Tendonitis Treatment in O'Fallon, MO | Physical Therapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis Treatment in O’Fallon, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in O’Fallon, MO. Tendonitis can greatly limit our mobility and ability to enjoy the activities we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to relieve pain and stiffness and get you back to the lifestyle you want. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional O’Fallon, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to recommend a personalized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us through our website to make an appointment in O’Fallon, MO and start your journey towards recovery.

If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of tendonitis in O’Fallon, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in O’Fallon, 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.

What Is Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common injury that affects many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or aggravated, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are the thick cords that allow our muscles to power 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.

Diagnosis of tendonitis requires an examination by a medical expert in O’Fallon, MO to check for symptoms and assess range of motion. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.

Tendonitis Treatment in O'Fallon, MO | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near O'Fallon

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in O’Fallon, MO

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, due to a variety of reasons. The most common types of tendonitis our O’Fallon, MO physical therapists treat are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or sudden shifts 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 lack of motion in the back of the heel, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can get worse over time if you don’t seek out treatment.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shinbone, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who participate in sports that involve jumping, like basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, especially during activity. The pain may get worse when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that protects your shoulder and allows it to move. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated overhead arm movements, such as in tennis 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 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 swelling where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty holding tightly to objects.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is most frequently due to 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 referred to 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, hence the name. However, it can also be the result of other repetitive movements. The repeated motion and stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause microtears, leading to swelling and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and irritation on the inside part of your arm, which occasionally spreads to the forearm and wrist. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to carry things or perform everyday functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in O’Fallon, MO: Causes

There are numerous risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, including:

Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work, a hobby, or in general life, can irritate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means extended use of a particular muscle or joint without allowing your body to recover. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people 40 or older as tendons become less flexible and strong 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 because of poor posture.
Lack of flexibility — Individuals who don’t regularly work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also occur because of direct trauma such as a fall or direct impact while playing sports.
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 chances of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood 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 O’Fallon, MO are preventable, you need to to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, studying appropriate technique, being aware of appropriate posture, and staying active. Additionally, 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 O’Fallon, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your O’Fallon, MO physical therapist will form a team with you and your physician to create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. The following are some physical therapy treatments that help people with tendonitis:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are vital for any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve flexibility and sort out any muscle imbalances.
In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve flexibility. It may 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 promote 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 inflammation and alleviate pain.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to reduce 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 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 provide education on proper body movements to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.

The aim of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to decrease pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the affected tendon to restore normal function and return you to the activities you most enjoy. Beyond some of the above treatment methods, we’ll also incorporate injury prevention into your physical therapy program 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. O’Fallon, MO physical therapists can discover areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and create a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.

How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in O’Fallon, MO

If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in O’Fallon, MO, 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 they started, how long they’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 comfortable clothing — You may be asked to perform certain movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
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 can think of 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 physical therapy in O’Fallon, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in O’Fallon, MO

While not every tendonitis case is avoidable, there are many things youy can do 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO include:

Tendonitis Treatment in O'Fallon, MO | Chronic Injury Treatment | Injury Rehab Near O'Fallon

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in O’Fallon, MO

Tendonitis can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but with safe and effective treatments, you can restore 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 O’Fallon, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO