Tendonitis Treatment in Madison, IL | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Madison, IL. Tendonitis can greatly affect our day-to-day life and our ability to do the things we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and return you to the type of life you desire. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Madison, IL physical therapists at Axes are here to design a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to make an appointment in Madison, IL and begin your path towards regaining your mobility and freedom.
If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Madison, IL, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Madison, 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.
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common condition that affects many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or aggravated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play an essential role in 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 in your arms and legs.
Diagnosis of tendonitis involves a physical exam by a physician in Madison, IL. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be used to confirm the condition and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Madison, IL
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The most common types of tendonitis our Madison, IL physical therapists see are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest 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 involving jumping or sudden 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 your foot, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a period. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over the long term if left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it permits you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that require jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and irritation around the patellar tendon, 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 allows it to move. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common condition that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in basketball 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 may 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 repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when knitting or playing an instrument.
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 called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example 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 causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. It occurs frequently in 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 irritation and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness on the inner side of the elbow, which occasionally spreads 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 activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Madison, IL: Risk Factors
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 in the workplace, a hobby, or in general life, can irritate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Kind of life repetitive motions, overuse means extended use of a particular tendon without allowing your body to recover. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, 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 possibility of developing tendonitis.
- Lack of flexibility — Individuals who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- Muscle imbalances — Unbalances can result from stronger muscles in some muscles than others, which puts more strain on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living an inactive lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, like corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
While not all instances of tendonitis in Madison, IL are preventable, you need to to know what the risk factors are and try to improve any that may apply to you. This may include taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities, studying appropriate technique, understanding good posture, and staying active. Furthermore, getting 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 Madison, IL for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Madison, IL physical therapist can help you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Here are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and strength.
- 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 soft tissue and provide a gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces swelling.
- 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 promote healing, while cold can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting tiny 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 modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce pressure on the affected tendon. 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 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 meant to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above treatment methods, 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. Madison, IL physical therapists can discover areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and implement a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Madison, IL
If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Madison, IL, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down information about your symptoms, including when you first got them, how long they’ve had them, what makes them worse or 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 movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
- Bring any relevant medical information — If you have had any imaging or medical tests done related to your symptoms, bring the results 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 make the most out of 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 Madison, IL, 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 Madison, 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 Madison, 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 Madison, 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 Madison, IL
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening condition, 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 Madison, IL 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 keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Madison, 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.