Tendonitis Treatment in Saint Paul, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Saint Paul, MO. Tendonitis can greatly impact our day-to-day life and our ability to do 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 lifestyle you want. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional Saint Paul, MO physical therapists at Axes are standing by to create 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 Saint Paul, MO and begin your journey towards healing.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of tendonitis in Saint Paul, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Saint Paul, 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 condition that affects half) of physically active adults. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or irritated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a vital role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it is most common in joints and extremities.
Identification of tendonitis involves a physical exam by a healthcare professional in Saint Paul, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be used to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Saint Paul, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Saint Paul, MO physical therapists most frequently deal with include:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the strongest 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 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 stiffness in the back of your foot, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also be present 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 permits you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, like basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and irritation around and within your kneecap, particularly during activity. The pain may also worsen when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons that keeps your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury often caught by people who take part in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in tennis or using a hammer.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain and weakness in the shoulder, especially when moving your arm upward or rotating it forward. The pain can also worsen at night or when lying on the affected 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 repeating the samehand movements movements, such as when sewing or playing an instrument.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation at the base of the thumb, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.
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 most frequently caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using tools.
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 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 microtears, leading to irritation and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness on the inside part of your arm, which can sometimes extend down to the forearm and wrist. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to carry things or perform everyday activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Saint Paul, MO: Are You at Risk?
There are numerous risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work, for sport, or in everyday life, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Kind of life repeated motions, overuse means overworking a joint 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 over the age of 40 as tendons tear more easily 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 — Less physically active people who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — 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 lead to increased tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living a sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk 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 Saint Paul, MO can be avoided, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, understanding correct posture, and staying active. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions related to 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 Saint Paul, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your Saint Paul, MO physical therapist will work with you and your physician to design a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. The following are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are vital for any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises can help to improve mobility and correct any muscle imbalances.
- Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves 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 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 commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold can help to reduce inflammation 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 stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
- Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce tension on the injured soft tissue. This may include adjusting your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you correct ergonomics to help prevent further injury. They may also offer advice on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is intended to decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the affected soft tissue to restore normal function and return you to the activities you most enjoy. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also include injury prevention into your physical therapy program so you can stay active and stay healthy. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. Saint Paul, MO physical therapists can discover areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and design a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Saint Paul, MO
If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Saint Paul, 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 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 movements 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 had any imaging or medical tests done related to your injury, bring the records 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 themselves. This will help you to get the most benefit from your appointment, help your physical therapist understand you better, 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, 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 Saint Paul, 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 keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Saint Paul, 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.