Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Sunset Hills, MO. Tendonitis can greatly affect our day-to-day life and our ability to do the things we find the most joy in. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to ease pain and stiffness and get you back to the type of life you want. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional Sunset Hills, MO physical therapists at Axes are standing by to create a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to request an appointment in Sunset Hills, MO and begin your journey towards regaining your mobility and freedom.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of tendonitis in Sunset Hills, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, 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.
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common issue that affects half) of physically active adults. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or aggravated, causing pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they play a crucial role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it happens most frequently in joints and extremities.
Identification of tendonitis involves an examination by a medical expert in Sunset Hills, MO to check for pain and swelling and evaluate range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
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 types of tendonitis our Sunset Hills, MO physical therapists most frequently treat include:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it connects 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 abrupt 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 the heel, particularly 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 left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it permits you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that require jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and soreness around the patellar tendon, 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 four muscles that come together as tendons that protects your shoulder and allows it to move. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common condition that affects people who take part in activities that require repeated overhead arm movements, such as in swimming 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 injured shoulder.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the outer side of the wrist. Women are most likely to get it, and it is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when typing or gardening.
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 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, such as 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 referred to 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. 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 swelling and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness on the inside part of your arm, which can sometimes extend down to the forearm and wrist. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to carry things or perform everyday activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO: Are You at Risk?
There are numerous risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, such as:
- 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 repeated motions, overuse means extended use of a particular tendon without proper rest or recovery. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people who are middle aged and older as tendons get less elastic as we get older.
- Poor posture — Poor posture can put strain on the tendons and muscles in the neck, shoulders, and arms, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
- 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.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also be caused by 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 stress on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living a sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in Sunset Hills, MO can be prevented, you need to to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, practicing proper posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. 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 the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your Sunset Hills, 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 an important part of physical therapy for tendonitis. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and sort out any muscle imbalances.
- Manual physical therapy is utilizes hands-on techniques to ease pain and improve mobility. 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 soft tissue 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 stimulate the muscles and encourage healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to promote healing, while cold works to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to ease pain and improve mobility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
- Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce tension on the affected 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 proper ergonomics to help prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also provide guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is intended to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the injured 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 include injury prevention into your physical therapy program 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. Sunset Hills, MO physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and implement a personalized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Sunset Hills, MO
If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in Sunset Hills, MO, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your 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 help 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 loose clothing.
- Bring any relevant medical records — 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 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 first physical therapy appointment in Sunset Hills, MO, you can help to ensure that you receive the most effective 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 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 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:
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
- Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
- Migraine Relief
- Sprain and Strain Treatment
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening injury, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 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.