Tendonitis Treatment in Leslie, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Leslie, MO. Tendonitis can greatly limit our mobility and ability to enjoy the activities we most love doing. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to ease pain and stiffness and return you to the level of activity you desire. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Leslie, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to design a personalized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Contact the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to make an appointment in Leslie, MO and start your journey towards regaining your mobility and freedom.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Leslie, MO, come to any Axes location for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Leslie, 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 many people globally. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become swollen or irritated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the tough cords that attach muscles to 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 a physical exam by a physician in Leslie, MO. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Leslie, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Leslie, 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 a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or sudden 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 lack of motion in the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can worsen over the long term if left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the shinbone, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around and within your kneecap, particularly during activity. The pain may get worse 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 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 take part in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in tennis or painting.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain and weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. 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 affects the tendons 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 sewing or playing an instrument.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty a “sticking” or “snapping” sensation when moving the thumb or wrist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It is most frequently caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and irritation on the outer part of the elbow, and a weak grip.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also known as 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 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 irritation 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 functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in Leslie, MO: Causes
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you getting tendonitis, such as:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work, a hobby, or in everyday life, can cause strain on the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means excessive use of a particular tendon without giving your body enough time to recover. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people 40 or older as tendons become less flexible and strong as we get older.
- 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 — Individuals who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more prone to 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 tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being sedentary for long periods of time can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
While not all cases of tendonitis in Leslie, MO can be prevented, 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 repetitive activities, studying appropriate technique, being aware of proper posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Leslie, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is usually the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Leslie, MO physical therapist will partner with you and your doctor to create a customized physical therapy plan to help relieve your symptoms and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below 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 flexibility and strength.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve range of motion. It may 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 gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to ease pain and improve flexibility. 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 injured soft tissue. This may involve adjusting your technique or equipment, or resting more during intense physical activity.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on correct body movements to help prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also provide advice on changes to your lifestyle such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.
The goal of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility 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. Leslie, MO physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and create a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Leslie, MO
If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in Leslie, MO, there are several 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 you’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. This will help your physical therapist to get a better sense of your injury and needs.
- Wear loose clothing — You may be asked to 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 injury, 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 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 Leslie, 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 Leslie, MO
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 Leslie, 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 Leslie, 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 Leslie, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating injury, 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 Leslie, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Leslie, 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.