Tendonitis Treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Tendonitis treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO. Tendonitis can greatly affect our everyday life and our ability to do the activities we find the most joy in. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to ease pain and stiffness and return you to the lifestyle you’re used to. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t wait to find relief. Seek treatment from a professional Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist at Axes who can create a customized treatment plan to get you back on track. Reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or contact us through our website to request an appointment in Woodson Terrace, MO and start your journey towards healing.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of tendonitis in Woodson Terrace, MO, come see us for an injury screening. If your physician has already diagnosed you with tendonitis, ask them if physical therapy in Woodson Terrace, 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.
What Is Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common injury that affects half) of physically active adults. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become swollen or aggravated, causing pain and stiffness. Tendons are the fibrous cords that allow our muscles to move our bones, and they play an essential role in 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 the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
Identification of tendonitis requires a physical exam by a doctor in Woodson Terrace, MO. Medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be needed to verify the condition and determine the extent of the injury.
Types of Tendonitis And Their Symptoms | Tendonitis Treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO
Tendonitis can can develop in any tendon in the body, due to a variety of reasons. The types of tendonitis our Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapists most frequently treat are:
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord, 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 known risk factors.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness 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 worsen over time if you don’t seek out treatment.
Patellar Tendonitis
The patellar tendon affixes the kneecap to the shinbone, 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 irritation around the patellar tendon, particularly in moments where you’re physically active. The pain may get worse when climbing stairs or after if your legs have been bent for a period.
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 condition that affects people who take part in activities that require repetitive 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 may also intensify at night or if you sleep on the injured shoulder.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb 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 a condition that affects the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm. It is most frequently caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as playing tennis or using a screwdriver.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and irritation on the outer part of the elbow, and weak grip strength.
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. This condition is common among golfers, hence the 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 microtears, leading to swelling and pain.
Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inside part of your arm, which occasionally spreads 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 Woodson Terrace, MO: Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis, such as:
- Repeated 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 repeated motions, overuse refers to the excessive use of a particular muscle or joint without proper rest or recovery. Overuse can occur from engaging in a specific activity or sport for an extended period without taking breaks, or from abruptly increasing how hard you work the joint without proper conditioning.
- Age — Tendonitis happens more frequently in people over the age of 40 as tendons become less flexible and strong 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 — Less physically active people who are not regularly stretching or engaging in activities that promote flexibility may be at higher risk of developing tendonitis.
- Acute injuries — Tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden injury or trauma to the affected area.
- Muscle imbalances — When some muscles are stronger than others, it can cause imbalances and cause increased tension on the tendons.
- Inactivity — Being sedentary for long periods of time can negatively affect soft tissue’s strength and flexibility, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
- Medical conditions — Certain medical issues, for example rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk 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 Woodson Terrace, MO can be avoided, it’s important to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to minimize their impact. This may include resting often during strenuous activities, using proper form during exercise, being aware of appropriate posture, and engaging in at least moderate physical activity. Furthermore, seeking treatment for any medical conditions related to tendonitis, or seeking out physical therapy before starting physical activity, can also help keep your tendons flexible and strong enough to not be harmed.
Physical Therapy in Woodson Terrace, MO for Tendonitis Treatment
Physical therapy is the first line of defense and treatment for tendonitis. Your Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist will work with you and your physician to implement a personalized physical therapy plan to help ease your pain and discomfort and keep your tendon from becoming more damaged. Here 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 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 penetrate deep into muscles and tendons and create a gentle heat that increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation is a physical therapy treatment that uses electrical currents to provide pain relief and encourage healing.
- Heat and cold therapy are frequently used in physical therapy for a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Heat can help to promote healing, while cold can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific trigger points in and around the affected tendon. By making these micro tears, trigger point dry needling encourages the body to heal itself.
- Activity modificationas discussed between you and your physical therapist, can reduce stress on the injured tendon. This may involve adjusting your technique or equipment, or resting more during intense physical activity.
- Education and lifestyle modifications from your physical therapist can teach you proper body mechanics to help reduce the risk of re-injury. The physical therapist may also offer advice on lifestyle modifications such as nutrition, exercise, and proper posture to help promote healing.
The aim of physical therapy in the treatment of tendonitis is to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while increasing range of motion and promoting healing of the injured soft tissue to restore optimal function and mobility and return you to what you love doing most. Beyond some of the above techniques, we’ll also include injury prevention into your treatments 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. Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapists can discover areas of weakness and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, and create a personalized treatment plan aimed at correcting those issues.
How to Prepare For Your 1st Appointment With a Physical Therapist in Woodson Terrace, MO
If you are suffering from symptoms of tendonitis and have made the decision to get an injury screening from a physical therapist in Woodson Terrace, 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 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 better understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Wear comfortable clothing — You may be asked to perform certain exercises during your appointment, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
- Bring any relevant medical information — If you have seen a physician about your symptoms, bring the results 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 and their experience. 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO
Tendonitis can be an exasperating and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, 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.