Achilles and patella tendon pain is very common, but the precise nature of the complaint is difficult to diagnose and treat. The new imaging modality of ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) produces high resolution scans of the tendon, providing an in depth analysis of the health of the tendon tissue. In the future this technology will become indispensable for preventing tendon overload, diagnosing tendon conditions and monitoring rehabilitation.

Quote from Management of Tendinopathies with Ultrasound Tissue Characterization

(SportEX Medicine 2014;61(July):26-30)

While the current scientific literature seems to support the use of ultrasound tissue characterization to guide rehabilitation and monitor the effects of changing loads during training on the tendon, anecdotal accounts from both human and equine clinical practice also report the ability of ultrasound tissue characterization to warn of impending injury.

Quote from Monitoring Bowed Tendons

(Trainer Magazine. 2020 issue 71:48-52.)

UTC plays an important role in monitoring athletes’ tendon health during each phase of the rehabilitation process and for managing in-season tendon pain.

Quote from Management of Tendinopathies with Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (SportEX Medicine 2014;61(July):26-30)