What is joint & tendon health?
Joints are where bones meet, cushioned by cartilage and held together by ligaments. Tendons connect muscles to bones and transmit the force that moves you. All of these tissues are built largely from collagen, a strong, rope-like protein. They are constantly being remodeled: old fibers are broken down and new ones laid in. This steady renewal helps them adapt to training, though tendons and cartilage generally adapt more slowly than muscle.
How your genes play a role
Genes influence both building and remodeling. COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1 and COL12A1 help make different types of collagen. MMP3 and MMP13 encode enzymes that break down old tissue so it can be renewed, while TIMP2 helps keep those enzymes in check. TGFB1 and TNF are signaling genes that influence repair and inflammation.
Whether you run, lift, garden or simply want to move comfortably for decades, healthy connective tissue matters. Understanding your genetic tendencies can help you think about warm-ups, training loads and recovery in a more personal way. It may also add helpful context when talking with a physical therapist, coach or clinician about how you train and how your body responds.
What your report shows
Your Joint & Tendon Health results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Collagen profileVariants in genes that help build the collagen in your tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
- Tissue renewalHow your genes for remodeling enzymes may influence connective tissue turnover.
- Repair signalsGenes linked to how your body may coordinate healing after strain.
- Training contextInsights that may help you think about load and recovery in your routine.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| COL1A1 | Helps make type I collagen, the main structural protein… | Typical |
| COL5A1 | Helps make type V collagen, which helps regulate how… | Moderate effect |
| MMP3 | Produces an enzyme that breaks down old connective tissue… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| COL1A1 | Helps make type I collagen, the main structural protein in tendons, ligaments, skin and bone. |
| COL5A1 | Helps make type V collagen, which helps regulate how collagen fibers are assembled. |
| MMP3 | Produces an enzyme that breaks down old connective tissue so it can be remodeled and renewed. |
| TIMP2 | Makes a protein that restrains tissue-remodeling enzymes, keeping breakdown and rebuilding in balance. |
| TGFB1 | Produces a growth factor that helps guide tissue repair and collagen production. |
Full panel: 11 genes
ACTN3, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL12A1, TIMP2, MMP3, MMP13, TGFB1, TNF
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Gentle preparation before activity is commonly recommended to help tissues get ready for load.
Increasing training slowly gives tendons and ligaments time to adapt.
Rest between demanding sessions supports the natural remodeling of connective tissue.
Adequate protein and vitamin C are often discussed because they support collagen formation.
Questions
Can this predict whether I will get injured?
No. Injuries depend on training load, technique, rest, past injuries and many other factors. Genetics adds context but cannot predict specific events.
Why do tendons take longer to adapt than muscles?
Tendons have a more limited blood supply and remodel more slowly. That is why gradual increases in training are commonly recommended.
Who should I share these results with?
A physical therapist, coach or clinician can help you interpret the insights alongside your activity level and history.
Only interested in this area? The Joint & Tendon Health Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
