For the past several months I've been treated for an initial diagnosis of Wikipedia reference-linkTennis Elbow, starting with PT (including ultrasound treatments, exercises, and massage) which only made it worse. Since conventional conservative treatments weren't working (in fact, pain was progressively worsening) and I am an active person, my surgeon (a highly-regarded shoulder/elbow specialist) began discussing surgery and ordered an Wikipedia reference-linkMRI. While waiting for the MRI appointment, I began receiving Prolotherapy treatments from a highly-trained practitioner. My second treatment (PRP -- Platelet Rich Plasma) was yesterday. It is too soon to tell if there is any improvement, and I'm trying to avoid surgery if possible.

During this process, a very experienced ultrasound technician gave me a new diagnosis: Enthesopathy. He found a very rough spot of bone near my elbow, where the tendon attaches to the bone. He believes THAT is the actual source of my pain, and explained it is often caused by repetitive motion such as squeezing an object. Well, I am an avid gardener (i.e. lots of squeezing the pruning sheers) and avid cyclist (i.e. lots of squeezing brake levers and shifters). I have a touch of TE in my other elbow (yes -- it CAN occur bi-laterally.... why not, my elbows are exactly the same age and have been subjected to the same wear and tear in the garden and on the bike, and this is definitely NOT a problem with my neck).

I Googled Enthesopathy and found very little information other than a definition and possible causes, one being Tennis Elbow. I'm considering consulting again with my surgeon to review my MRI and seek his advice about Enthesopathy.

Since I can find very little information on-line, I'm turning to this forum in hopes of learning more. Could this be a reason why some people have a particularly recalcitrant form of TE that doesn't respond to conventional therapy? Can this be healed without surgery? Is there a good chance I can ride a bike again???

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