Tendonitis Treatment in Brentwood, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Brentwood, MO. Tendonitis can greatly impact our day-to-day life and our ability to do the things we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to ease your symptoms and return you to the type of life you want. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek help from a qualified Brentwood, MO physical therapist at Axes who can create a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Call the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Brentwood, MO and begin your path towards healing.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Brentwood, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Brentwood, 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.
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common issue that affects half) of physically active adults. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become inflamed or irritated, causing 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 the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires an appointment with a medical expert in Brentwood, MO to check for pain and swelling and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to verify the condition and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Brentwood, MO
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Brentwood, MO physical therapists most frequently treat include:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it is used when you walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or quick shifts in direction. It is also more common in people 30 or older and those who have flat feet.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of your foot, particularly after you’ve been off your feet for a while. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over the long term if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who participate in sports that involve jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and irritation around the patellar tendon, especially during activity. The pain can also worsen when going up the stairs stairs or after sitting for long periods.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keeps your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated overhead arm movements, such as in 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 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. Women are most likely to get it, and it is often caused by repeating the samehand movements 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 known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It is most frequently due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using tools.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and soreness on the outer part of the elbow, and weak grip strength.
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, which is how it got its name. However, it can also be the result of other repetitive movements. The excess stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause small tears to form, leading to swelling and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness on the inside part of your arm, which occasionally radiates to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to grip objects or perform basic functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in Brentwood, MO: Risk Factors
There are numerous risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work, for sport, or in general life, can aggravate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse refers to the extended use of a particular muscle or joint without proper rest or recovery. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing how hard you work the joint without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people who are middle aged and older as tendons get less flexible as we age.
- Poor posture — Tendonitis is more likely to occur when the muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and arms are overworked because of poor posture.
- Lack of flexibility — Less physically active people who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- 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 negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
While not all instances of tendonitis in Brentwood, MO can be prevented, it’s important 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, being aware of good posture, and staying active. Additionally, getting treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be injured.
Physical Therapy in Brentwood, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it’s non-invasive and has a demonstrated history of success. Your Brentwood, MO physical therapist will form a team with you and your doctor to implement a customized exercise plan to help ease your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below are some physical therapy treatments that help people with tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve flexibility and sort out any muscle imbalances.
- Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility. 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 swelling.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold can help to reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in and around the affected tendon. 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 pressure on the affected soft tissue. This may involve changing the way you move or getting new equipment, or resting more during intense physical activity.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on proper body mechanics to help prevent further injury. They may also provide guidance 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 decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the affected soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above techniques, we’ll also include injury prevention into your treatments so you can stay active and stay healthy. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the root causes of tendonitis. Brentwood, MO physical therapists can locate areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and implement a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Brentwood, MO
If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Brentwood, MO, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when they started, how long you’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. This will allow your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Wear loose clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
- Bring any relevant medical records — If you have seen a physician about your symptoms, bring the records 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 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 Brentwood, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.
Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in Brentwood, MO
While not every tendonitis case 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 Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO include:
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
- Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
- Migraine Relief
- Sprain and Strain Treatment
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Brentwood, MO
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 Brentwood, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Brentwood, 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.