Tendinopathy
Tendons are the tough, fibrous tissues connecting muscles to bones that can get irritated, mainly by overuse. This can occur in any tendon in the body, but most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. Tendinopathies can quickly go from a small niggle to a very painful, limiting chronic condition that gets harder to get on top of the longer you leave it.
What are tendinopathies?
When tendons are exposed to load, there is a microtearing response that occurs so that the tendon can heal stronger and tolerate more. If the amount of load we put through the tendon creates tearing faster than the tendon heals, the tendon becomes weak and painful. This is called tendinosis.
How can physiotherapy help manage tendinopathies?
Unfortunately, although the pain from tendinopathy will go away with rest, on return to activity your symptoms will be the same. The only way to fix your tendon is through a strength based rehabilitation program.
Physiotherapy can help manage tendinopathies in several ways, including:
Accurate diagnosis and education on the condition.
Pain management: We can use manual therapy (massage, needling and frictioning) and biomechanical modification (changing how you move your body) to help reduce your pain. This in turn reduces reliance on pain medication.
Graded exercise rehabilitation: Movement is medicine, figuring out what exercises you should be doing in what order is the key. We will work on a range of exercises for flexibility, strength and endurance to rehabilitate the tendon, improve function and reduce pain.
Functional rehabilitation: Ultimately the goal of any rehabilitation program is to get back to doing something that is functionally impaired. We will work with you to create a personalised program that will help you to regain your functional abilities.
Prevention of further injury: Recurrent tendon issues are common. A successful physiotherapy rehabilitation program ensures that you mitigate the risk of repeated or additional injury.
What can I expect during my physiotherapy treatment?
During your initial assessment you will receive a comprehensive assessment to determine where the drivers of pain and dysfunction. We will then work through your goals to make a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation is always individualised and varies a lot from person to person. Sessions will generally last between 30 to 60 minutes.
Treatment may include:
Manual therapy: Your physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, to help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Exercise therapy: Your physiotherapist may prescribe exercises to help strengthen the affected tendon and improve flexibility.
Education: Your physiotherapist may provide education on any lifestyle modifications that are required while your tendon is irritated and how to know if you are doing too much.
Taping and bracing: Your physiotherapist may use taping and bracing techniques to help support the affected tendon and reduce pain.
We will closely monitor you throughout the rehabilitation journey, making a range of changes and adjustments as necessary.
At Best Physiotherapy, our team provides empathetic, expert care. We understand that tendinopathy rehabilitation can be slow and frustrating. We pride ourselves on having the skills and knowledge to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals and get you back to full capacity as fast as you can.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your tendinopathy and improve your quality of life at Best Physiotherapy, 72 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray.
