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

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

Tendonitis treatment in St. George, MO. Tendonitis can greatly affect our daily life and our ability to do the activities we love most. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to lessen your symptoms and return you to the lifestyle you’re used to. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek treatment from a licensed St. George, MO physical therapist at Axes who can design a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Contact the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in St. George, MO and begin your path towards recovery.

If you think you may have tendonitis in St. George, 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. George, 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 issue that affects many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or aggravated, lead to pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the fibrous cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they play an essential 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 happens most frequently in joints and extremities.

Identification of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a physician in St. George, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be used to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.

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

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

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, due to a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our St. George, MO physical therapists most frequently treat include:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscles to the back of your foot. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who play sports involving jumping or sudden shifts in direction. It is also more common in people 30 or older and those who have flat feet.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of your foot, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can get worse over the long term if left untreated.

Patellar Tendonitis

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

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around and within your kneecap, particularly in moments where you’re physically active. The pain can get worse 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 keeps your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who participate in activities that require repeated overhead arm movements, such as in baseball or using a hammer.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include soreness and weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. 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 results from aggravation or inflammation of the tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. It is more common in women than men and it is often caused by repeating the samehand movements movements, such as when knitting or playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation 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 join the forearm muscles to the outside 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 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 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 microtears, leading to swelling and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and irritation on the inner side of the elbow, which occasionally spreads to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to carry things or perform basic functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. George, MO: Risk Factors

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

Repetitive 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 — Kind of life repetitive motions, overuse refers to the overworking a muscle without giving your body enough time to recover. This can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without rest in between, or from abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
Age — Tendonitis is more common in people over the age of 40 as tendons become less flexible and strong as we age.
Poor posture — Tendonitis is more likely to occur when the muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and arms receive undue stress because of poor posture.
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 — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and cause increased tension on the tendons.
Inactivity — Being sedentary for long periods of time can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood 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 St. George, MO are avoidable, you need to to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of appropriate posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Furthermore, getting treatment for any medical conditions related to 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. George, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your St. George, MO physical therapist can help you to design a personalized 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 essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve mobility and strength.
Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. 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 treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy 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 increase blood flow, while cold works to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in and around the affected tendon. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce tension on the affected tendon. This may involve changing the way you move or getting new equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on correct body movements to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.

Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is meant to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the injured tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to the activities you most enjoy. Beyond some of the above treatment methods, we’ll also include 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 root causes of tendonitis. St. George, MO physical therapists can identify 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. George, MO

If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in St. George, MO, there are several things you can do to get the most out of your first appointment:

Collect information — Before your appointment, write down information 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 better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Wear loose clothing — You may be asked to perform certain movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
Bring any relevant medical records — If you have seen a doctor 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 and their experience. This will help you to get 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. George, 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. George, 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. George, 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. George, MO include:

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

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

Tendonitis can be a frustrating and weakening condition, but with the right treatment, you can regain 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. George, 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 keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in St. George, 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.