Tendonitis Treatment in Sappington, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Sappington, 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 numerous treatment options available to ease your symptoms and return you to the level of activity you’re used to. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek treatment from a professional Sappington, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Sappington, MO and start your journey towards recovery.
If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Sappington, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Sappington, 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 issue that affects many people globally. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become inflamed or aggravated, lead to pain and discomfort. Tendons are the thick cords that allow our muscles to power our 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 is most common in joints in your arms and legs.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires an examination by a medical expert in Sappington, MO to check for symptoms and assess range of motion. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Sappington, MO
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The types of tendonitis our Sappington, MO physical therapists most frequently treat include:
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 often caught by runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or quick changes in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are known risk factors.
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 get worse 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 participate in 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 intensify when going up the stairs 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 protects your shoulder and allows it to move. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury often caught by people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in basketball 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 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. Women are most likely to get it, 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 at the base of the thumb, and difficulty making a fist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is most frequently due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, and weak grip strength.
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, hence the name. But, it can also occur in individuals who engage in other activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist flexion. The excess 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 tenderness on the inside part of your arm, 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 basic activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Sappington, MO: Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, including:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can aggravate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse refers to the overworking a muscle without allowing your body to recover. This can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing how hard you work the joint without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people who are middle aged and older as tendons get less flexible as we age.
- Poor posture — Poor posture can put undue tension on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the possibility of developing tendonitis.
- Lack of flexibility — Less physically active people who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more susceptible to developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also occur because of direct trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
- Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and cause increased tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
While not all cases of tendonitis in Sappington, MO can be avoided, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, studying appropriate technique, being aware of good 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 Sappington, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Sappington, MO physical therapist will work with you and your physician to develop a customized treatment plan to help ease your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. 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 mobility 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 high-frequency sound waves to treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and encourage healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected tendon, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to ease pain and improve flexibility. 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 pressure on the injured 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 correct body mechanics to help reduce the risk of re-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 decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while promoting flexibility and healing of the injured soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above techniques, we’ll also include injury prevention into your treatments so you can stay in top shape once you get back there. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the root causes of tendonitis. Sappington, MO physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and design a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Sappington, MO
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in Sappington, 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 activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will help your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Wear comfortable clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
- 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 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 Sappington, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.
Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in Sappington, MO
While it’s not always possible to prevent tendonitis, 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 Sappington, 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 Sappington, 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 Sappington, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating injury, 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 Sappington, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re experiencing tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Sappington, 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.