Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL | Physical Therapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in Alton, IL. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the things we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and return you to the type of life you want. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek help from a qualified Alton, IL physical therapist at Axes who can design a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to make an appointment in Alton, IL and begin your path towards healing.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Alton, IL, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Alton, IL 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 injury that affects half) of physically active adults. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed or aggravated, lead to pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a vital role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in joints and extremities.

Diagnosis of tendonitis involves a physical exam by a healthcare professional in Alton, IL. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the condition and determine the extent of the injury.

Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near Alton

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our Alton, IL physical therapists treat are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or abrupt changes in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and people who have flat feet.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and lack of motion in the back of your foot, especially after weaking up or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can get worse over the long term 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 play sports that require jumping, like basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, particularly during activity. The pain may intensify when going up the stairs stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a long time.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that protects your shoulder and gives it motion. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common condition often caught by people who participate in activities that require repeated overhead arm movements, such as in baseball or painting.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include soreness and weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. The pain can also intensify at night or if you sleep on the affected shoulder.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from aggravation or welling of the tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. Women are most likely to get it, and it is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when sewing or playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation at the base of the thumb, and difficulty making a fist.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is most frequently due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.

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

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. It occurs frequently in golfers, hence the name. But, it can also be the result of other repetitive movements. 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 inside part of your arm, which occasionally spreads to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to grip objects or perform normal functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL: Causes

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you getting tendonitis, such as:

Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can irritate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse refers to the overworking a muscle without allowing your body to recover. This can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing how hard you train the joint without proper conditioning.
Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people over the age of 40 as tendons become less flexible and strong as we age.
Poor posture — Poor posture can put stress on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the possibility of developing tendonitis.
Lack of flexibility — Individuals who don’t regularly work on their flexibility may be more susceptible to developing tendonitis.
Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of direct trauma such as a fall or direct impact while playing sports.
Muscle imbalances — Unbalances can result from some muscles being stronger or weaker than others, which puts more tension on the tendons.
Inactivity — Living an inactive lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, like corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis.

Although not all instances of tendonitis in Alton, IL are preventable, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may mean resting often during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, practicing proper posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help to prevent its development.

Physical Therapy in Alton, IL for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it doesn’t require surgery and has a long track record of success. Your Alton, IL physical therapist can help you to design a personalized physical therapy plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. The following 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 work to improve flexibility and strength.
In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve flexibility. Techniques include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses sound waves to penetrate deep into soft tissue and create a soft heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and encourage healing.
Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected tendon, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to reduce 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 tension on the injured tendon. This may include adjusting your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you proper ergonomics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.

The aim of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the affected soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above techniques, we’ll also include injury prevention into your physical therapy program so you can stay active and stay healthy. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. Alton, IL physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and implement a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.

How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Alton, IL

If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Alton, IL, there are several things you can do to prepare for your appointment:

Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when you first got them, how long you’ve had them, what activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will allow 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 during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows to move around easily.
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 can think of about your condition, treatment options, what you can do to reduce the risk of future injury, or even questions about the physical therapist and their experience. This will help you to make the most out of your appointment, help your physical therapist understand you better, 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 Alton, IL, you can help to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in Alton, IL

While not every tendonitis injury is preventable, 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 Alton, IL:

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

Other services we offer in Alton, IL include:

Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL | Chronic Injury Treatment | Injury Rehab Near Alton

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Alton, IL

Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating injury, but with safe and effective treatments, you can restore 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 Alton, IL patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re experiencing tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Alton, IL 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.

Tendonitis Treatment Alton, IL