Tendon Problems
Tennis elbow, patellar tendon, adductors, biceps tendon — tendinopathies are common and often treated the wrong way. We rely on eccentric training, heavy slow resistance and carefully dosed load management — for full load capacity without the pain coming back.
Key facts
- First appointment within 48 hours
- Evidence-based eccentric training
- Heavy slow resistance in the Sport Performance Center
- Locations in Zurich West & Kloten
Typical complaints we treat
- Tennis elbow — lateral epicondylitis, outer elbow
- Patellar tendon (jumper’s knee) — load-related pain below the kneecap
- Adductor tendinopathy — athlete’s groin
- Golfer’s elbow — medial epicondylitis, inner elbow
Why rest is the wrong answer
Tendinopathies don’t respond to rest — they respond to dosed loading. Complete rest often makes things worse: the tendon loses its load tolerance, and when you return to training the pain comes back faster than before. The current evidence is clear: structured loading programmes (eccentric or heavy slow resistance) are the most effective intervention for chronic tendinopathies — for the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, tennis elbow and adductors alike.
How we treat tendons
We work in four phases with clear loading stages: isometric exercises in the acute phase (reducing pain without complete rest), eccentric training or heavy slow resistance in the build-up phase, sport-specific provocation in the sport phase, and full loading in everyday life and competition. The load is increased gradually — guided by pain response and load tolerance, not by the calendar. For specific tendinopathies, see our detail pages on the Achilles tendon and the knee (for the patellar tendon).
What makes MTT different with us
With us, MTT doesn’t happen in a back room — it takes place in the main area of our Sport Performance Center, with the same equipment the pros train on. For tendinopathies, that means progressive loading on machines that let us dose the load precisely (knee extensor, lat pulldown, calf raises with added weight, adductor machine). We measure load tolerance and strength ratios objectively and progress in documented steps — not by feel.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest when my tendon hurts?
No — complete rest often makes tendinopathies worse. Tendons respond to dosed loading, not to being spared. We reduce your training load (rather than setting it to zero) and introduce a structured loading programme. Complete rest is only indicated in the immediate post-operative phase after tendon surgery.
What is heavy slow resistance?
Heavy slow resistance (HSR) is an evidence-based training protocol for tendinopathies: heavy loads with slow, controlled repetitions, typically 3–4 sets of 6–15 reps, 2–3 times per week. Studies show comparable or better results than purely eccentric training, with better patient compliance.
How long does tendinopathy treatment take?
Acute tendinopathies often respond to structured loading within 6–8 weeks. Chronic tendinopathies (symptoms for more than 3 months) typically need 12–24 weeks for a clear improvement. Consistency is the most important factor — dosed loading has to happen continuously, not in bursts.
Tennis elbow — how often do I need to come in?
In the acute phase, one to two sessions per week; the frequency then decreases as you build an independent training programme. More important than how often you visit the practice is your daily home training with the loading exercises. Treatment typically takes 8–12 weeks.
Does health insurance cover tendon therapy?
With a doctor’s prescription, basic health insurance covers 9 sessions of 30 minutes each; a follow-up prescription extends this by another 9 sessions. For a work-related tendinopathy, Swiss accident insurance (UVG) may be responsible — we clarify this individually.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
For billing through basic health insurance (KVG), yes — with a diagnosis. Self-payers can book at any time without a prescription — often the fastest route when symptoms are fresh and you want to start a structured loading programme.
Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.