Tendonitis Treatment in Twin Oaks, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Twin Oaks, MO. Tendonitis can greatly limit our mobility and ability to enjoy the things we most love doing. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to relieve pain and stiffness and return you to the lifestyle you’re used to. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on track. Reach out to the Axes location nearest you or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment in Twin Oaks, MO and start your journey towards regaining your mobility and freedom.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Twin Oaks, MO, come to any Axes location for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Twin Oaks, 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 issue that affects many people around the world. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become swollen or irritated, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are the thick cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they are extremely important for how we move in sports, other physical activities, and in daily life. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it happens most frequently in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a healthcare professional in Twin Oaks, MO. 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 Twin Oaks, MO
Tendonitis can occur to any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists most frequently deal with are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or sudden shifts in direction. It is also more common in people who are over 30 years old and those who have flat feet.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of your foot, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a period. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can get worse over time if left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that affects athletes who play sports that require jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and irritation around and within your kneecap, especially in moments where you’re physically active. The pain may also worsen when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a period.
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 that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated 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 may also intensify at night or if you sleep on the affected 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 repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when sewing or playing an instrument.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and inflammation where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. It is often due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and irritation on the outer part of the elbow, and weak grip strength.
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. 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 microtears, leading to swelling and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which occasionally radiates to the forearm and wrist. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to grip objects or perform normal functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in Twin Oaks, MO: Are You at Risk?
There are several risk factors that make you more susceptible to developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether in the workplace, for sport, or in everyday life, can cause strain on the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means excessive use of a particular muscle or joint without giving your body enough time to recover. This can occur from heavy physical activity without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people over the age of 40 as tendons tear more easily 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 due to 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 be caused by 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 negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
- Medications — Certain medications, like corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in Twin Oaks, MO are avoidable, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, studying safe techniques, understanding good posture, and staying active. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions that increase the risk of tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be harmed.
Physical Therapy in Twin Oaks, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Twin Oaks, MO physical therapist will work with you and your physician to develop a personalized physical therapy plan to help alleviate 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 range of motion and sort out any muscle imbalances.
- 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 high-frequency 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 encourage healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for tendonitis. 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 encourages the body to heal itself.
- Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce stress on the injured soft tissue. This may involve changing the way you move or getting new equipment, or resting more during exercise.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you proper body mechanics to help prevent further injury. The physical therapist may also offer advice on lifestyle modifications such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote optimal function and mobility.
Tendonitis treatment by way of physical therapy is intended to decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the injured tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to the activities you love most. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also include 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 root causes of tendonitis. Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists can discover areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and develop a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Twin Oaks, MO
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Twin Oaks, MO, there are several 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 allow 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 loose clothing.
- Bring any relevant medical information — If you have seen a physician about your symptoms, bring the results 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 themselves. 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 physical therapy in Twin Oaks, MO, 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 Twin Oaks, MO
While not every tendonitis injury is avoidable, 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 Twin Oaks, 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 Twin Oaks, MO 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 Twin Oaks, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and weakening condition, but with safe and effective treatments, 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 Twin Oaks, 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 Twin Oaks, 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.