Non-Surgical Treatment for Chronic Tendon and Joint Pain in Bangkok, Thailand
Transarterial Micro-Embolization (TAME) — Frozen Shoulder · Plantar Fasciitis · Tennis Elbow · Golfer's Elbow
At YOUNIFY Clinic in Bangkok, we offer Transarterial Micro-Embolization (TAME), a minimally invasive, image-guided option for persistent pain that has not improved sufficiently with conservative care — and for people who want to stay off the operating table.
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About this program
Chronic tendon and joint pain — frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), tennis elbow and golfer's elbow — is frequently associated with abnormal microvessels that develop around chronically inflamed tissue and keep the pain cycle going. This is why pain can keep coming back even after rest, physiotherapy, shockwave therapy and injections.
An interventional specialist advances a thin catheter through a tiny puncture under real-time X-ray guidance into the small arteries supplying the painful area. The abnormal microvessels linked to persistent inflammation are selectively treated, while healthy circulation and the surrounding structures are preserved. There is no incision, no hardware and no tendon cutting — and most suitable patients go home the same day.
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What Results Can TAME Help Achieve?
- Reduce persistent pain that has not responded to physiotherapy, medication or injections
- Frozen shoulder: less night pain — and a platform for rehabilitation to finally progress
- Plantar fasciitis: relief for chronic heel pain without cutting the fascia
- Tennis / golfer's elbow: a calmer tendon origin and better grip comfort, without tendon release surgery
- Same-day discharge for most suitable patients
- Can be combined with a continued rehabilitation plan
TAME outcomes depend on the condition, its duration and individual factors; final expectations are set after specialist assessment and imaging review.
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Why International Patients Choose Thailand for TAME?
Thailand has become one of Asia's leading destinations for advanced medical care — combining internationally recognized healthcare standards with premium hospitality and personalized recovery experiences.
Patients choose Bangkok for:
- Faster access to treatment without long waitlists
- International-standard medical facilities
- Experienced physician specialists
- Modern minimally invasive technology
- More affordable treatment compared with many Western countries
- Luxury hotels, wellness recovery, and hospitality
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Why Choose YOUNIFY Clinic?
At YOUNIFY Clinic, TAME is part of a structured interventional pain program — not a one-off procedure. We first confirm the diagnosis and whether abnormal vascularity is likely contributing, and we tell you honestly if TAME is not the right tool for your condition.
Our TAME programs include:
- Specialist consultation and imaging review
- Condition-specific assessment (shoulder, heel or elbow)
- Image-guided TAME procedure performed by an interventional specialist
- Same-day discharge planning
- Coordination with rehabilitation
- International patient coordination support
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Package inclusions
- Specialist consultation
- Pre-procedure assessment and imaging review
- TAME procedure (image-guided)
- Local anesthesia and sedation fees as appropriate
- Nursing care and post-procedure monitoring
- Medications during the visit
- Follow-up consultation
Optional premium services
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation assistance
- VIP hospital services
- Wellness and recovery programs
- Image-guided injection program
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation coordination
- Executive health screening
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Who May Be Suitable for TAME?
- Frozen shoulder months into the condition, still painful despite physiotherapy or injections
- Plantar fasciitis / heel pain of more than 6 months, unresponsive to orthotics, stretching or shockwave therapy
- Tennis or golfer's elbow that keeps coming back after rest, bracing or injections
- Persistent localized tendon or joint pain limiting work, sport or sleep
- Want to avoid — or have declined — surgery
TAME is not appropriate for every cause of pain. It does not repair complete tendon tears, fractures, instability or nerve entrapment. Final eligibility and expected outcomes are determined after specialist assessment and imaging review.
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TAME vs Surgery vs Repeated Injections
| TAME | Open / Arthroscopic Surgery | Repeated Injections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Image-guided catheter procedure | Surgical operation | Needle injection |
| Incision | None — tiny puncture | Surgical incisions | None |
| Tissue Cut or Removed | None | Tendon or capsule released / cut | None |
| Hospital Stay | Same-day discharge | Often 1 night or more | None |
| Recommended Stay in Thailand | 2–4 days | 1–3 weeks | 1–2 days |
| Recovery | Light activity within days | Weeks to months; immobilization common | Minimal |
| Downtime | Minimal | High | Minimal |
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Why Many Patients Choose TAME over Surgery?
- The tendon, fascia and joint capsule are not cut — nothing is removed, nothing is implanted
- Same-day discharge and no immobilization for most patients
- A credible middle path when injections have stopped working but surgery feels too drastic
- Reducing pain often allows physiotherapy to finally make progress
- Minimal interruption to work, sport and travel
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TAME Recovery Timeline
- Performed through a tiny puncture under real-time X-ray guidance
- Local anesthesia with sedation as appropriate
- Most suitable patients go home the same day
- Mild soreness at the puncture site may occur
- Normal light activity is encouraged
- Most patients resume daily routines and office work
- Rehabilitation plan continues as advised
- Pain relief typically develops progressively over the following weeks
- Physician follow-up continues by video after you return home
Frequently asked questions
What is TAME at YOUNIFY Clinic in Bangkok?
At YOUNIFY Clinic in Bangkok, we offer Transarterial Micro-Embolization (TAME), a minimally invasive, image-guided option for persistent pain that has not improved sufficiently with conservative care — and for people who want to stay off the operating table.
How long do I need to stay in Thailand for TAME?
TAME Patients: Bangkok stay approximately 2–4 days · Hospital observation: usually none — same-day discharge for most patients · Light activity: within days · Follow-up review: before travel. This allows time for specialist assessment, imaging review, the procedure itself, and a follow-up consultation before you fly home.
Who is TAME suitable for?
Frozen shoulder months into the condition, still painful despite physiotherapy or injections; Plantar fasciitis / heel pain of more than 6 months, unresponsive to orthotics, stretching or shockwave therapy; Tennis or golfer's elbow that keeps coming back after rest, bracing or injections; Persistent localized tendon or joint pain limiting work, sport or sleep. TAME is not appropriate for every cause of pain. It does not repair complete tendon tears, fractures, instability or nerve entrapment. Final eligibility and expected outcomes are determined after specialist assessment and imaging review.
How much does TAME cost in Bangkok?
TAME starts from THB 129,000 at YOUNIFY Clinic. That is a starting price: the final quotation is confirmed after a specialist consultation, and our international patient team can prepare one for you on WhatsApp or LINE.
What happens after I fly home?
Pain relief typically develops progressively over the following weeks. Physician follow-up continues by video after you return home.
Where to read more
Contact the international patient team
Individual results may vary. Please consult a doctor before treatment.