Tendonitis Treatment in Fairview Heights, IL | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Fairview Heights, IL. Tendonitis can greatly affect our everyday life and our ability to do the activities we find the most joy in. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the type of life you’re used to. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists at Axes are here to create a personalized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Contact the Axes location nearest you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in Fairview Heights, IL and start your journey towards recovery.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Fairview Heights, IL, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Fairview Heights, 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 condition that affects up to (50%. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed or aggravated, causing pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to power our 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 involves an examination by a medical expert in Fairview Heights, IL to check for symptoms and evaluate 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 Fairview Heights, IL
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists see are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports that require jumping or abrupt shifts in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are associated risk factors.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and lack of motion in the back of your foot, particularly after you’ve been off your feet for a period. The pain may also be present 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 shinbone, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around and within your kneecap, particularly during activity. The pain can get worse 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 condition that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated overhead arm movements, such as in baseball or using a hammer.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include soreness and weakness in the shoulder, especially when moving your arm upward or rotating it forward. The pain can also intensify in the evening or when lying 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. It is more common in women than men 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 swelling at the base of the thumb, and difficulty a “sticking” or “snapping” feeling when moving the thumb or wrist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It is often caused by 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 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. But, it can also occur in individuals who engage in other activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist flexion. 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 tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, 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 carry things or perform everyday activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Fairview Heights, IL: Risk Factors
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can cause strain on the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse refers to the overworking a muscle without proper rest or recovery. Overuse can occur from engaging in a specific activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from suddenly increasing how hard you train the joint without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people who are middle aged and older as tendons tear more easily as we get older.
- Poor posture — Poor posture can put undue tension 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 are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also be caused by direct trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
- Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause 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 risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
Although not all cases of tendonitis in Fairview Heights, IL can be avoided, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any that may apply to you. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, studying appropriate technique, being aware of proper posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Furthermore, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it’s non-invasive and has a long track record of success. Your Fairview Heights, IL physical therapist can help you to develop a personalized exercise plan to help alleviate your pain and discomfort and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Below 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 can help to improve range of motion and strength.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to ease 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 treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief and encourage healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold works to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
- Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce stress 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 proper body movements to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also offer advice on lifestyle modifications such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is intended to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the affected soft tissue to restore normal function and get you back to what you love doing most. In addition to some of the above treatment methods, we’ll also include injury prevention into your treatments 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. Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and develop a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Fairview Heights, IL
If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Fairview Heights, 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 information about your symptoms, including when you first got them, how long you’ve had them, what makes them worse or provides relief. This will help your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- 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 information — If you have seen a doctor about your symptoms, bring the results with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have 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 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 first physical therapy appointment in Fairview Heights, 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 Fairview Heights, IL
While not every tendonitis case is avoidable, 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 Fairview Heights, 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 Fairview Heights, IL include:
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- 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
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Fairview Heights, IL
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating injury, but with safe and effective treatments, you can regain 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 Fairview Heights, IL patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, 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.