- Michelle Bartlome
For years, Laura O’Brien lived with persistent pain in her hip. It made daily tasks like walking, standing, and sleeping difficult. Relief finally came from an unexpected source: a handheld device the size of an electric toothbrush.
Dr. Joseph Chen performed the outpatient procedure at AdventHealth Palm Coast – as the only sports medicine physician in Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties offering TenJet for joint and limb treatments.
“Within hours, I knew something had changed,” said O’Brien. “It was like someone flipped a switch. For the first time in ages, I wasn’t thinking about my hip.”
TenJet is a minimally invasive treatment for tendinosis, a condition caused by degenerated tendon tissue. Chen performs this procedure on various body parts including shoulders, elbows, knee, foot, and hips.
Guided by ultrasound, Chen uses the TenJet device to deliver a pressurized stream of saline that gently breaks up and removes damaged tissue—without affecting the healthy parts nearby.
“It’s kind of like pressure washing a cracked sidewalk,” said Chen. “We clear out the damaged area, and that gives the tendon space to heal naturally.”
TenJet is often used when rest, physical therapy, or injections have failed to relieve pain, offering a less invasive option than surgery for eligible patients.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is done under local anesthetic. Most patients are back to regular activity within six to eight weeks, significantly faster than traditional surgery.
For O’Brien, the change was immediate.
“I told my husband it felt like a fairy godmother had tapped me with her wand,” she said. “The pain that had ruled my life for years just… wasn’t there anymore.”
Now, she’s back to enjoying life without the nagging pain that used to follow her everywhere.
“To know that you are pain free, it’s like a rock has been lifted from your shoulders,” O’Brien said.
Recent News
AdventHealth purchases 17 acres in DeLand
AdventHealth purchases 17 acres in DeLand
Albit Paoli, MD joins AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
AdventHealth is pleased to announce that Albit Paoli, MD, has joined AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Calhoun and AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at...
Dr. Phillips Center launches free Frontyard Holiday Festival supported by AdventHealth
The Dr. Phillips Center is launching its first-ever Frontyard Holiday Festival supported by AdventHealth.
AdventHealth expands access to primary care in the heart of DeLand
AdventHealth has opened a new Primary Care+ location in the heart of downtown DeLand, giving residents a simple way to get everyday care close to where life happens. The primary care practice offers...
AdventHealth Rome Turkey Trot brings community together
Over 700 people gathered on Thanksgiving morning for the AdventHealth Rome Turkey Trot, raising $15,000 for Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries.
Fueling healthy futures for Flagler’s student athletes
Early practices, full class schedules, and evening games can push student athletes to their limits, and proper nutrition is essential to keeping them strong and focused. AdventHealth has introduced...
AHMG Cardiology at Dalton earns nuclear cardiology accreditation
AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Dalton has earned a three-year accreditation in Nuclear Cardiology from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).
New orthopedic provider expands access to compassionate care for families in WNC
AdventHealth is welcoming Beth Mitchell, PA-C, an experienced orthopedic provider bringing warm, whole-person care to patients across Haywood County and the surrounding Western North Carolina region.
When seconds count: How a community of heroes saved one little girl
It was a day like any other — until the phone rang. For Ellison’s mom, that call froze time: “You need to get here right away.”
AdventHealth expands neurology services in West Volusia
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Zarmina Mufti has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and is now caring for patients at AdventHealth, expanding access to expert, whole-person neurological care for...
Avon Park man receives innovative, non-invasive prostate treatment now available in Highlands County
When Marc Marasigan went to the Emergency Department at AdventHealth Sebring, he thought he was dealing with a stubborn fever and some back pain. Instead, that visit uncovered a kidney stone and a...
Central Florida organizations unite to ensure children and families facing food insecurity are fed over holiday break
AdventHealth, Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank team up to support children across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.