Ultrasound for assessment
I assess tendons, bursae and ligaments on ultrasound while they move and in comparison with the healthy side.
Ultrasound in detailConservative treatments in Vienna
The findings decide whether I treat complaints of the elbow, shoulder and hand conservatively or surgically. A fresh tendon tear, a dislocation with instability or a displaced fracture I usually operate on early. Where conservative treatment is the right fit, this page shows the procedures available in my practice at the Orthozentrum Döbling.
In short
Which treatment is right depends on the findings. In the practice I have ultrasound for assessment, shockwave therapy in focused and radial form, PRP therapy, ultrasound-guided injection and magnetic field therapy available, for example for irritated tendons, calcium deposits or early osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy, exercise therapy and chiropractic are offered as independent services by the Orthozentrum Döbling in the same building. Fresh tendon tears, dislocations with instability and displaced fractures, by contrast, I usually treat surgically at an early stage.
Conservative or surgical: the findings decide
At the beginning there is the conversation, then the clinical examination. In the practice I assess tendons, bursae and ligaments on ultrasound while they move; where needed, I arrange an X-ray or MRI outside the building.
If the problem is irritation or early wear, such as an irritated tendon insertion, an inflamed bursa or early cartilage damage, the procedures on this page come into question. If, on the other hand, a tendon is torn, a joint is unstable after a dislocation or a fracture is displaced, I usually advise an operation. The conditions sorted by joint are listed under shoulder surgery, elbow surgery and hand surgery.
In the practice
Procedures I carry out myself
These treatments take place in my practice rooms — assessment and therapy sit together in the same appointment.
Shockwave therapy
Pressure waves are intended to stimulate irritated tendon tissue to heal. Focused, they act deep and at a precise point, on a calcium deposit for instance; radial, they act across the tissue above it.
Shockwave therapy in detailPRP therapy
From your blood I obtain platelet-rich plasma and place it under ultrasound guidance at the irritated tendon or into the joint. The aim is to support the body's own healing.
PRP therapy in detailUltrasound-guided injection
I guide the needle under vision. That way the medication arrives where it is meant to act, and neighbouring structures are spared.
Injections in detailMagnetic field therapy
An accompanying application with the aim of relieving pain and supporting tissue regeneration. It complements other procedures but does not replace them.
Magnetic field therapy in detailAt the Orthozentrum Döbling
What is available in the building
These services are not part of my practice; they are offered independently by the Orthozentrum Döbling at the same address. Whether one of them fits into your treatment plan is something I discuss with you.
Physiotherapy
Exercises and manual treatment by physiotherapists, including follow-up treatment after an operation.
Exercise therapy
Progressive training under guidance, for example for patients who want to return to work, strength training or ball sports after an injury or an operation.
Chiropractic
Manual techniques on the musculoskeletal system, offered by a chiropractor in the building.
How a treatment plan comes about
The order follows from the findings: sometimes the operation comes first, sometimes conservative treatment. Three examples:
- Distal biceps tendon tear — Here the operation as a rule comes first. I reattach the tendon to the radius promptly (refixation), because otherwise strength is lacking, above all when rotating the forearm outwards. Physiotherapy and exercise therapy in the building follow in the aftercare. More on the refixation of the distal biceps tendon.
- Calcific tendinitis — With a calcium deposit in the tendon I usually begin with focused shockwave therapy and physiotherapy alongside it. If the irritation is severe, an ultrasound-guided injection can be what makes movement possible again in the first place. More on the treatment of calcific tendinitis.
- Tennis elbow — With epicondylitis lateralis (tennis elbow), taking the load off, progressive training and shockwave therapy come at the beginning. If the pain at the tendon insertion stays stubborn, PRP therapy comes into question. More on tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
After each step we see what has changed. If there is no improvement, I review the diagnosis rather than continuing treatment indefinitely. Not every procedure suits every finding.
When an operation is necessary
With some findings, waiting does harm: a freshly torn tendon retracts, an unstable joint can dislocate again, a displaced fracture risks healing in a malposition, and with a compressed nerve the loss of strength may progress. Here I advise an operation early, because the timing has a bearing on the result. With irritation and wear, a procedure becomes a consideration when conservative treatment is not sufficient.
Many procedures at the elbow, shoulder and wrist can be carried out minimally invasively; more on the page about arthroscopy (keyhole technique). I carry out necessary procedures at the ATOMOS Klinik Währing, the Privatklinik Döbling or the Rudolfinerhaus, and I accompany you from planning through the procedure to aftercare.
Whether treatment is conservative or surgical depends on the findings — we make the decision together, after I have examined you.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about the treatments
The findings decide that, not a fixed principle. With irritated tendon insertions, calcium deposits or early osteoarthritis, the conservative procedures on this page come into question. With a fresh tendon tear, a joint that is unstable after a dislocation or a displaced fracture, on the other hand, waiting does harm. Here I usually recommend an early operation, which I carry out myself. Which route suits your case we discuss together after the examination.
Ultrasound for assessment, shockwave therapy in focused and radial form, PRP therapy, ultrasound-guided injection and magnetic field therapy. All of this takes place in my practice rooms at the Orthozentrum Döbling; you do not have to travel to another address for it, and assessment and treatment sit together in the same appointment.
The focused shockwave concentrates its energy at depth and strikes a circumscribed spot, such as a calcium deposit in the tendon. The radial shockwave spreads it across the superficial tissue and is suited to muscle tension and irritated tendon insertions. Which form fits depends on the findings.
Above all for stubborn irritation of a tendon insertion such as tennis elbow, for partial tendon tears and for cartilage complaints. I take blood, prepare platelet-rich plasma from it and place it under ultrasound guidance at the affected spot. The evidence varies in quality depending on the condition.
Because it lets me see where the tip of the needle lies. The medication arrives where it is meant to act, and tendons, vessels and nerves nearby can be spared. Without imaging, an injection remains an estimate based on what can be felt. After the application I assess the structure in the same image.
My practice is a private practice, in Austria a Wahlarztordination. I do not settle directly with any public health insurer; you receive an invoice and submit it to your insurer — on request I take care of the submission for you. What reimbursement is possible depends on your insurer and on any supplementary insurance.
Dr. med. Martin Eigenschink
Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology · Specialist in elbow, shoulder and hand surgery
Surgical and conservative treatment of the elbow, shoulder and hand, preferably minimally invasive. Practice at the Orthozentrum Döbling, 1190 Vienna. More about my background
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Medical notice: The contents of this page serve as general information. They do not replace a medical examination, diagnosis or individual advice. Medicine is a constantly evolving field — despite careful research, no guarantee can be given that the content is fully up to date.