Tendonitis Treatment St. Charles, MO

Tendonitis Treatment St. Charles, MO

Get back to your normal, active life with a personalized, safe, and effective physical therapy treatment plan.

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

Tendonitis treatment in St. Charles, MO. Tendonitis can greatly impact our daily life and our ability to do the things 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 desire. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek treatment from a professional St. Charles, MO physical therapist at Axes who can create a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Contact the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to request an appointment in St. Charles, MO and start your path towards healing.

If you think you may have tendonitis in St. Charles, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, 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 many people globally. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become swollen or aggravated, lead to pain and discomfort. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a crucial role in how we move in sports, other physical activities, and in daily life. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it is most common in joints and extremities.

Diagnosis of tendonitis requires an examination by a medical expert in St. Charles, MO to check for symptoms and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to verify the diagnosis and extent of the condition.

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 can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our St. Charles, MO physical therapists most frequently deal with 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 participate in sports that require jumping or sudden 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 worsen over time if you don’t seek out treatment.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon affixes 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, such as basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around the patellar tendon, especially in moments where you’re physically active. The pain can get worse when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a period.

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 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 can also intensify 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 repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when knitting or gardening.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, and difficulty holding tightly to objects.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. 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 irritation on the outer part of the elbow, and a weak grip.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also called 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 to anyone who frequently uses forceful wrist and finger motions. 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 inner side of the elbow, 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 functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Charles, MO: Risk Factors

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

  • Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work, a hobby, or in everyday life, can cause strain on the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
  • Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means prolonged use of a particular muscle or joint without allowing your body to recover. This can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from suddenly increasing how hard you train the joint before your body is ready for it.
  • Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people over the age of 40 as tendons become less flexible and strong as we get older.
  • Poor posture — Tendonitis is more likely to occur when the muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and arms are overworked because of poor posture.
  • Lack of flexibility — Individuals who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
  • Trauma — Tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
  • Muscle imbalances — Unbalances may arise when some muscles being stronger or weaker than others, which puts more tension on the tendons.
  • Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
  • Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
  • Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.

While not all instances of tendonitis in St. Charles, MO can be prevented, it’s important to know what the risk factors are and try to improve any that may apply to you. This may mean resting often during strenuous activities, studying appropriate technique, practicing good posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of 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 St. Charles, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it doesn’t require surgery and has a long track record of success. Your St. Charles, MO physical therapist can help you to create a customized exercise plan to help ease your pain and discomfort and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. 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 can help to improve range of motion and strength.
  • In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use 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 sound waves to penetrate deep into muscles and tendons 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 muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries. Heat can help to promote healing, while cold can help to reduce swelling and alleviate 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 modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce pressure 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 proper ergonomics to help prevent further injury. They may also offer advice on lifestyle modifications such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.

Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is meant to decrease pain, inflammation, and stiffness while promoting flexibility and healing of the injured tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to the activities you most enjoy. In addition to some of the above techniques, we’ll also include 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 root causes of tendonitis. St. Charles, MO physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address those issues.

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

If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in St. Charles, MO, there are several things you can do to prepare for your appointment:

  • Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when they started, how long you’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. This will allow your physical therapist to get a better sense of your injury and needs.
  • Wear loose clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
  • Bring any relevant medical information — If you have seen a physician about your symptoms, bring the records 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 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 first physical therapy appointment in St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, 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 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 debilitating condition, 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 an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. 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.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Amanda Long
DPT, CMPT, ATC
John Ruesler
Clinic Director, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Megan Phillips
Front Office
Hannah Drake
DPT, CMPT, ATC, LAT
Dawn Szerszen
Front Office

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