Tendonitis Treatment in East St. Louis, IL | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in East St. Louis, IL. Tendonitis can greatly affect our daily 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 get you back to the type of life you desire. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional East St. Louis, IL physical therapists at Axes are standing by to recommend a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Contact the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to request an appointment in East St. Louis, IL and begin your journey towards healing.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of tendonitis in East St. Louis, IL, come see us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in East St. Louis, 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.
What Is Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common issue that affects up to (50%. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or irritated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they are extremely important for how we move in sports, other physical activities, and in daily life. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in joints and extremities.
Identification of tendonitis involves an examination by a medical expert in East St. Louis, IL to check for pain and swelling and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in East St. Louis, IL
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our East St. Louis, IL 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 a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or quick 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 stiffness in the back of the heel, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a while. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can get worse over the long term if left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that require jumping, like basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and irritation around and within your kneecap, especially during activity. The pain can get worse when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a period.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons that protects your shoulder and gives it motion. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common condition that affects people who participate in activities that require repetitive 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 intensify at night or if you sleep 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 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 typing or gardening.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty making a fist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is often due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
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. This condition is common among golfers, which is how it got its name. However, it can also to anyone who frequently uses forceful wrist and finger motions. The repeated motion and 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 irritation 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 functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in East St. Louis, IL: Risk Factors
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you getting tendonitis, including:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether in the workplace, a hobby, or in general life, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means overworking a muscle without allowing your body to recover. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people who are middle aged and older as tendons tear more easily as we age.
- Poor posture — Tendonitis is more likely to occur when the muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and arms receive undue stress due to poor posture.
- 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 result in imbalances and cause increased stress on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the chances 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 risk of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in East St. Louis, IL are avoidable, you need to to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean resting often during strenuous activities, studying safe techniques, understanding correct posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, getting 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 harmed.
Physical Therapy in East St. Louis, IL for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is usually the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your East St. Louis, IL physical therapist can help you to develop a customized treatment plan to help ease your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. The following are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are vital for any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and correct any muscle imbalances.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to ease pain and improve mobility. Techniques include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
- Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into muscles and tendons and create a soft heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles 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 send more blood to the affected tendon, while cold works to reduce inflammation 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 tiny tears in your tendon, 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 tendon. This may involve 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 teach you proper ergonomics to help reduce the risk of re-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 reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured soft tissue to restore normal function and return you 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. East St. Louis, IL physical therapists can identify areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and develop a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in East St. Louis, IL
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in East St. Louis, IL, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your first appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when they started, how long they’ve had them, what activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will allow 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 comfortable clothing that allows to move around easily.
- 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 and their experience. This will help you to get the most benefit from 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 East St. Louis, 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 East St. Louis, IL
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 East St. Louis, 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 East St. Louis, IL 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 East St. Louis, IL
Tendonitis can be a frustrating and weakening injury, but with safe and effective treatments, you can restore 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 East St. Louis, IL patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re experiencing tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in East St. Louis, 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.