Tendonitis Treatment in Kirkwood, MO | Physical Therapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis Treatment in Kirkwood, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in Kirkwood, MO. Tendonitis can greatly limit our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the activities we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the type of life you want. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek help from a licensed Kirkwood, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Contact the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Kirkwood, MO and begin your path towards recovery.

If you’re suffering from any of the warning signs of tendonitis in Kirkwood, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Kirkwood, 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 condition that affects half) of physically active adults. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed or irritated, causing pain and lack of mobility. 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 in any part of the body, but it happens most frequently in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

Identification of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a physician in Kirkwood, MO. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to verify the diagnosis and extent of the condition.

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

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

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The types of tendonitis our Kirkwood, MO physical therapists most frequently deal with are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or quick changes in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and people who have flat feet.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, particularly after you’ve been off your feet for a while. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over time if you don’t seek out treatment.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around the patellar tendon, particularly in moments where you’re physically active. The pain can intensify when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a long time.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons that surrounds the shoulder joint, and it helps in the movement of the arm. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury often caught by people who take part in activities that require repeated 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 moving your arm upward or rotating it forward. 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. 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 swelling at the base of the thumb, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is most frequently due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness 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, 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 inflammation and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness 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 normal activities.

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

There are several risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing tendonitis, such as:

Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
Overuse — Kind of life repeated motions, overuse means prolonged use of a particular muscle or joint without allowing your body to recover. This can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period 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 who are middle aged and older as tendons become less flexible and strong as we age.
Poor posture — Poor posture can put stress on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
Lack of flexibility — Individuals who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
Trauma — Tendonitis can also be caused by direct trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
Muscle imbalances — Unbalances may arise when stronger muscles in some muscles than others, which puts more pressure on the tendons.
Inactivity — Living a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis.

While not all cases of tendonitis in Kirkwood, MO are preventable, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of proper 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 keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be harmed.

Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your Kirkwood, MO physical therapist can help you to design a personalized exercise plan to help relieve your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below are some physical therapy treatments that help those with tendonitis:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve flexibility and strength.
In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use 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 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 frequently 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 alleviate pain.
Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve mobility. By making these micro tears, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce tension on the injured soft tissue. This may include adjusting your technique or equipment, or resting more during exercise.
Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on correct ergonomics to help prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.

Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is intended to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the injured tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to the activities you love most. Beyond some of the above techniques, 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. Kirkwood, MO physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and design a personalized treatment plan to address those issues.

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

If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Kirkwood, 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 you’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. This will help your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Wear loose clothing — You may be asked to 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 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 prevent further injury, or even questions about the physical therapist themselves. 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 Kirkwood, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in Kirkwood, MO

While not every tendonitis injury 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO include:

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

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Kirkwood, MO

Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, 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 Kirkwood, 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 control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO