Tendonitis Treatment in South County, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in South County, MO. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the things we love most. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to ease pain and stiffness and get you back to the lifestyle you desire. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek help from a qualified South County, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a personalized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to request an appointment in South County, MO and begin your path towards regaining your mobility and freedom.
If you think you may have tendonitis in South County, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in South County, 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 up to (50%. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become swollen or irritated, causing pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a crucial role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it is most common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a doctor in South County, MO. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to verify the condition and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in South County, MO
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The types of tendonitis our South County, MO physical therapists most frequently treat are:
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 a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or abrupt changes in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are known risk factors.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of your foot, particularly after you’ve been off your feet for a period. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can get worse over the long term if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that involve jumping, like basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, particularly during activity. The pain can also worsen when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a period.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that protects your shoulder and gives it motion. 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 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 may also worsen at night or if you sleep 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 repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when sewing or gardening.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is most frequently caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example 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 referred to 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. 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 small tears to form, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness 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 grip objects or perform basic functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in South County, MO: Causes
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you developing tendonitis, including:
- Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can irritate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Kind of life repetitive motions, overuse refers to the overworking a joint without proper rest or recovery. This can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing how hard you work the tendon before your body is ready for it.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people who are middle aged and older as tendons tear more easily as we age.
- Poor posture — Poor posture can put strain on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the risk 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 prone to developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- Muscle imbalances — Unbalances may arise when 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 likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
While not all instances of tendonitis in South County, MO can be prevented, you need to to know what the risk factors are and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may mean 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 going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in South County, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your South County, MO physical therapist will work with you and your doctor to design a customized exercise plan to help relieve your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Below are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and strength.
- Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility. 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 inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected area, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve mobility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
- Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce stress on the injured 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 proper body mechanics 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 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 injured tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, 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. South County, MO physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and design a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in South County, MO
If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in South County, MO, 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 you’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. This will allow your physical therapist to better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Wear comfortable clothing — You may be asked to perform certain exercises 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 injury, bring the results with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have about your injury, prognosis, and possible treatment, or even questions about the physical therapist themselves. This will help you to get the most out of 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 South County, 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 South County, MO
While not every tendonitis case is preventable, 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 South County, 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 South County, 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 South County, MO
Tendonitis can be a frustrating and weakening injury, but with safe and effective treatments, you can restore 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 South County, 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 South County, 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.