Tendonitis

Physiotherapy for Tendonitis

Tendonitis, also known as tendinopathy, is an injury causing pain, stiffness and loss of strength which can develop in any tendon of the body. It can occur mid-tendon, or where the tendon meets bone or muscle, and is usually the result of gradual wear and tear from overuse such as a repetitive motion in sports or  at work, or ageing. If managed properly, tendonitis responds well to physiotherapy and can heal quickly.

What are the Symptoms of Tendonitis?

  • Pain which worsens when you use the tendon
  • A crunching feeling when the tendon is used
  • Pain and stiffness which is worse at night and first thing in the morning
  • Inflammation in the affected area

How Can Physiotherapy Help Tendonitis?

The meaning of the term “Tendonitis” is “inflammation of the tendon,” however most cases of Tendonitis are not inflammatory in nature. Non-inflammatory tendon injuries (aka Tendinosis) usually occur as the result of repetitive overuse or overloading of the tendon, causing cumulative collagen degeneration in the tendon. These tendinopathies will not respond well to anti-inflammatories, however physiotherapy can assist with early diagnosis and physical treatment.

The Life Force Physiotherapy Approach to Treating Tendonitis.

Physiotherapy Assessment

Your physiotherapist will ask questions about your injury to understand the biomechanics, and carry out a physical assessment of the injured area to confirm a diagnosis. Then a comprehensive treatment plan can be tailored to your needs. If your symptoms are severe, your physio may suggest further investigation of the injury using ultrasound or other imaging techniques.

Heat & Cold Therapy

Ice packs are often helpful to reduce any pain and inflammation caused by the injury as well as the treatment. Hot packs can also be used once the swelling has gone down to alleviate pain and stiffness in the tendon and surrounding areas. Your physiotherapist will explain the correct use of each.

Range of Motion

It is important to work on safely regaining flexibility in the tendons after an injury and subsequent immobility without aggravating the injury. Your physiotherapist will help you to Increase the range of motion through stretches, correct warming up and cooling down techniques and passive manipulation, and they will assist you in making important long-term changes to your regular daily movements to prevent a recurrence of your tendonitis pain.

Eccentric Exercises

Slight changes in your technique and approach to exercising the affected part of your body can help to build a more well-rounded strength which can help prevent future injury to the tendon. Your physiotherapist will develop a set of “eccentric exercises” designed to strengthen and support the area

Physio Supervised Exercise Program

As you progress through your one-on-one physiotherapy treatment, we at Life Force Physiotherapy believe that a supervised work-out environment is crucial to help you ease safely into your self-directed exercise plan. Our physiotherapists will keep an eye on your movements so that you can feel confident that you’re staying on track.

If you are looking for advice for dealing with your tendonitis pain, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment to discuss your symptoms with a Life Force physiotherapist. We’re here to help!

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Life Force Physiotherapy
577 Burnhamthorpe Road, Unit 1
Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 2Y3

Tel: 416 207 9395
Fax: 416 207 3862
Email: info@lifeforcephysio.com

Physiotherapy & Massage Clinic Hours:
Monday to Friday 6 AM - 9 PM By Appointment Only

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