Physiotherapy for Tendonitis: How Does It Help?

We can injure ourselves in a huge range of different ways, some being serious and others being more minor incidents. Each part of our body can be exposed to some sort of damage, your tendons being one! Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone, and they help move bones and joints when the muscles contract.

There are multiple injuries that can occur due to the tendons, with the main types including:

• Tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon
• Tendinopathy – gradual deterioration of a tendon
• Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the protective sheath that surrounds a tendon
• Tendon rupture – a sudden tear in a tendon

The most commonly affected areas for tendon injuries tend to be the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and fingers, most of which we use a lot on a day to day basis.

How do tendon injuries occur?

We usually end up damaging a tendon through sport activities; ones that involve a sudden movement such as jumping or throwing something, or even due to repeated overuse of a tendon perhaps through running.

Tendons can also be impaired through repetitive strain. Usually by regularly using a computer mouse or keyboard we can develop repetitive strain injury.

How do I know if I have tendonitis?

Symptoms of tendonitis will often include pain or stiffness in the affected area, especially when you try to move it and it can sometimes be worse in the morning. The area could also feel weak and you may not be able to move a joint as you would normally. On top of this, you may also feel a sensation that the tendon is grating or crackling as it moves. The area may also be swollen.

If you encounter a tendon rupture, you will probably feel sudden and severe pain which may settle into a continuous, dull ache. Movement could become almost impossible in the affected area.

How to treat tendonitis

While some tendon injuries can be treated at home, simply by resting the affected area, there could be instances where physiotherapy for tendonitis can help. If your symptoms of tendonitis do not improve within a few weeks, physio could ensure the tendon returns to its normal state.

Aims of physiotherapy for tendonitis include to relieve the symptoms including stiffness and pain, while maintaining and improving muscle strength. This should hopefully prevent further injury and enable you to return to your normal activities!

Here at Physio Wellbeing our goal is to get you back to full health and fitness. If you have any enquiries or need any advice on treatment, book an appointment with us today.