Tendonitis is a common condition caused by overuse of a tendon, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Physiotherapy interventions such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing of the affected tendon.
Tendons are tough, flexible, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones throughout our bodies, allowing our contractile muscles to move our skeletons.
Tendonitis is an active inflammation of the tendon as a result of overuse or improper use. Overuse may involve doing an activity repetitively without proper rest, or progressing training volume or intensity too quickly, not allowing enough time for the body to adapt. Improper use may involve poor movement mechanics resulting from weakness in stabilizing muscles or tension or stiffness in certain muscles or joints.
Tendonitis typically involves a gradual onset of pain and dysfunction as repetitive strain causes the fibres of the tendon to slowly break down. This breakdown is initially healed by the body. If it continues, it reaches a point where the breakdown is happening faster than the body can heal, and at that point your body will give you pain as a signal that you need to make a change. The damage to the tendon leads to inflammation (swelling) and pain. Your body tries to heal, by producing scar tissue to protect the injured area. This scar tissue causes a thickening of the tendon.
Your Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist will fully asses you to determine the cause of the problem. It is imperative that this cause is found and treated. In order to address the cause, the therapist will provide customized exercises that will help correct any weaknesses or muscle imbalances as well as any tension and mobility issues. They will also provide hands-on therapy to release the tight muscles and mobilize stiff joints. Acupuncture may be used to reduce pain and promote healing of the tendon. Dry needling is another option that may be used to release trigger points in the muscle. As with any repetitive strain injury, finding the problem and correcting it is integral to healing. The earlier an injury is treated, the faster it will heal. A typical healing time frame of 6-8 weeks can be expected, depending on the severity of the damage and how long it has been occurring.
As with all injuries, this information is simply a guide, and it is always best to check in with a Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist to have a personalized assessment and hear recommendations for what you and your body may specifically need.
Inertia Physio+ offers Kanata and Stittsville exceptional Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy and Registered Massage Therapy with private treatment rooms, one on one care, a maximum of two patients per hour and treatment focused on the evidence based practices of manual and exercise therapy. Don’t suffer any longer. If you have pain or injury, our Kanata and Stittsville Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy and Registered Massage Therapy team is here to help you get back to life pain free life and activities. Please reach out to us at (613) 672-2200 or info@inertiaphysio.ca for an appointment today! You are also welcome to book online. We also offer direct billing on Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy services whenever your plan allows.
