Tendonitis Treatment in Swansea, IL | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Swansea, IL. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the activities we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to lessen pain and stiffness and return you to the lifestyle you’re used to. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Swansea, IL physical therapists at Axes are here to recommend 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 make an appointment in Swansea, IL and start your path towards healing.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Swansea, IL, come to any Axes location for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Swansea, IL 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 condition that affects half) of physically active adults. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or irritated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they play a vital role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in joints in your arms and legs.
Identification of tendonitis involves an examination by a medical expert in Swansea, IL to check for pain and swelling and assess range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to verify the diagnosis and extent of the condition.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Swansea, IL
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The types of tendonitis our Swansea, IL physical therapists most frequently deal with include:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, 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 involving jumping or abrupt changes 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 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 affixes the kneecap to the front of your leg, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, like basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around and within your kneecap, especially during activity. The pain may also worsen when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a long time.
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 condition often caught by people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in baseball or painting.
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 worsen 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 repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when sewing or gardening.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation 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 join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is most frequently due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example playing tennis or using tools.
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, hence the name. But, 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 tenderness 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 grip objects or perform everyday activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Swansea, IL: Are You at Risk?
There are numerous risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing tendonitis, including:
- Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can aggravate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse means overworking a joint without allowing your body to recover. Overuse 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 who are middle aged and older as tendons tear more easily 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 due to poor posture.
- Lack of flexibility — Less physically active people who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- Muscle imbalances — Unbalances can result from some muscles being stronger or weaker than others, which puts more tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, for example corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in Swansea, IL are preventable, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors 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. Additionally, getting treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Swansea, IL for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is usually the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Swansea, IL physical therapist will work with you and your doctor to create a personalized physical therapy plan to help alleviate your symptoms and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. 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 range of motion and correct any muscle imbalances.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to alleviate 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 high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into muscles and tendons and create a gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- 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 a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Heat can help to increase blood flow, 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 stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
- Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce tension on the affected tendon. This may include adjusting your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you correct ergonomics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also provide advice 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 intended to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while promoting flexibility and healing of the affected tendon to restore normal function and get you back to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above techniques, we’ll also incorporate 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 root causes of tendonitis. Swansea, IL physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and implement a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Swansea, IL
If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Swansea, IL, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when they started, how long you’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 movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
- 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 may have about your condition, treatment options, what you can do to reduce the risk of future injury, 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 Swansea, IL, 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 Swansea, IL
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 Swansea, IL:
- 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 Swansea, IL include:
- 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
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Swansea, IL
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 Swansea, IL patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Swansea, IL 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.