Tendonitis Treatment in Woodhine Heights, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Woodhine Heights, MO. Tendonitis can greatly affect our day-to-day life and our ability to do the activities we find the most joy in. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to ease your symptoms and get you back to the type of life you want. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, don’t suffer in silence. Seek treatment from a professional Woodhine Heights, MO physical therapist at Axes who can recommend a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to request an appointment in Woodhine Heights, MO and begin your path towards recovery.
If you think you may have tendonitis in Woodhine Heights, MO, come visit us for an injury screening. If you’ve already received a tendonitis diagnosis, ask them if physical therapy in Woodhine Heights, 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 many people around the world. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons become swollen or irritated, causing pain and stiffness. Tendons are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones, and they are extremely important for our body’s movement. Tendonitis can occur to any tendon, but it is most common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Identification of tendonitis involves an examination by a medical expert in Woodhine Heights, MO to check for symptoms and evaluate range of motion. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be used to verify the condition and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Woodhine Heights, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, in a range of circumstances. The most common types of tendonitis our Woodhine Heights, MO physical therapists treat are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects runners and athletes who participate in sports that require jumping or sudden changes in direction. It is also more common in people 30 or older and those who have flat feet.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and lack of motion in the back of the heel, especially after you’ve been off your feet for a period. The pain may also be present during activity, and it can worsen over time if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shinbone, and it permits you to straighten your leg. Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, typically occurs in athletes who play sports that require 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 also worsen when climbing stairs or after sitting for long periods.
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 that affects people who, whether for work, sport, or pleasure, perform repeated overhead arm movements, such as in swimming 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 worsen at night or if you sleep 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 repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as when typing or playing an instrument.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, and difficulty holding tightly to objects.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is the inflammation or microtearing of 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 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 affects the inner side of the elbow. It occurs frequently in golfers, which is how it got its name. However, 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 small tears to form, 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. There may also be weakness and stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to carry things or perform normal activities.
Tendonitis Treatment in Woodhine Heights, MO: Risk Factors
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to you getting tendonitis, including:
- Repetitive motions and overuse — Repeating the same motion over and over, whether in the workplace, for sport, or in everyday life, can aggravate the tendons and cause tendonitis.
- Overuse — Kind of life repeated motions, overuse refers to the overworking a tendon without proper rest or recovery. Overuse can occur from heavy physical activity without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing how hard you work the tendon before your body is ready for it.
- Age — Tendonitis is more common in people 40 or older 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 more prone to developing tendonitis.
- Trauma — Tendonitis can also occur because of direct trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
- Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and lead to increased pressure on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Living a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and tendons and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the chances 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 Woodhine Heights, MO can be prevented, it’s important to know what the risk factors are and take steps to minimize their impact. This may mean taking frequent breaks during strenuous activities, studying appropriate technique, being aware of 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 Woodhine Heights, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is often the first and best way tendonitis is treated. Your Woodhine Heights, MO physical therapist can help you to develop a customized physical therapy plan to help relieve your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Below are some physical therapy treatments that help people with tendonitis:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are vital for any tendonitis treatment plan. These exercises can help to improve mobility and correct any muscle imbalances.
- In Manual physical therapy your therapist will use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve range of motion. It may include massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization.
- Ultrasound therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses sound waves to penetrate deep into soft tissue 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 stimulate the muscles and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are commonly used in physical therapy for a wide range of muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries. Heat can help to send more blood to the affected area, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Dry needling is refers to inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in the muscles to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. 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 stress on the affected soft tissue. This may involve making improvements to your technique or equipment, or taking breaks to rest the affected area.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you correct body mechanics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also offer guidance on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.
The goal of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the injured soft tissue to restore normal function and return you to the activities you love most. Beyond some of the above treatment methods, we’ll also incorporate 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 underlying causes of tendonitis. Woodhine Heights, MO physical therapists can discover areas of that need improved strength and flexibility, and design a customized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Woodhine Heights, MO
If you are having symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to seek treatment from a physical therapist in Woodhine Heights, 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 they started, how long you’ve had them, what makes them worse or better. 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 movements 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 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 Woodhine Heights, 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 Woodhine Heights, 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 Woodhine Heights, 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 Woodhine Heights, 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 Woodhine Heights, MO
Tendonitis can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but with safe and effective treatments, 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 Woodhine Heights, 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 Woodhine Heights, 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.