Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO | Physical Therapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in Union, MO. Tendonitis can greatly reduce our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the things we most love doing. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the level of activity you want. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek treatment from a qualified Union, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Call the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to make an appointment in Union, MO and begin your journey towards regaining your mobility and freedom.

If you think you may have tendonitis in Union, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Union, 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 many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become swollen or aggravated, lead to pain and stiffness. Tendons are the thick cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they play a crucial role in our body’s movement. 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 Union, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.

Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO | Injury Rehab | Physical Therapy Near Union

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, for a variety of reasons. The most common types of tendonitis our Union, MO physical therapists treat are:

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and it is used when you walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who play sports involving jumping or abrupt shifts in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are associated risk factors.

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 sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can get worse over the long term if left untreated.

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, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that require jumping, like 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 may get worse when going up the stairs 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 condition often caught by people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in tennis 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 can also worsen in the evening or when lying on the affected 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 knitting or playing an instrument.

Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling where the thumb meets the wrist, and difficulty gripping or pinching objects.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It is often due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, for example 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 called medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis that affects the inner side of the 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 inflammation 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. Your elbow may also feel stiff or weak, making it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO: Are You at Risk?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you getting tendonitis, such as:

Repeated 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 refers to the excessive use of a particular tendon without allowing your body to recover. This can occur from engaging in a specific activity or sport for an extended period without rest in between, or from suddenly increasing how hard you train the tendon without proper conditioning.
Age — Tendonitis is more common in people over the age of 40 as tendons tolerate less stress 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 possibility of developing tendonitis.
Lack of flexibility — Individuals who don’t consistently work on their flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and lead to increased tension on the tendons.
Inactivity — Being inactive for long periods of time 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 chances of developing tendonitis.
Medications — Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.

While not all instances of tendonitis in Union, MO can be prevented, it’s important to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include resting often during repetitive activities, studying safe techniques, practicing appropriate posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Furthermore, getting treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.

Physical Therapy in Union, 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 Union, MO physical therapist will form a team with you and your physician to create a personalized physical therapy plan to help ease your pain and discomfort 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 essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises work to improve mobility and correct any muscle imbalances.
In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to relieve 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 treat soft tissue injuries like tendonitis.
Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and promote healing.
Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected area, while cold works to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in and around the affected tendon. By making these minuscule tears, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Activity modification as recommended by your physical therapist can reduce pressure on the affected soft tissue. This may involve changing the way you move or getting new equipment, or resting more during intense physical activity.
Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can provide education on proper body mechanics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also provide guidance 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 meant to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the affected tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and get you back to what you love doing most. 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. Union, 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 Union, MO

If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in Union, MO, 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 you first got them, how long you’ve had them, what makes them worse or 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 records — If you have seen a doctor about your symptoms, 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 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 Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, MO include:

Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO | Chronic Injury Treatment | Injury Rehab Near Union

Call Axes Physical Therapy For Tendonitis Treatment in Union, MO

Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating injury, but with the right treatment, you can restore 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 Union, MO patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Union, 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.

Tendonitis Treatment Union, MO