Tendonitis Treatment St. Clair, MO

Tendonitis Treatment St. Clair, MO

Get back to the activities you love most with treatment plans that have been proven to work.

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

Tendonitis treatment in St. Clair, MO. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our mobility and ability to enjoy the things we most love doing. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and return you to the type of life you desire. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek treatment from a professional St. Clair, 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 nearest you or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment in St. Clair, MO and start your journey towards regaining your mobility and freedom.

If you think you may have tendonitis in St. Clair, MO, come to any Axes location 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.

Understanding Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common injury that affects many people around the world. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or irritated, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they play a crucial 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 the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

Diagnosis of tendonitis involves an appointment with a medical expert in St. Clair, MO to check for symptoms and evaluate 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. 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, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our St. Clair, MO physical therapists see are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or sudden shifts in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and people who have flat feet.

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

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, like basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around and within your kneecap, especially in moments where you’re physically active. The pain can also worsen when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that protects your shoulder and allows it to move. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who take part in activities that require repeated overhead arm movements, such as in tennis or using a hammer.

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 at night or if you sleep 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 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 called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example playing tennis or using tools.

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 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, 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 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 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 basic activities.

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

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

  • Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether in the workplace, a hobby, or in everyday life, can aggravate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
  • Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse means overworking a joint without proper rest or recovery. This can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from abruptly 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 tolerate less stress 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 don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
  • Trauma — 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 result in imbalances and lead to increased tension on the tendons.
  • Inactivity — Living an inactive lifestyle can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
  • Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, like 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.

Although not all cases of tendonitis in St. Clair, MO can be avoided, you need to to know what the risk factors are and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of good posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, seeking 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. Clair, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it doesn’t require surgery and has a demonstrated history of success. Your St. Clair, MO physical therapist can help you to create a personalized physical therapy plan to help alleviate your pain and discomfort 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 vital for any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve mobility and strength.
  • In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve range of motion. It may include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
  • Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses 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 promote healing.
  • Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to promote healing, while cold works to reduce swelling and ease pain.
  • Dry needling is refers to inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
  • Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce pressure on the injured soft tissue. This may involve making improvements to your technique or equipment, or resting more during intense physical activity.
  • Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you proper ergonomics to help prevent further injury. They may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.

The goal of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the affected tendon to restore normal function and return you to what you love doing most. In addition to some of the above techniques, we’ll also incorporate injury prevention into your treatments so you reduce the risk of experiencing tendonitis again. 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 personalized treatment plan to address those issues.

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

If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in St. Clair, 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 — You may be asked to perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
  • Bring any relevant medical records — If you have had any imaging or medical tests done related to your injury, 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 reduce the risk of future injury, or even questions about the physical therapist and their experience. 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. Clair, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in St. Clair, 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 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 debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, you can restore 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 renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re dealing with 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.

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
  • 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

Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Brad Tiehes
PT, DPT, CMPT
Sharon Titter
Clinic Director, MPT
Megan Henderson
OTR/L, CHT
Angie Burkhead
Front Office

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