Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO | Physical Therapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in St. Charles, MO. Tendonitis can greatly affect our everyday life and our ability to do the things we most love doing. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the level of activity you’re used to. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek help from a professional St. Charles, MO physical therapist at Axes who can design a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Call the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in St. Charles, MO and begin your path towards recovery.

If you think you may have tendonitis in St. Charles, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in St. Charles, 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 condition that affects up to (50%. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed or aggravated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they are extremely important for our body’s movement. 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 involves a physical exam by a doctor in St. Charles, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to verify the condition and determine the extent of the injury.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near St. Charles

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO

Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, due to a variety of reasons. The most common types of tendonitis our St. Charles, MO physical therapists see are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it is used when you walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who play sports involving jumping or quick shifts 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, 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 you don’t seek out treatment.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, particularly during activity. The pain can also worsen 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 surrounds the shoulder joint, and it helps in the movement of the arm. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury often caught by people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated overhead arm movements, such as in baseball 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 intensify in the evening or if you sleep on the injured shoulder.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from aggravation or welling of the tendons located on the outer side of the wrist. Women are most likely to get it, and it is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when typing or playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation at the base of the thumb, and difficulty a “sticking” or “snapping” sensation when moving the thumb or wrist.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is often due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and soreness on the outer part of the elbow, and weak grip strength.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also called 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 small tears to form, leading to irritation and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness 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 grip objects or perform normal functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO: Are You at Risk?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you developing tendonitis, including:

Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether in the workplace, a hobby, or in general life, can cause strain on the tendons and cause tendonitis.
Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse means overworking a muscle without proper rest or recovery. 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 40 or older as tendons get less flexible as we age.
Poor posture — Poor posture can put strain 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 are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
Muscle imbalances — Unbalances can result from some muscles being stronger or weaker than others, which puts more tension on the tendons.
Inactivity — Being sedentary for long periods of time can negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.

Although not all cases of tendonitis in St. Charles, MO are avoidable, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may include resting often during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, practicing correct posture, and staying active. Additionally, getting treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help to prevent its development.

Physical Therapy in St. Charles, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is usually the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your St. Charles, MO physical therapist can help you to develop a customized treatment plan to help alleviate your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. 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 work to improve range of motion and sort out any muscle imbalances.
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 treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
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 a wide range of muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries. Heat can help to increase blood flow, while cold works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in and around the affected tendon. By making these micro tears, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce stress on the injured tendon. This may include making improvements to your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on correct ergonomics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. They may also provide advice on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.

The objective of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the injured soft tissue to restore normal function and get you back 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 reduce the risk of experiencing tendonitis again. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the root causes of tendonitis. St. Charles, MO physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.

How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in St. Charles, MO

If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in St. Charles, MO, there are several things you can do to get the most out of your first appointment:

Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when you first got them, how long they’ve had them, what activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will allow your physical therapist to get a better sense of your injury and needs.
Wear loose 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 information — If you have seen a doctor about your injury, bring the results with you to your appointment.
Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have about your condition, treatment options, what you can do to prevent further injury, or even questions about the physical therapist themselves. 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 St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MO

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 St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MO include:

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO | Chronic Injury Treatment | Injury Rehab Near St. Charles

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO

Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening injury, but with the right treatment, 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 St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, 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.

St. Charles, MO