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

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

Tendonitis treatment in St. Louis, MO. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the activities we most love doing. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and return you to the level of activity you want. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek treatment from a qualified St. Louis, MO physical therapist at Axes who can create a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to make an appointment in St. Louis, MO and begin your journey towards healing.

If you think you may have tendonitis in St. Louis, MO, come to any Axes location for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in St. Louis, 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 up to (50%. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become swollen or irritated, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are the fibrous 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 joints and extremities.

Diagnosis of tendonitis involves a physical exam by a doctor in St. Louis, MO. 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. Louis, MO | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near St. Louis

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

Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our St. Louis, MO physical therapists treat are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it is used when you walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or abrupt shifts in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are associated risk factors.

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

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon attaches 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 necessitate jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around and within your kneecap, particularly during activity. 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 keeps your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury often caught by people who participate in activities that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in swimming or using a hammer.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain 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 injured shoulder.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Women are most likely to get it, and it is often caused by repeating the samehand movements movements, such as when typing or gardening.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation at the base of the thumb, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.

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 often caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example playing tennis or using a screwdriver.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, and a weak grip.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis that affects the inner side of the elbow. This condition is common among golfers, which is how it got its name. But, it can also be the result of other repetitive movements. The excess stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause microtears, leading to inflammation and pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which occasionally spreads to the forearm and wrist. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis, MO: Causes

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 prolonged use of a particular muscle or joint without proper rest or recovery. This can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people over the age of 40 as tendons get less flexible 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 at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of direct trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
Muscle imbalances — Unbalances can result from stronger muscles in some muscles than others, which puts more strain on the tendons.
Inactivity — Living an inactive lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.

While not all instances of tendonitis in St. Louis, MO are preventable, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any that may apply to you. This may include taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, practicing good posture, and staying active. Furthermore, getting treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.

Physical Therapy in St. Louis, MO for Tendonitis Treatment

Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it’s non-invasive and has a long track record of success. Your St. Louis, MO physical therapist will partner with you and your doctor to create a customized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Here are some physical therapy treatments that help those with tendonitis:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises can help to improve flexibility 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 penetrate deep into muscles and tendons and provide a soft heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy 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 promote healing, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting tiny 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 affected tendon. This may include 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 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 goal of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the affected tendon to restore normal function and get you back to what you love doing most. In addition to some of the above treatment modalities, 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. Louis, MO physical therapists can identify areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and create a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.

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

If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in St. Louis, MO, there are a few 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 makes them worse or provides relief. This will help 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 comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
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 can think of about your injury, prognosis, and possible treatment, or even questions about the physical therapist and their experience. 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 physical therapy in St. Louis, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your tendonitis and get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

Tips to Prevent Tendonitis in St. Louis, 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. Louis, 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. Louis, MO include:

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

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

Tendonitis can be a frustrating and debilitating injury, 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. Louis, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in St. Louis, 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.

Tendonitis Treatment St. Louis, MO