Physical Therapy for Tendonitis: Healing Through Movement
Tendonitis, although generally inflames or bothers a gap between bone and muscle, is the coarse cycles that join muscles to bone. It’s most often due to repeated moves or overuse, and it feels painful and tender inside a joint. The disease treatment of tendonitis includes physical therapy, wherein individuals first have to regain strength and movement in order to do the tasks of their daily lives without pain.
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and want professional care, our Chicago Physical Therapy staff is here to help you get back on track after healing. We can create treatment plans designed just for you and your situation.
Understanding Tendonitis
Any tendon in your body can become inflamed and painful, but tendonitis is most often experienced in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees or heels. This condition can develop from repetitive motion activities, like typing, painting, and certain sports. Tendon degeneration due to aging also makes tendons less flexible, and more prone to injury.
Common Types of Tendonitis
- Tennis Elbow: The tendons outside of the elbow are affected.
- Golfer’s Elbow: Tendons on the inside of the elbow.
- Pitcher’s Shoulder: This happens due to repetitive throwing motions in the shoulder.
- Swimmer’s Shoulder: Effects from swimming overusing its shoulder tendons.
- Jumper’s Knee: It affects the patellar tendon in the knee.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Tendon on the calf muscles and heel bone.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Tendonitis
A cornerstone for management is physical therapy for tendonitis. The treatment aims to take away the pain, whip the wound into shape, get the joint moving again as well as prevent further injury. A physical therapist who is licensed checks out the severity of the condition and crafts an elaborate treatment program that can incorporate different remedies.
Pain Management Techniques
Managing pain is a critical first step in treating tendonitis. Physical therapists employ various modalities to alleviate discomfort:
- Cold Therapy: Using ice packs to reduce inflammation and ‘deadening’ sore tissue.
- Heat Therapy: Moist heat to expand blood flow and relax muscles.
- Electrical Stimulation: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), for example, interrupts pain signals.
- Iontophoresis delivers anti-inflammatory medications to the skin using a mild electrical current.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques are used to mobilize soft tissues and joints, enhancing flexibility and reducing stiffness:
- Massage Therapy: Those parts of muscles and tendons are tensioned which increases circulation.
- Myofascial Release: Reduces tightness in the connective tissues.
- Joint Mobilization: Restores normal joint function by gradual stimulation.
You might be interested: The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain
Customized Exercise Programs
Exercise is considered the cornerstone of treatment for rehabilitating tendinitis, as it helps restore strength, flexibility, and function to the affected area. Physical therapists design specific exercise programs tailored to each individual’s condition, focusing on gradually strengthening the affected tendon and the surrounding muscles. These exercises not only reduce pain and inflammation but also improve joint stability and prevent further injuries. The program may include stretching to enhance flexibility, eccentric exercises to target the tendon under controlled tension, and functional movements to improve overall performance.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are designed to enhance the flexibility of the affected tendon and surrounding muscles, alleviating stiffness and reducing the risk of further injury.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Static Stretching: Elongating the muscle-tendon unit physically holds a stretch for a period.
- Dynamic Stretching: Preparatory movements for tendon control.
- Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are crucial for tendon rehabilitation as they rebuild the affected tendon’s ability to withstand stress and reduce the risk of future injuries.
- Eccentric Training: It emphasizes strengthening the tendon when the muscles extend.
- Resistance Exercises: Building muscle support where you need it, with weights or resistance bands.
- Functional Training: Activities that imitate what you do every day or in sports to improve performance.
Education and Lifestyle Modifications
To recover and prevent it, the cause needs to be known and understood. Physical therapists provide guidance on:
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Reducing strain to workstations and tools by modifying them.
- Activity Modification: How to change things to not overuse in sports or in everyday tasks.
- Posture Correction: To reduce undue stress to tendons, must maintain proper alignment.
- Use of Assistive Devices: Suggestions to support healing with braces or orthotics.
By following a structured exercise regimen, individuals with tendinitis can rebuild their tendon’s resilience and return to their daily activities with greater confidence and ease. For personalized advice and a comprehensive treatment plan, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced therapists are committed to helping you achieve optimal health and functionality.
Advanced Therapies in Physical Therapy
In some cases, additional therapeutic interventions may be incorporated:
Dry Needling
A technique where fine needles are inserted into trigger points to relieve pain and improve movement.
Ultrasound Therapy
Uses sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Laser Therapy
Employs light energy to accelerate cellular repair and reduce pain.
Preventing Tendonitis Recurrence
After recovering from tendonitis, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent it from returning:
- Gradual Increase in Activity: Slowly build up intensity in exercises or sports.
- Regular Stretching: Maintain flexibility with routine stretching.
- Strength Training: Keep muscles strong to support tendons.
- Proper Equipment: Use appropriate gear for activities, such as supportive footwear.
According to the National Institutes of Health, maintaining overall fitness and listening to your body’s signals are key in preventing tendon-related issues.
When to Seek Professional Help?
When you have persistent pain, swelling, or trouble moving a joint, you should be seen by a healthcare professional. Early intervention can help facilitate quicker recovery and help decrease your risk of complications, such as tendon rupture.
Conclusion
A holistic approach to treating tendonitis is offered by physical therapy that helps address not just symptomatic physical therapy alone. Strength and ability to return to normal daily activities can be regained by individuals through pain management and therapy.
We strive to offer personalized care that is specific to your unique needs. We’ve got highly qualified therapists who will guide you every step of the way. Contact us today if you feel ready to start your recovery journey.
