unhealthy tissue)

  • PRP = planting fresh seed (delivering growth factors directly where they’re needed)

Together, they give your tendon the “best of both worlds” for long-term recovery.

Why Choose TendoNova?

  • Minimally invasive – no incision, no stitches

  • Quick recovery – the procedure itself is done in under a minute

  • Natural healing – enhanced when paired with your own PRP

  • Cutting-edge care – we’re one of the only practices in Middle Tennessee offering this option

At Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, our mission is simple: to bring you safe, effective, and innovative treatments that reduce pain and help you stay active. TendoNova is just one more way we’re doing exactly that.

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

PRP: Why the Details Matter

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are becoming more and more common. Patients with osteoarthritis, tennis or golfer’s elbow, partial rotator cuff tears, Achilles or patellar tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis — just to name a few — are often hearing about PRP as a potential treatment option.

But here’s something we tell our patients all the time: not all PRP is the same.

The success of a PRP treatment depends on many important details, and “success” can mean more than just short-term pain relief. For many patients, PRP can:

  • Reduce pain

  • Improve function

  • Support healing of damaged tissue

  • Slow cartilage deterioration in osteoarthritis

That’s why PRP has the potential to be disease-modifying — not just symptom-relieving.

What Details Really Matter?

Experience of the physician – How long have they been performing PRP injections?
Accuracy of the injection – Ultrasound guidance is key to making sure the PRP is delivered precisely where it’s needed.
Amount of blood drawn – Using a higher volume can help produce the optimal number of platelets.
PRP preparation – Should the PRP be rich in white blood cells or poor in them? The answer depends on your specific condition.
Medication & supplement guidance – Some should be stopped before and after the procedure for the best results.
Aftercare recommendations – Whether it’s rest, bracing, or temporary use of crutches or a boot, good guidance makes all the difference.
Number & frequency of injections – A tailored plan is essential.
Ongoing education – Physicians who teach and stay up to date on orthobiologic treatments bring that expertise to your care.
Transparency – You deserve clear communication about outcomes, expectations, and cost.

Why Choose Us?

The truth is, only a handful of physicians in Middle Tennessee take all of these details into account. That’s what sets our practice apart.

If you’re considering PRP — a natural, effective, and minimally invasive treatment — we’d love to talk with you about whether it’s the right option for you.

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

PRP Is Evolving: Here's How

One of the most exciting things about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is that it’s always improving. This isn’t a static treatment. It continues to evolve through better science, smarter techniques, and new technology.

I’ve been using PRP since 2011, and today’s approach looks very different from when I started. At a recent regenerative medicine conference, I had the chance to learn from national experts, exchange ideas with peers, and explore the latest advances in PRP and stem cell therapy.

What’s Changing with PRP?

We’re upgrading our PRP system to deliver a higher concentration of platelets to the areas where you hurt. That means more growth factors—natural healing signals that reduce inflammation, encourage repair, and help preserve tissue.

More Platelets = More Power to Heal

In addition to increased platelets, we’re now able to add important components like:

  • Alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M): A protein that helps protect cartilage and reduce inflammation.

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs): Tiny messengers that carry proteins and RNA to promote healing and calm inflammation.

These additions enhance the effectiveness of PRP—especially for joint pain, soft tissue injuries, and degenerative conditions.

Better PRP. Better Results.

If PRP has helped you before—or if you’ve been considering it—this is a great time to revisit it. With these upgrades, we’re seeing even greater potential to relieve pain, improve function, and support long-term healing.

And we’re not stopping here. Stay tuned as we begin to introduce autologous (your own adipose/fat tissue) stem cell therapies into our practice soon.

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.