Focus Area: Rotator Cuff | Achilles Tendon | Patellar Tendon | Tendon Injuries | Guadalajara | Nuevo Vallarta | Mexico

What Is Tendon Repair?

Tendon repair is a surgical or minimally invasive procedure used to reattach or reconstruct a tendon, the tough band of tissue that connects muscle to bone, after it has been partially or completely torn. Common sites include the rotator cuff in the shoulder, the Achilles tendon in the ankle, and the patellar tendon in the knee. Depending on the location and severity of the tear, repair may involve suturing the torn ends of the tendon back together, reattaching the tendon to bone with anchors, or, in select cases, applying regenerative techniques to support healing. At SportMed, tendon repair is approached as part of a broader plan that includes physiotherapy and, when appropriate, biologic therapies to support tissue recovery.

Are You a Candidate for Tendon Repair?

Consider a tendon repair evaluation if you have:

• Sudden, sharp pain accompanied by a "pop" sensation in a shoulder, ankle, elbow, or knee, especially during sports or a fall
• Weakness or an inability to move or use the affected joint normally, such as difficulty raising your arm or pushing off your foot
• A diagnosed complete tendon tear, or a partial tear that has not improved after weeks of rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory treatment
• Ongoing tendon pain that limits your work, training, or daily activities despite conservative care

Why Choose SportMed for Tendon Repair

• Sports medicine expertise: Led by Dr. Francisco Arroyo, a FIFA & FIMS certified specialist with 25+ years treating athletes and active patients, our team understands the demands of returning to sport and daily activity after tendon injury.
• Regenerative medicine options: SportMed's background in umbilical cord-derived MSC stem cell and biologic therapies allows some patients to explore treatments that support tendon healing alongside or instead of traditional surgery, depending on the case.
• Individualized rehabilitation: Because tendon healing timelines vary by tendon type and tear severity, your physiotherapy plan is built specifically around your injury and goals rather than a generic protocol.
• Two accessible locations: Patients in Guadalajara and Nuevo Vallarta, as well as visitors from abroad, can access the same coordinated, multidisciplinary tendon care.
• Bilingual, coordinated care for international patients: Our team helps out-of-country patients plan evaluation, procedure timing, and follow-up around their travel schedules.

Your Treatment Journey

1. Diagnostic Evaluation: Physical exam and imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to confirm the location and extent of the tendon tear.
2. Treatment Discussion: Your specialist reviews whether conservative care, minimally invasive repair, or open surgical repair best fits your specific tear and activity goals.
3. Repair Procedure: When surgery is needed, the tendon is reattached or reconstructed using current techniques suited to the tendon involved.
4. Protective Recovery Phase: A period of immobilization or protected movement, often several weeks, allows the repaired tendon to begin healing.
5. Progressive Physiotherapy: Structured rehabilitation gradually reintroduces motion, then strengthening, under close supervision.
6. Return to Full Activity: A supervised progression back to sport, training, or physically demanding work once strength and stability meet safe benchmarks.

What Results Can You Expect?

Most patients regain substantial strength and range of motion after tendon repair, though recovery is gradual and depends on which tendon was involved and the size of the tear. Many patients move through initial healing over the first six weeks, with continued strengthening typically extending toward three months, and full return to sport or heavy activity often taking closer to four to six months for larger tears such as Achilles or rotator cuff repairs. Following your personalized rehabilitation plan closely is one of the most important factors in achieving a strong, lasting recovery.

Real Patients, Real Recoveries

Don't just take our word for it, hear directly from patients we've helped get back to the activities they love, in the Patient Stories section of our homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a tendon tear needs surgery?

Small partial tears often improve with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatment, while complete tears or tears that don't improve after a trial of conservative care are more likely to need surgical repair. Your SportMed specialist will confirm the tear size and severity with imaging before recommending a path forward.

How long will I need to protect the area after tendon repair surgery?

Most patients wear a brace, splint, or protective boot for several weeks immediately after surgery to protect the healing tendon, with the exact duration depending on which tendon was repaired and how the surgery was performed.

When can I return to sports after tendon repair?

Timelines vary by tendon and tear severity, but many patients return to light activity within a few months and full sport participation somewhat later, once strength testing and functional milestones confirm the tendon can handle the demands safely.

Does SportMed offer non-surgical options for tendon injuries?

Yes. Depending on the tendon and severity of the injury, options such as physiotherapy, activity modification, and regenerative treatments may be considered before or instead of surgery, and your specialist will discuss which approach best fits your case.