Tendonitis Treatment in Womack, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Womack, MO. Tendonitis can greatly impact our daily life and our ability to do the things we love most. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to ease pain and stiffness and get you back to the lifestyle you want. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Qualified, professional Womack, MO physical therapists at Axes are standing by to recommend a personalized treatment plan that gets you feeling better than you did before. Contact the Axes location nearest you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in Womack, MO and start your path towards healing.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Womack, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Womack, 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. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become inflamed or irritated, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are the tough cords that allow our muscles to power our bones, and they play a vital role in our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur in any part of the body, but it happens most frequently in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Identification of tendonitis involves an appointment with a medical expert in Womack, MO 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 determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Womack, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our Womack, MO physical therapists see are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscles to the back of your foot. Achilles tendonitis is often caught by runners and athletes who play sports that require jumping or abrupt changes in direction. Being over 30 and having flat feet are known risk factors.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the back of your foot, particularly after weaking up or after periods of inactivity. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can worsen over the long term if left untreated.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shinbone, and it helps in straightening the leg. Patellar tendonitis, also referred to as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who participate in sports that necessitate jumping, such as 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 period.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surrounds the shoulder joint, and it helps in the movement of the arm. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common injury that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repetitive overhead arm movements, such as in basketball 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 can also worsen 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 outer side of the wrist. It is more common in women than men 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 inflammation at the base of the thumb, and difficulty holding tightly to objects.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside 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 soreness on the outer part of the elbow, and a weak grip.
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. But, it can also to anyone who frequently uses forceful wrist and finger motions. 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 soreness 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 basic functions.
Tendonitis Treatment in Womack, 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 at work, a hobby, or in everyday life, can irritate the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
- Overuse — Similar to repeated motions, overuse means overworking a tendon without proper rest or recovery. This can occur from engaging in a particular activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, 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 40 or older as tendons get less flexible 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 are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be more susceptible to developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- Muscle imbalances — Unbalances may arise when stronger muscles in some muscles than others, which puts more tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the likelihood 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 risk of developing tendonitis.
Although not all instances of tendonitis in Womack, MO can be prevented, you need to to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any you may be experiencing. This may mean resting often during repetitive activities, studying safe techniques, practicing appropriate posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. 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 to prevent its development.
Physical Therapy in Womack, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for tendonitis, as it doesn’t require surgery and has a long track record of success. Your Womack, MO physical therapist will partner with you and your physician to implement a customized physical therapy plan to help ease your symptoms 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 essential to any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises can help to improve range of motion and sort out any muscle imbalances.
- Manual physical therapy is utilizes hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve range of motion. 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 encourage healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are commonly 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 swelling and ease pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves 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 stress on the affected tendon. This may involve making improvements to your technique or equipment, or resting more during intense physical activity.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you proper ergonomics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. They 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 reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and encouraging healing of the injured tendon to restore normal function and return you 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 in top shape once you get back there. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing the underlying causes of tendonitis. Womack, MO physical therapists can discover areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and design a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Womack, MO
If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Womack, MO, there are several 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 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 comfortable clothing — You may be asked to perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
- Bring any relevant medical information — If you have had any imaging or medical tests done related to your injury, bring the records with you to your appointment.
- Prepare questions — Write down any questions you may have 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 out of your appointment, help your physical therapist understand you better, 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 Womack, 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 Womack, 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 Womack, 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 Womack, 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 Womack, MO
Tendonitis can be a frustrating and weakening condition, but with the right treatment, you can regain 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 Womack, 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 Womack, 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.