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 limit our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the activities we find the most joy in. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to lessen your symptoms and return you to the type of life you want. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek treatment from a licensed St. Louis, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a personalized treatment plan to get you back on track. Contact the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment in St. Louis, MO and start your path towards healing.

If you think you may have tendonitis in St. Louis, 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. 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 many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or irritated, causing pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play a crucial role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it is most common in joints and extremities.

Diagnosis of tendonitis involves an appointment with a medical expert in St. Louis, MO to check for symptoms and evaluate 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. Louis, MO | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near St. Louis

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

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our St. Louis, MO physical therapists most frequently deal with include:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it attaches the calf muscles to the back of your foot. 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 associated 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 get worse over the long term if left untreated.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the tibia, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that involve jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and irritation around the patellar tendon, particularly in moments where you’re physically active. The pain can also worsen when going up the stairs stairs or after sitting for long periods.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and 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 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 moving your arm upward or rotating it forward. The pain may also intensify in the evening or when lying on the injured shoulder.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from irritation or welling of the tendons located on the outer 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 playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty a “sticking” or “snapping” feeling when moving the thumb or wrist.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is most frequently caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as 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 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. 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 small tears to form, leading to irritation 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 carry things or perform normal functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis, MO: Risk Factors

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

Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means excessive use of a particular muscle or joint without giving your body enough time to recover. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
Age — Tendonitis is more common in people 40 or older as tendons get less flexible as we get older.
Poor posture — Poor posture can put undue tension on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
Lack of flexibility — Individuals who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be more susceptible to developing tendonitis.
Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
Muscle imbalances — Unbalances can result from stronger muscles in some muscles than others, which puts more strain on the tendons.
Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, like 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.

Although not all cases of tendonitis in St. Louis, MO can be avoided, it’s important to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, studying safe techniques, practicing proper posture, and staying active. Furthermore, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be harmed.

Physical Therapy in St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO physical therapist can help you to implement a customized exercise plan to help ease your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Here 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 mobility and sort out any muscle imbalances.
Manual physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve flexibility. Techniques 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 provide a gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces swelling.
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 a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected tendon, while cold works to reduce inflammation 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 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 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 prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.

Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is meant to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to the activities you love most. In addition to some of the above treatment methods, we’ll also incorporate 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 underlying causes of tendonitis. St. Louis, MO physical therapists can locate areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and implement a customized treatment plan to address those issues.

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

If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist 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 they started, 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 comfortable clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows to move around easily.
Bring any relevant medical information — 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 injury, prognosis, and possible treatment, or even questions about the physical therapist and their experience. 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. Louis, 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. Louis, MO

While not every tendonitis injury 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. 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 an exasperating and weakening injury, but with safe and effective treatments, 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. Louis, 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. 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.