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Patients with Achilles tendinopathy often undergo physical therapy — in particular, eccentric stretching and strengthening, which involves lengthening of the muscle-tendon unit as a load is applied (Rheumatology 2008; 47:1493). Some practitioners also advocate peritendinous injections of autologous blood, which contains growth factors and cytokines that might promote healing. In this randomized trial, investigators in New Zealand examined the effect of autologous blood injections in patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
Fifty-three adults (mean age, 49; 53% men) who had unilateral mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (the most common site of this condition) for ≥3 months received 12 weeks of eccentric training and two blinded peritendinous injec…