What is Tendinopathy?
WHAT IS TENDINOPATHY (OR TENDINITIS)?
Tendons are structures that attach muscle to bone. They act as springs (mainly for recoil) and shock-absorbers. Tendinopathy (also sometimes referred to as tendinitis) is a failed healing response of the tendon leading to disrepair and weakening of the tendon. Too much stress or overuse of the tendons can result in tendinopathy.
While having a low blood supply makes tendons really good at withstanding load and maintaining tension for a long time, it means slow healing after an injury.
COMMON TYPES OF TENDINITIS
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis)
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylosis)
- Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinitis)
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TENDINOPATHY?
The most common symptom is increasing pain along the tendon as well as stiffness. It can appear if you have recently increased your activity.
With acute tendinopathy, you usually experience pain at the start of activity but it gets better as you go on.
Chronic tendinopathy is when you’ve been experiencing pain for longer than 6 months. The characteristic symptom is continued use makes it feel worse. You might also notice that the muscle is weak.
HOW TO TREAT TENDINITIS
Your physiotherapist can guide you through rehabilitation of your tendinitis.
Usually treatment consists of appropriate rest while also properly loading the tendon through strengthening exercises. They will also be able to assess or any other areas of weakness or contributing factors of your tendinopathy.
In some cases, certain modalities like shockwave can aid in the healing process if more conservative treatments aren’t working.
References
Interested in learning more?
Read on in our series of articles on Muskuloskeletal Conditions!
About the Author - Sonia Gashgarian
Sonia Gashgarian is a registered physiotherapist who graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Honours from the University of Waterloo. Sonia has completed courses in sports taping and basic kinesio-taping, as well as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Mulligan Concept. She also has her APTEI Acupuncture and Dry Needling Certification.
Sonia uses a variety of treatment techniques to help clients feel better and return to their regular activities as soon as possible. Her individualized treatments may include the following: education, joint mobilizations, exercise prescription, soft tissue release, trigger point release, taping, acupuncture and dry needling, cupping, and Gua Sha.
To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.