Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Sunset Hills, MO. Tendonitis can greatly affect our everyday life and our ability to do the things we love most. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to lessen pain and stiffness and return you to the level of activity you desire. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Sunset Hills, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to recommend a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Reach out to the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to make an appointment in Sunset Hills, MO and begin your path towards healing.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of tendonitis in Sunset Hills, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Sunset Hills, 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 injury that affects many people around the world. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become inflamed or aggravated, lead to pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, and they are extremely important for our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it is most common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Identification of tendonitis requires an appointment with a medical expert in Sunset Hills, 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.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our Sunset Hills, MO physical therapists see are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, and it is used when you walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or quick 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 lack of motion in the back of your foot, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a while. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can get worse over the long term if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the front of your leg, 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 involve jumping, like basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around and within your kneecap, particularly during activity. The pain can intensify 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 condition 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 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 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” sensation when moving the thumb or wrist.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called 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, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
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 referred to 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. This condition is common among 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 excess stress on the tendons in the forearm and elbow can cause small tears to form, leading to swelling and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and irritation on the inner side of the elbow, which can sometimes extend down to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to carry things or perform everyday functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO: Are You at Risk?
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, whether in the workplace, a hobby, or in general life, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse refers to the overworking a muscle without proper rest or recovery. Overuse can occur from engaging in a specific activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing how hard you train the joint before your body is ready for it.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people 40 or 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 due to poor posture.
- Lack of flexibility — Less physically active people who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also be caused by direct trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
- Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and cause increased pressure on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in Sunset Hills, MO are preventable, you need to to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, studying appropriate technique, being aware of good posture, and staying active. Furthermore, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Sunset Hills, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it’s non-invasive and has a demonstrated history of success. Your Sunset Hills, MO physical therapist will form a team with you and your physician to develop a customized physical therapy plan to help ease your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. The following are some of the ways that physical therapy can help treat tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises work to improve mobility and strength.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use 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 sound waves to treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
- 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 promote healing, while cold works 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 tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
- Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce pressure on the injured tendon. This may include making improvements to your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you correct body mechanics to help prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also provide advice 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 promoting flexibility and healing of the affected soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to the activities you most enjoy. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also include injury prevention into your treatments so you can stay active and stay healthy. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. Sunset Hills, MO physical therapists can discover areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and implement a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Sunset Hills, MO
If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Sunset Hills, 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 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 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 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 results with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you can think of about your condition, treatment options, what you can do to reduce the risk of future injury, or even questions about the physical therapist themselves. 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, MO include:
- Dry Needling Near Me
- Manual Physical Therapy
- Orthopedic Rehab Near Me
- Beginner Running Program
- Chronic Pain Treatment
- Spine Specialist Near Me
- MCL Injury
- Shoulder Pain
- Injury Prevention
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO
Tendonitis can be a frustrating 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 Sunset Hills, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Sunset Hills, 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.