Tendonitis Treatment in Ballwin, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Ballwin, MO. Tendonitis can greatly impact our daily life and our ability to do the things we love most. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the type of life you want. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek help from a licensed Ballwin, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a personalized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in Ballwin, MO and begin your path towards recovery.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of tendonitis in Ballwin, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Ballwin, MO 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.
What Is Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common issue that affects many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or irritated, causing pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they are extremely important for our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a physician in Ballwin, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Ballwin, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Ballwin, MO physical therapists most frequently deal with are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it connects the calf muscles to the back of your foot. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or sudden shifts 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 lack of motion in the back of your foot, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a while. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can worsen over time if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shinbone, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that involve jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around the patellar tendon, particularly during activity. The pain can get worse when going up the stairs stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a period.
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 that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated overhead arm movements, such as in basketball or painting.
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 intensify in the evening or when lying on the injured shoulder.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from aggravation or welling of the tendons located on the outer side of the wrist. It is more common in women than men and it is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when typing or gardening.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty making a fist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is most frequently due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and irritation 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 affects the inner side of the elbow. It occurs frequently in golfers, hence the name. However, 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 soreness on the inside part of your arm, 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 Ballwin, MO: Are You at Risk?
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can cause strain on the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Kind of life repeated motions, overuse means prolonged use of a particular tendon without giving your body enough time to recover. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing how hard you train the tendon without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people 40 or older as tendons tolerate less stress as we age.
- Poor posture — Poor posture can put strain on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the possibility 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 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 strain on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living an inactive lifestyle can negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Although not all cases of tendonitis in Ballwin, MO are preventable, you need to to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of correct posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Ballwin, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Ballwin, MO physical therapist will work with you and your doctor to create a customized exercise plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. The following are some physical therapy treatments that help people with tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are vital for any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve flexibility and correct any muscle imbalances.
- Manual physical therapy is utilizes 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 high-frequency sound waves to treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
- Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to reduce pain and improve mobility. By making these micro tears, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
- Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce tension on the affected tendon. This may involve making improvements to 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 prevent further injury. They may also offer advice on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is meant to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured tendon to restore normal function and return you to what you love doing most. In addition to some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also incorporate injury prevention into your physical therapy program so you reduce the risk of experiencing tendonitis again. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. Ballwin, MO physical therapists can discover areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and design a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Ballwin, MO
If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Ballwin, MO, 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 they’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. This will allow your physical therapist to get a better sense of your injury and needs.
- Wear comfortable clothing — You may be asked to perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
- Bring any relevant medical records — If you have had any imaging or medical tests done related to your symptoms, bring the records with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you can think of about your injury, prognosis, and possible treatment, or even questions about the physical therapist themselves. This will help you to get the most benefit from 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 Ballwin, MO, 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 Ballwin, MO
While not every tendonitis injury is avoidable, there are many things youy can do 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 Ballwin, MO:
- 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 Ballwin, MO include:
- Dry Needling Near Me
- Manual Physical Therapy
- Orthopedic Rehab Near Me
- Beginner Running Program
- Chronic Pain Treatment
- Spine Specialist Near Me
- MCL Injury
- Shoulder Pain
- Injury Prevention
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Ballwin, MO
Tendonitis can be a frustrating and weakening condition, but with the right treatment, 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 Ballwin, MO 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 Ballwin, MO 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.