Tendonitis

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis, also known as tendinopathy, is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. It typically occurs due to repetitive motion, overuse, or sudden trauma, and it can affect any tendon in the body. The most common areas for tendonitis include the shoulders (rotator cuff), elbows (tennis elbow), wrists, knees (patellar tendonitis), and Achilles tendons. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the affected area.

While tendonitis can be acute, it can also become a chronic condition if left untreated, leading to long-term pain and dysfunction. It is essential to seek proper care and treatment early on to prevent the injury from worsening and to allow for proper healing.

What Causes Tendonitis?

The most common causes of tendonitis include:

• Overuse or Repetitive Movements: Engaging in repetitive motions in sports, work, or daily activities can cause micro-tears in the tendon fibers, leading to inflammation.
• Age: As we age, tendons lose some of their elasticity and become more prone to injury and inflammation.
• Improper Technique: Poor form or posture during physical activity, such as lifting or running, can place excessive strain on tendons.
• Sudden Increase in Activity: Sudden, intense physical activity or exertion without proper conditioning can overload tendons, leading to inflammation.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

• Pain or tenderness along the tendon or joint, especially when moving the affected area
• Swelling or warmth around the joint
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after resting
• A feeling of weakness in the affected area
• Limited range of motion and difficulty performing certain movements or activities

How Regain Rehab Physio Can Help with Tendonitis

At Regain Rehab Physio in Brampton, we understand the impact that tendonitis can have on your daily life, and we are here to help you manage and treat the condition effectively. Our team of expert physiotherapists uses a holistic approach that combines hands-on treatment, targeted exercises, and education to help you recover from tendonitis and prevent future flare-ups.

1. Personalized Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step in addressing tendonitis is a comprehensive assessment. Our physiotherapists will carefully evaluate the affected area, take a detailed history of your symptoms, and perform physical tests to assess strength, flexibility, and range of motion. We will then work with you to identify the underlying cause of your tendonitis, whether it’s overuse, poor biomechanics, or posture issues.

2. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, joint manipulation, and myofascial release, can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and promote healing in the affected tendon. These techniques are used to alleviate tightness in the surrounding muscles and tissues, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation in the tendon.

3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
We design personalized exercise programs to target the specific tendon and surrounding muscles. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility and relieve tension in the tendon, while strengthening exercises build muscle support around the tendon, reducing strain and preventing further injury. Eccentric strengthening, which involves controlled lengthening of the muscle, is particularly effective for tendonitis treatment.

4. Pain Management
Our physiotherapists use various modalities, such as heat and cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, to manage pain and reduce inflammation. These therapies are non-invasive and can be highly effective in alleviating symptoms of tendonitis and speeding up the healing process.

5. Posture and Movement Education
One of the key aspects of preventing tendonitis from recurring is correcting improper movement patterns and posture. Our physiotherapists provide education on how to perform activities and exercises with proper technique to reduce strain on the affected tendon. This may include advice on body mechanics for lifting, sitting, or running, and suggestions on ergonomics for workplace settings.

6. Injury Prevention Strategies
To ensure that tendonitis doesn’t return, our physiotherapists provide long-term strategies that include strength training, stretching, and lifestyle modifications. We also assess your biomechanics to identify any imbalances or weaknesses that could contribute to future tendon injuries.

Why Choose Regain Rehab Physio for Tendonitis Treatment?

At Regain Rehab Physio, we are dedicated to offering the highest quality care to help you recover from tendonitis and return to an active, pain-free life. Our team of experienced physiotherapists utilizes evidence-based treatments and customized care plans to address the root causes of your condition and guide you through a safe and effective recovery process. We prioritize your long-term health by not only treating the current symptoms but also equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent future injuries.

If you’re struggling with tendonitis or think you might have it, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Contact us at Regain Rehab Physio in Brampton today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward full recovery.