Tendonitis Treatment in Wood River, IL | Axes Physical Therapy

Tendonitis treatment in Wood River, IL. Tendonitis can greatly limit our lifestyle and ability to enjoy the things we love most. Luckily, there are various treatment options available to manage tendonitis, promote healing, and get you back to the level of activity you’re used to. If you’re dealing with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Qualified, professional Wood River, IL physical therapists at Axes are here to create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on track. Call the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Wood River, IL and begin your path towards regaining your mobility and freedom.

If you’re suffering from any of the warning signs of tendonitis in Wood River, IL, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Wood River, 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.

What Is Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common issue that affects many people globally. You get tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed or aggravated, causing pain and lack of mobility. Tendons are the tough 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 in any part of the body, but it happens most frequently in joints and extremities.

Diagnosis of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a doctor in Wood River, IL. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to check the diagnosis and extent of the condition.

Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Wood River, IL

Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, due to a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Wood River, IL physical therapists most frequently deal with 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 a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports involving jumping or quick changes 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, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain sometimes presents itself during activity, and it can get worse over time if you don’t seek out treatment.

Patellar Tendonitis

The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the tibia, and it allows you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that necessitate jumping, like basketball or volleyball.

Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, especially during activity. The pain can intensify when going up the stairs stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a long time.

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 baseball or painting.

Symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include soreness and weakness in the shoulder, especially when moving your arm upward or rotating it forward. The pain can also intensify in the evening or if you sleep 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. It is more common in women than men and it is often caused by repeating the samehand movements movements, such as when sewing 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 known 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 tools.

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 referred to 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, hence the name. However, it can also be the result of other repetitive movements. 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 tenderness on the inside part of your arm, which occasionally radiates to the forearm and wrist. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to carry things or perform everyday functions.

Tendonitis Treatment in Wood River, IL: Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, including:

• Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, such as typing or painting, can cause strain on the tendons and lead to tendonitis.
• Overuse — Similar to repetitive motions, overuse means 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 abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity before your body is ready for it.
• Age — Tendonitis is more common in people over the age of 40 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 are overworked because of 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 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 — Being sedentary for long periods of time can negatively affect a tendon’s strength and flexibility, 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, such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.

Although not all cases of tendonitis in Wood River, IL can be prevented, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and try to improve any that may apply to you. This may mean taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of correct posture, and staying active. Additionally, getting 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 Wood River, IL 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 Wood River, IL physical therapist will form a team with you and your physician to implement a personalized treatment plan to help ease your pain and discomfort and prevent further damage to the affected tendon. Below 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 range of motion and correct any muscle imbalances.
• In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use 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 type of physical therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and encourage healing.
• Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for tendonitis. 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 thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to ease pain and improve flexibility. By making tiny tears in your tendon, trigger point dry needling stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
• Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce pressure on the affected tendon. This may involve changing the way you move or getting new 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. They may also offer guidance on changes to your lifestyle such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.

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 affected tendon to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to the activities you most enjoy. Beyond some of the above treatment methods, we’ll also include 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 root causes of tendonitis. Wood River, IL physical therapists can locate areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address those issues.

How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Wood River, IL

If you are seeking out physical therapy for tendonitis treatment in Wood River, IL, 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 you first got them, how long you’ve had them, what activities aggravate them, and what, if anything, provides relief. This will help your physical therapist to get a better sense of your injury and needs.
• Wear loose clothing — Your physical therapist may want to see you perform certain movements during your appointment, so it is important to wear loose clothing.
• Bring any relevant medical information — If you have seen a doctor about your symptoms, 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 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 Wood River, IL, 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 Wood River, IL

While not every tendonitis case is preventable, 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 Wood River, 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 Wood River, 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 Wood River, IL

Tendonitis can be a frustrating and debilitating 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 Wood River, IL patients overcome tendonitis and return to their normal activities with an entirely new outlook on physical activity. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t let it keep you from things you love. Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Wood River, 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.