Tendonitis Treatment in Washington, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Washington, MO. Tendonitis can greatly impact our day-to-day life and our ability to do the things we love most. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the lifestyle you want. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek treatment from a licensed Washington, MO physical therapist at Axes who can design a customized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Contact the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Washington, MO and begin your path towards healing.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Washington, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Washington, 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 injury that affects half) of physically active adults. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or aggravated, lead to pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the fibrous cords that attach muscles to 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.
Diagnosis of tendonitis requires an appointment with a medical expert in Washington, MO to check for pain and swelling and assess range of motion. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be used to confirm the condition and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Washington, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our Washington, MO physical therapists see 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 a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports that require jumping or abrupt changes in direction. It is also more common in people 30 or older and people 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 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 called jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, such as basketball or volleyball.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, especially in moments where you’re physically active. The pain may get worse 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 keeps your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury often caught by people who take part in activities that require repeated overhead arm movements, such as in basketball or painting.
Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain and weakness in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. The pain can also intensify at night or when lying on the affected shoulder.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that results from aggravation or inflammation 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 typing 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 known as 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, like playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and irritation 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 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, 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 inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and soreness 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 basic activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Washington, MO: Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, including:
- 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 repetitive motions, overuse refers to the prolonged use of a particular muscle or joint without proper rest or recovery. Overuse 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 is more common in people 40 or older as tendons become less flexible and strong as we get older.
- 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 don’t regularly work on their flexibility may be more prone to developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of direct trauma such as a fall or direct impact while playing sports.
- Muscle imbalances — Unbalances may arise when stronger muscles in some muscles than others, which puts more tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living an inactive lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk 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 risk of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in Washington, 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 repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, practicing appropriate posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Additionally, seeking treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or going to physical therapy, can also help to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Washington, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Washington, MO physical therapist can help you to design a personalized exercise plan to help ease your symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Here are some physical therapy treatments that help people with 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. 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 muscles and tendons and create a gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief 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 can help to reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting tiny needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. 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 tension on the affected tendon. This may include 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 correct body movements to help reduce the risk of re-injury. They may also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.
The aim of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to decrease pain, inflammation, and stiffness while encouraging flexibility and healing of the affected tendon to restore normal function and get you back to the activities you love most. Beyond some of the above treatment modalities, we’ll also incorporate 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. Washington, MO physical therapists can identify areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and implement a customized treatment plan to address those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Washington, MO
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Washington, MO, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your first appointment:
- Collect information — Before your appointment, write down details about your symptoms, including when they started, how long they’ve had them, what makes them worse or provides relief. This will help 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 for ease of movement.
- Bring any relevant medical records — If you have seen a doctor about your injury, bring the records 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 prevent further injury, 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 first physical therapy appointment in Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, MO
Tendonitis can be a frustrating and debilitating 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 Washington, 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 control your life. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Washington, 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.