At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, located in New York City near Grand Central Terminal, Midtown, and Murray Hill, we often hear patients ask: Why do my joints ache even though I don’t have an injury? or Why do my knees still hurt despite stretching and strengthening? The answer often lies in tendon health, an overlooked but crucial component of joint function and pain prevention.
Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscle to bone, playing a critical role in movement, stability, and injury resistance. When tendons are weak, overstressed, or inflamed, they can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility—a problem many people experience without realizing its root cause.
If you’ve been dealing with knee pain, Achilles discomfort, or joint stiffness, strengthening your tendons through targeted exercises like the Poliquin Pulse Regression can help restore function and prevent injuries.
Understanding the Importance of Tendon Health
Tendons act as shock absorbers, transmitting force between muscles and bones. Unlike muscles, however, tendons adapt slowly to stress, making them prone to overuse injuries and degeneration if not properly trained.
Why Weak Tendons Lead to Pain
• Delayed Recovery – Tendons take longer to heal than muscles due to lower blood supply.
• Increased Risk of Injury – Weak tendons can’t absorb force efficiently, leading to tears, sprains, and chronic pain.
• Reduced Joint Stability – Unstable tendons lead to poor movement mechanics, increasing strain on knees, ankles, and shoulders.
• Persistent Inflammation – Poor tendon health contributes to conditions like patellar tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff pain.
For people in NYC who walk, commute, or stand for long hours, tendon resilience is key to avoiding long-term joint issues.
What is the Poliquin Pulse Regression?
The Poliquin Pulse Regression is a progressive tendon-loading exercise designed to strengthen tendons while reducing stress on the joints. Unlike traditional stretching or static holds, this method uses controlled pulsing movements to enhance collagen formation and tendon elasticity.
How the Poliquin Pulse Regression Benefits Joint Health
• Stimulates collagen production – Strengthens tendons, making them more resilient to stress.
• Improves joint stability – Reinforces key stabilizing muscles and connective tissues.
• Reduces inflammation – Helps alleviate tendon-related pain and stiffness.
• Prevents chronic injuries – Builds long-term tendon durability for pain-free movement.
How to Perform the Poliquin Pulse Regression
This exercise focuses on slow, controlled pulses, gradually increasing tendon strength without excessive strain.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start in a supported position – Use a slant board or an elevated surface to control movement.
2. Perform small, controlled pulses – Keep the range short and precise, avoiding sudden movements.
3. Engage the muscles actively – Focus on slow contractions, feeling the tension in the tendons.
4. Increase difficulty gradually – Start with bodyweight before adding resistance over time.
5. Repeat 3-4 times per week – Consistency leads to stronger, pain-free tendons.
Why Traditional Stretching Isn’t Enough
Many people rely on static stretching to relieve tendon pain, but stretching alone doesn’t build tendon resilience. While flexibility is important, tendons require progressive load training to become stronger.
Key Differences Between Stretching and Tendon Strengthening:
• Stretching temporarily relieves stiffness but doesn’t increase tendon durability.
• Strengthening exercises like Poliquin Pulses reinforce tendon structure, improving long-term stability.
• Overstretching can weaken tendons, leading to higher injury risk.
If you’ve been stretching for weeks without relief, it may be time to shift your focus to targeted tendon training.
Who Benefits Most from Tendon Strengthening?
Anyone dealing with joint pain, stiffness, or recurring injuries can benefit from tendon-specific training.
This method is especially helpful for:
• Athletes with overuse injuries – Helps prevent chronic tendonitis and ligament stress.
• Office workers with postural issues – Reduces shoulder, knee, and wrist discomfort from prolonged sitting.
• Runners and gym-goers – Improves joint support for impact-heavy activities.
• Older adults with joint stiffness – Restores tendon elasticity for better movement.
• Anyone recovering from injury – Aids in safe rehabilitation while avoiding re-injury.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we help NYC residents strengthen their joints and tendons through personalized rehab and movement plans.
Common Questions About Tendon Health
1. Why do my tendons take longer to heal than muscles?
Tendons have less blood flow than muscles, meaning they recover slower. That’s why progressive loading, rather than rest alone, is key to recovery.
2. Can tendon pain go away on its own?
Tendon pain rarely resolves without intervention. Ignoring symptoms or avoiding movement can actually weaken tendons further. Targeted exercises help restore function.
3. How long does it take to strengthen tendons?
With consistent tendon training (3-4 times per week), most people see improvements in 4-6 weeks. However, full adaptation takes several months.
4. Can I still exercise with tendon pain?
Yes, but modify your training to avoid aggravating movements. Focus on low-impact, controlled loading techniques like the Poliquin Pulse Regression.
5. Does chiropractic care help with tendon health?
Absolutely. Chiropractic adjustments improve joint mechanics, ensuring that tendons aren’t being overstressed due to misalignment. Combining manual therapy with movement training leads to better results.
Final Thoughts
Tendons are the foundation of strong, pain-free movement, yet they’re often neglected in traditional training and rehab. By incorporating targeted strengthening techniques like the Poliquin Pulse Regression, you can prevent injuries, reduce joint pain, and improve overall mobility.
If you’re dealing with stiff joints, chronic tendon pain, or recurring injuries, our expert chiropractors at Unity Chiropractic Wellness in NYC’s Midtown East, Murray Hill, and Grand Central area can help.
Schedule an appointment today to start improving your tendon resilience and joint health!