Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO | Physical Therapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in Bridgeton, MO. Tendonitis can greatly limit our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the activities we most love doing. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to relieve your symptoms and get you back to the lifestyle you’re used to. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional Bridgeton, MO physical therapists at Axes are standing by to create a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Contact the Axes location nearest you or contact us through our website to make an appointment in Bridgeton, MO and begin your path towards healing.

If you think you may have tendonitis in Bridgeton, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Bridgeton, 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 injury that affects half) of physically active adults. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become swollen or aggravated, lead to pain and discomfort. Tendons are the fibrous cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they are extremely important for how we move in sports, other physical activities, and in daily life. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it happens most frequently in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

Diagnosis of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a healthcare professional in Bridgeton, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.

Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near Bridgeton

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO

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

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, and it is used when you walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who play sports involving jumping or sudden changes in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are known risk factors.

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 sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can get worse over time if left untreated.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the tibia, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to 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 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 surrounds the shoulder joint, and it helps in the movement of the arm. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common condition often caught by people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in swimming or using a hammer.

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 worsen in the evening or if you sleep on the injured shoulder.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the outer 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 typing or playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, and difficulty holding tightly to objects.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is often due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as playing tennis or using tools.

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

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also referred to as 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 excess stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause small tears to form, leading to irritation and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which occasionally radiates to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to carry things or perform everyday activities.

Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO: Are You at Risk?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you developing tendonitis, including:

Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether in the workplace, for sport, or in general life, can cause strain on the tendons and cause tendonitis.
Overuse — Kind of life repeated motions, overuse refers to the excessive use of a particular tendon without giving your body enough time to recover. This can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
Age — Tendonitis is more common in people 40 or older as tendons tolerate less stress 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 — Less physically active people who don’t regularly work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and cause increased pressure on the tendons.
Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.

Although not all instances of tendonitis in Bridgeton, MO can be prevented, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, understanding good posture, and staying active. Furthermore, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be injured.

Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO 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 Bridgeton, MO physical therapist can help you to design a personalized exercise plan to help ease your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. The following are some physical therapy treatments that help people with tendonitis:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises work to improve range of motion and sort out any muscle imbalances.
Manual physical therapy is utilizes hands-on techniques to ease 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.
Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief and encourage healing.
Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for a wide range of muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold works to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin 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 modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce pressure on the affected soft tissue. This may include changing the way you move or getting new equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on correct ergonomics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also provide advice 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 decrease pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the injured soft tissue to restore normal function and return you to the activities you love most. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also include injury prevention into your treatments 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. Bridgeton, MO physical therapists can identify areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and design a customized treatment plan to address those issues.

How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Bridgeton, MO

If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in Bridgeton, MO, 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 they’ve had them, what makes them worse or provides relief. This will help your physical therapist to get a better sense of your injury and needs.
Wear comfortable 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 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 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 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 first physical therapy appointment in Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO include:

Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO | Chronic Injury Treatment | Injury Rehab Near Bridgeton

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Bridgeton, MO

Tendonitis can be a frustrating and weakening condition, but with safe and effective treatments, you can regain optimal movement health. 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 Bridgeton, MO 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 control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, 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.

Tendonitis Treatment Bridgeton, MO