Specialist doctor‑led care

Chronic Joint & Tendon Pain Treatment

For chronic joint, tendon, neck or back pain, image-guided procedures are an option before committing to surgery. Our pain-medicine team pinpoints the source first, then targets it under fluoroscopy or ultrasound — needle-sized entry, local anaesthetic for most procedures, and mostly same-day discharge.

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Specialist doctor‑led care

Why Does Chronic Pain Happen?

In the human body, blood vessels and nerves always grow together. When there is repeated injury or inflammation, the body creates abnormal new blood vessels in the affected area — and unnecessary nerves grow alongside them. These extra nerves are what cause persistent, ongoing pain.

Once these abnormal blood vessels form, they are very difficult to reduce on their own. This is why painkillers or topical treatments often provide only temporary relief — they treat the symptom, not the source.

It has been found that abnormal blood vessels tend to form especially in people over the age of 40. However, younger people who repeatedly strain specific areas through sports or work can also develop these vessels.

Repeated Injury / Ageing

Abnormal Blood Vessels Form

Extra Nerves Grow

Chronic Pain

Key ideas

“Most chronic pain is not only from muscles or bones — abnormal blood vessels are a key driver that is often overlooked.”

Abnormal blood vessels grow alongside nerves, driving continuous pain
Painkillers and physical therapy often provide only temporary relief
TAME targets the root cause directly — no surgery required

Chronic Pain Conditions We Treat

Select a condition to explore symptoms, what other clinics offer, how YOUNIFY's TAME is different, and who is a good candidate.

Common Symptoms

Severe heel pain — especially the first steps in the morning
Pain worsens after prolonged standing or walking
Temporary relief during movement, but pain returns after rest
Tenderness along the inner or central heel

Step‑by‑Step TAME Treatment

TAME (TransArterial MicroEmbolization) is a minimally invasive procedure that directly blocks abnormal blood vessels — the source of chronic pain.

Injection Technique for TAME

This injection is different from common treatments such as corticosteroids or nerve block injections. It directly targets the abnormal blood vessels that cause pain.

It is performed by our medical team using a substance specifically designed to reduce these vessels. Because it treats the cause of pain rather than masking it, results tend to be more durable.

In some studies, many appropriately selected patients experience significant improvement, and serious side effects are uncommon. Individual results may vary.

>80% significant improvement (in selected patients)

Catheterization for TAME

For more targeted treatment, we offer catheter-based TAME — a minimally invasive procedure that precisely locates and blocks the abnormal blood vessels causing pain.

A small tube — similar to an IV line — is inserted into a blood vessel. A very thin, soft catheter (about 0.6 mm wide) is gently guided through the blood vessels from the wrist or groin to the painful area under real-time X-ray imaging.

Once the catheter reaches the target area, the abnormal blood vessels can be clearly identified. The treatment substance is then delivered directly to them with precision.

The substance injected through the catheter forms tiny particles that selectively reduce blood flow in the abnormal vessels, causing them to shrink and close — while normal blood vessels remain completely healthy and unaffected.

Medical substance used

Imipenem/Cilastatin, safely used for over 20 years.
Forms tiny particles that selectively reduce blood flow in abnormal vessels.
Helps reduce inflammation at its source and provide durable pain relief.

Efficacy and Safety

~97%Technical Success Rate

Adverse eventsNo serious adverse events have been seen with TAME; all events resolved with medication.

Pain reduction (VAS score)

Significant reduction in pain scores observed across follow-up periods.

Significant improvement rate

Among appropriately selected patients

* Values shown are pooled average reductions in VAS pain scores versus baseline across multiple studies on musculoskeletal TAME.

Are You a Candidate for TAME?

TAME may be a suitable option for patients with chronic pain that has not improved with standard treatments.

You may be a good candidate if

You have chronic pain lasting more than 3 months
Pain persists despite physical therapy, medication, or injections
You are looking for a non-surgical treatment with fast recovery
You need to maintain an active daily life or return to sport

Who may not be suitable

Pain is caused by acute injury, fracture, or infection
Certain medical conditions make the procedure unsafe
Severe structural deformity requiring surgical repair

Price list

ProcedureStarting Thailand price (฿)Starting Thailand price (AUD)Standard Australia price (AUD)

Joint pain treatments

Joint Injection (Intra-articular)15,000A$652A$4,000

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE — for knee OA)129,000A$5,609A$12,000

Transarterial Microembolization for Frozen Shoulder (TAME)129,000A$5,609—

Transarterial Microembolization for Tennis Elbow (TAME)129,000A$5,609—

PRP InjectionContact us for a quote—A$800

* Indicative prices for reference only. Final pricing depends on an individual assessment. Overseas prices are indicative market estimates for comparison only — contact our team for a personalized quote.

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TAME Compared With Targeted Injection

These two approaches differ in what they address. Your physician assesses the stage of symptoms and previous treatment for each individual. Results vary by individual.

Point of comparison	Targeted injection	TAME microembolization
What it addresses	Relieves symptoms at the painful site	Reduces the abnormal vessels associated with the source of pain
Method	Medication is injected into the joint or the painful point	A catheter delivers microparticles to the target vessels
Image guidance	—	X-ray imaging
Surgical	Non-surgical	Non-surgical, performed through a catheter
Conditions treated	General joint pain	Plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and knee osteoarthritis

Joint & Tendon Pain FAQ

Who may be suitable for TAME?

People with chronic joint or tendon pain lasting more than 3 months — such as plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, or chronic elbow pain — that has not improved enough with physical therapy, medication, or injections, and who want a non-surgical option. Every case still needs assessment by a specialist doctor first.

How long is recovery after TAME?

TAME is performed through a pinhole access, usually under local anaesthesia only. Most patients go home the same day and return to everyday activity within 1–3 days.

How long do the results of TAME last?

TAME reduces the abnormal blood vessels that drive the inflammation rather than masking the symptom. Across published studies, most appropriately selected patients maintained significant improvement throughout 12 months of follow-up. Individual results vary.

Does TAME have side effects?

No serious adverse events have been seen with TAME; all events resolved with medication. Our medical team will explain what can be expected afterwards and which signs mean you should come back before your appointment.

Not sure if TAME is right for you?

A consultation can help clarify your options and guide you toward the most suitable care.