Tendinitis
How Physical Therapy Can Help You Heal
Tendinitis (also referred to as tendonitis) is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons, the thick cords that attach muscles to bones.
If you’ve ever experienced a sharp ache when moving a particular joint or noticed swelling in areas like your elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle, you might be dealing with tendinitis.
At MVPT Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals manage and recover from tendinitis using straightforward, effective treatments.
What Causes Tendinitis?
Tendinitis describes the inflammation of a tendon and occurs when tendons become irritated or inflamed. While injury or overuse are the most common causes of an inflamed tendon, it can also be related to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.
People performing repetitive tasks at work (i.e., assembly line workers, mechanics, etc.) or athletes who perform the same task repeatedly (i.e., baseball, tennis, etc.) are common causes of tendinitis. There are many types of tendinitis with corresponding names to reference the impacted tendon.
Some of the most common include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (aka- tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (aka- golfer’s elbow)
- Biceps tendinitis
- Patellar tendinitis (aka- jumper’s knee)
Common Symptoms of Tendinitis
The symptoms of tendinitis tend to occur where the tendon attaches to the bone and can vary in severity but typically includes:
- Pain: This is usually the most prominent symptom. It can be dull or achy and often worsens with movement or activity that stresses the affected tendon.
- Tenderness: The area around the inflamed tendon will likely be tender to the touch.
- Stiffness: You might experience stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Mild swelling/inflammation around the tendon is common.
While the symptoms of tendinitis can be quite bothersome, the good news is that physical therapy is a very effective treatment.
How a Physical Therapist Treats Tendinitis
Managing your tendinitis involves several straightforward strategies that can significantly relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Physical therapy is crucial for recovery. Our therapists use targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected tendons, improving mobility and reducing the load on your tendons. Here’s what you can expect from your care at MVPT:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on care, including therapeutic massage and soft tissue mobilization, can help improve blood flow to the area, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility, all of which can aid healing and pain reduction.
- Pain Relief Techniques: Based on the severity of your symptoms, your physical therapist may prescribe dry needling, cupping, or E-stim to relieve pain. You’ll also be educated on managing your discomfort at home, such as using ice packs or ice massage. We apply techniques like ice therapy and ultrasound to decrease inflammation and pain. These methods are simple yet effective at providing immediate relief.
- Customized Exercise Plans: With an understanding of what led to your tendinitis, your physical therapist will tailor exercise prescription to help you regain strength and mobility without risking new injuries. These plans are vital for long-term recovery and preventing future issues – especially if your tendinitis was caused by overuse.
- Education on Activity Modification: Your physical therapist will guide you on adjusting your activities to prevent further strain. Learning to move in ways that don’t aggravate your condition is vital to healing. As you approach discharge from our services, these are essential components of your care.
Get Started on Your Recovery Today!
Choosing MVPT means opting for the best possible care, personalized to your unique needs. Our team is committed to offering effective treatments that address the root cause of your tendinitis. We ensure that every treatment step is clear and contributes to achieving your rehabilitation goals.
If you’ve been diagnosed with tendinitis or are dealing with muscle or joint pain that prevents you from living the active life you desire, contact your nearest MVPT location or complete the form below to request an evaluation.
We’re ready to help you heal and return to your favorite activities with less pain and more confidence!