Tendonitis — The Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy
Understanding Tendonitis
At The Jackson Clinics, we’re dedicated to helping you find relief from tendinitis and getting you back to the activities you love.
If you’re struggling with tendonitis (or, tendinitis), you’re in the right place.
Our experienced physical therapists can help you heal, reduce pain, and regain strength.
Let’s Discuss:
- What is tendonitis?
- Common types of tendinitis
- Symptoms of tendinitis
- Benefits of physical therapy for tendonitis
- Preventions & management
Now, let’s explore how physical therapy can make a difference in your recovery.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis, or tendinitis, is when a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated.
Tendons are the thick cords that connect your muscles to your bones, making them essential for movement.
When tendons are overused or strained, tendinitis can develop, causing discomfort and limiting your mobility.
– Common Types of Tendinitis
Tendinitis can affect different areas of your body.
Here are some of the most common types:
- Tennis elbow: Pain on the outside of the elbow, often from repetitive wrist or arm movements.
- Golfer’s elbow: Pain on the inside of the elbow, usually caused by gripping or swinging motions.
- Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, common in runners and athletes.
- Rotator cuff tendinitis: Pain in the shoulder from repetitive overhead movements or wear and tear over time.
– Symptoms to Watch For
If you’re dealing with tendinitis, you may notice:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling or inflammation
- Stiffness, especially after rest
- A limited range of motion
These symptoms can make it hard to do the things you enjoy or even go about daily tasks. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, physical therapy can help.
Your Road to Recovery
Healing from tendonitis takes time, but with the right approach, you can get back to your normal activities.
Recovery typically follows these stages:
- Rest and Protection: Give your tendon time to heal. Ice and over-the-counter pain medications may help manage pain and swelling.
- Rehabilitation: Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises that build strength and flexibility as your tendon heals.
- Advanced Recovery: As you progress, your therapy will intensify to further strengthen the affected area and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Everyone’s recovery journey is different, but the right tools and support are all you need for long-lasting relief.
Preventing Tendonitis and Managing Symptoms at Home
Preventing tendinitis can be as simple as making a few small changes in your routine.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warm up before activities: Preparing your muscles and tendons can help prevent injury.
- Gradually increase activity levels: Avoid sudden jumps in intensity or duration of exercise.
- Use proper equipment: Ensure you’re using well-fitted gear and tools.
- Maintain good posture: Whether at work or during physical activities, proper posture can reduce strain on your tendons.
- Take breaks: Resting during repetitive activities can prevent overuse injuries.
For managing symptoms at home, remember the basics: rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, and stretch gently.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a physical therapist.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy is a proven, non-surgical way to treat tendonitis. It focuses on relieving pain, restoring movement, and strengthening the affected area to prevent future injury.
– Benefits of Physical Therapy for Tendonitis
Here’s how physical therapy can support your recovery:
- Pain relief: Targeted exercises and hands-on techniques reduce pain and inflammation.
- Increased flexibility: Stretching and mobility exercises improve your range of motion.
- Strengthening: Focused exercises help strengthen the muscles around the tendon, supporting long-term recovery.
- Improved function: You’ll learn how to move in ways that reduce stress on your tendons, helping prevent future flare-ups.
– What to Expect in Physical Therapy
During your sessions, your physical therapist will develop a personalized plan that may include:
- Strengthening exercises: Target weak or imbalanced muscles to support your recovery.
- Flexibility exercises: Stretching to improve the flexibility of the affected tendon.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce tension and improve mobility.
- Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be used to reduce pain and enhance healing.
Physical therapy is about more than just treating your symptoms—it’s about helping you get back to your normal activities with confidence and comfort.
Is Physical Therapy Right for Your Tendinitis?
If you’re dealing with tendinitis, physical therapy could be an ideal solution to help you manage your symptoms and enhance your recovery.
It offers a non-surgical approach that addresses both the pain and the underlying issues causing your discomfort.
Here’s why physical therapy might be right for you:
- Persistent Pain: If your tendinitis pain doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, physical therapy can provide targeted relief.
- Limited Mobility: Physical therapy can help restore the range of motion in the affected area, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably.
- Repetitive Strain: For tendinitis caused by repetitive movements, physical therapy can teach you proper techniques and exercises to prevent further strain.
- Weakness or Imbalance: Strengthening the muscles around the affected tendon can support better function and prevent future injuries.
- Desire to Avoid Surgery: If you want to manage your tendinitis without resorting to surgery or long-term medication, physical therapy offers an effective, non-invasive option.
- Recovery from Activity: Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to return to a sport or hobby, physical therapy can help you get back to your regular activities safely and effectively.
If any of these points resonate with you, physical therapy could be a valuable part of your treatment plan for tendinitis.
Get Started with Physical Therapy Today
Don’t let tendonitis hold you back from living your life.
At The Jackson Clinics, we’re here to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re dealing with pain in your elbow, shoulder, or another area, our physical therapists can help you find relief and get back to doing what you love.
Reach out to us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards recovery.
