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

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

Tendonitis treatment in St. Clair, MO. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the things we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to lessen your symptoms and return you to the level of activity you want. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional St. Clair, MO physical therapists at Axes are standing by to design a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Call the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to request an appointment in St. Clair, MO and begin your journey towards recovery.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of tendonitis in St. Clair, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in St. Clair, 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 many people around the world. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or aggravated, lead to pain and discomfort. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they are extremely important for how we move in sports, other physical activities, and in daily life. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it happens most frequently in joints and extremities.

Identification of tendonitis requires an appointment with a medical expert in St. Clair, MO to check for pain and swelling and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the condition and determine the extent of the injury.

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

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

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our St. Clair, 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 a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or abrupt shifts in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and those who have flat feet.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and lack of motion in the back of the heel, particularly after weaking up or after periods of inactivity. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over the long term if left untreated.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the tibia, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to 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 and within your kneecap, particularly during activity. The pain can intensify 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 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 take part in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in tennis 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 worsen in the evening or when lying on the injured 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 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” feeling when moving the thumb or wrist.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also called 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 due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example playing tennis or using tools.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and soreness 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. It occurs frequently in golfers, hence the name. However, it can also to anyone who frequently uses forceful wrist and finger motions. The repeated motion and 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 occasionally radiates 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. Clair, MO: Are You at Risk?

There are numerous risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, including:

Repeated motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work, for sport, or in general life, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse refers to the overworking a muscle without giving your body enough time to recover. Overuse can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people who are middle aged and older as tendons get less flexible as we age.
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 — Less physically active people who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also be caused by direct trauma such as a fall or direct impact while playing sports.
Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and lead to increased tension on the tendons.
Inactivity — Being sedentary for long periods of time can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, like corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.

While not all instances of tendonitis in St. Clair, MO are preventable, it’s important to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, studying safe techniques, understanding good posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. 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 St. Clair, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your St. Clair, MO physical therapist can help you to design a customized exercise plan to help relieve your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below are some physical therapy treatments that help those with tendonitis:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises can help to improve mobility and strength.
Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to relieve 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 muscles and tendons and create a soft 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 frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected area, while cold works to reduce swelling and ease 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 stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce stress on the injured soft tissue. This may involve 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 reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also provide advice on lifestyle modifications such as diet, 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 encouraging healing of the affected soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to the activities you love most. In addition to some of the above techniques, we’ll also incorporate 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. St. Clair, MO physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and create a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.

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

If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in St. Clair, MO, there are several 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 get a better sense of your injury and needs.
Wear loose clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain movements 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 seen a physician about your injury, bring the records 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 benefit from 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. Clair, 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. Clair, 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. Clair, 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. Clair, MO include:

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

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

Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening condition, 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 St. Clair, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re experiencing tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in St. Clair, 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. Clair, MO