Tendonitis Treatment

Tendonitis Treatment

Get back to your normal, active life with a personalized, safe, and effective physical therapy treatment plan.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in St. Louis. Tendonitis can greatly affect our day-to-day life and our ability to do the things we love most. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the lifestyle you desire. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek help from a qualified St. Louis physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a personalized treatment plan to get you back on track. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in St. Louis and start your journey towards recovery.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of tendonitis in St. Louis, come to any Axes location for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in St. Louis is safe for you. Together with you and your doctor, we’ll form a team to focus on your healthy recovery and get you back to the activities you love.

Understanding Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common condition that affects many people around the world. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a crucial role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it is most common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

Diagnosis of tendonitis involves a physical exam by a healthcare professional in St. Louis to check for symptoms, such as pain and swelling, and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.

Tendonitis Treatment | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near Me

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis

Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The most common types of tendonitis our St. Louis physical therapists see are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports that require jumping or sudden changes in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and those who have flat feet.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can worsen over time if left untreated.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, especially during activity. The pain may also worsen when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, and it helps in the movement of the arm. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common condition that affects people who participate in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as baseball, tennis, or using a hammer.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain and weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. The pain may also worsen at night or when lying on the affected shoulder.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It is more common in women than men and is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, knitting, or playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as playing tennis or using a screwdriver.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, and weak grip strength.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis that affects the inner side of the elbow. This condition is common among golfers, hence the name. However, it can also occur in individuals who engage in other activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist flexion. The repeated motion and stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause small tears to form, leading to inflammation and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which can sometimes extend down to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday activities.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis: Causes and Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, including:

  • Repetitive motions — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can cause strain on the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
  • Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse refers to the excessive or prolonged use of a particular muscle or joint without proper rest or recovery. This can occur from engaging in a specific activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
  • Age — Tendonitis is more common in people over the age of 40 as tendons become less flexible and strong, and tear more easily, as we age.
  • Poor posture — Poor posture can put stress on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
  • Lack of flexibility — Individuals who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
  • Trauma — Tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area, such as a fall or direct impact while playing sports.
  • Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and lead to increased stress on the tendons.
  • Inactivity — Being inactive or sedentary for long periods of time can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
  • Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
  • Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis.

While not all cases of tendonitis in St. Louis can be prevented, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, practicing good posture, and staying active. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.

Physical Therapy in St. Louis for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your St. Louis physical therapist can help you to develop a personalized exercise plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Here are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises can help to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength. The physical therapist will design an exercise program that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and condition.
  • Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility. It may include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
  • Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses sound waves to treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis. It can help to reduce pain and inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area.
  • Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and promote healing. It can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
  • Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to increase blood flow and promote healing, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve mobility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
  • Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce stress on the affected tendon. This may involve adjusting your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
  • Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to help prevent further injury. They may also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.

The goal of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while promoting flexibility and healing of the affected tendon to restore normal function and get you back to what you love doing most. In addition to some of the above techniques, we’ll also incorporate injury prevention into your physical therapy program so you can stay in top shape once you get back there. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. St. Louis physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address those issues.

How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in St. Louis

If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in St. Louis, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment:

  • Collect information — Before your appointment, write down information about your symptoms, including when they started, how long you’ve had them, what activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will help your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
  • Wear comfortable clothing — You may be asked to perform certain movements or exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
  • Bring any relevant medical information — If you have had any imaging or medical tests done related to your symptoms, bring the results with you to your appointment.
  • Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have about your condition, treatment options, what you can do to prevent further injury, or even questions about the physical therapist themselves. This will help you to get the most out of your appointment, begin a more personalized relationship with your physical therapist, and ensure that all of your concerns are addressed.
  • Be honest — Be honest with your physical therapist about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous injuries or medical conditions. This will help them to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

By taking these steps to prepare for your physical therapy in St. Louis, you can help to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in St. Louis

While it’s not always possible to prevent tendonitis, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Whether participating in a sport or just going about your daily life, here are some tips to help prevent tendonitis in St. Louis:

  • Warm up and cool down
  • Use proper technique
  • Gradually increase activity
  • Take breaks and rest
  • Stay hydrated
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis | Chronic Injury Treatment | Injury Rehab Near Me

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis

Tendonitis can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, you can regain your strength and flexibility. From rest and ice therapy to physical therapy and medications, there are various options available to manage tendonitis and reduce pain. Axes has seen many St. Louis patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in St. Louis today to learn how we can help you get back to your active and pain-free lifestyle. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.