Tendinitis affects as many as 40-50% of athletes in sports that involve racquets but athletes across the entire spectrum of sports can suffer from it. Gigi Malvas, RPT, CLT, and the team at Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab, in North Port, Florida, offer conservative care and rehabilitation for various soft-tissue injuries near joints. To learn how physical therapy can help you recover from tendinitis, call Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab or book an appointment online today.
What is tendinitis?
Tendons throughout your body attach muscle to bone, particularly at the joints. These thick, fibrous bands of tissue are vulnerable to damage from repeated use or overuse, which can cause small tears across the tendon and painful inflammation. This is tendinitis.
While tendinitis can affect nearly any of the tendons in your body, all types of tendinitis cause symptoms including:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Stiffness or tightness
You might be able to manage symptoms like these at home with ice and some rest. If they continue for days despite your attempts at relieving them, it might be time to consider professional care and rehabilitation at Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab.
What are some of the most common kinds of tendinitis?
The team at Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab routinely treats and rehabilitates various kinds of tendinitis with personalized, conservative care. A few of the most prevalent types of tendinitis are:
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is an injury common in tennis players that involves the outer side of your elbow.
Golfer’s elbow
Golfer’s elbow is another type of elbow tendinitis. Unlike tennis elbow, it involves the inner side of your elbow. It’s a common injury in people who play golf.
Jumper’s knee
Jumper’s knee, also called patellar tendinitis, affects the band of tissue connecting your kneecap to your shin bone.
Shoulder tendinitis
The two most common forms of shoulder tendinitis are the swimmer’s shoulder and the pitcher’s shoulder. They’re commonly caused by repetitive reaching or throwing motions.
How does physical therapy treat tendinitis?
Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab uses several physical therapy techniques to help your body heal from tendinitis. The team teaches you useful and simple exercises alongside treatment methods that promote rapid healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Your physical therapy and rehabilitation plan for tendinitis can involve:
- Kinesio taping
- Myofascial release/Manual therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrotherapy
- Neuromechanical acupuncture
- Rehabilitative stretching and strengthening exercises
- Total motion release
- Education on joint protection techniques
Each care plan at Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab is tailored to the specific needs of our patients. The team supports you and tracks your progress as you work toward goals.
For more information on various forms of tendinitis and how physical therapy can treat them, call Step Up Physical Therapy and Rehab, or book an appointment online today. If you have difficulty leaving your home to seek physical therapy treatment, we are able to provide services at your home through our partnership with local home health agencies. Feel free to inquire with our staff about this option.