A tendon is a band of fibrous collagen tissue that connects the muscles to the bones throughout the body. Often an issue related to load management, intolerable stress of these tendons cause irritation and pain. This issue is categorized as tendinopathy (problem with the tendon) or formerly known as tendonitis. Common symptoms of tendonitis include pain (typically during use of the limb and muscle), mild swelling, and redness.

What is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy occurs when muscles in the tendons are stressed more than their ability to recover and adapt. Overtime, continued overuse of the tendon can cause tendon degeneration and persistent pain with reduced function of day to day tasks.

Some common areas of tendinopathy are:

• • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylopathy)

• • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylopathy)

• • Achilles Tendinopathy

• • Jumper’s knee (Patella tendinopathy)

How Physiotherapy Can Help

The treatment of tendon issues will vary significantly based on the individual’s symptoms and tolerance of activity. Flexibility and strength exercises can be started as soon as possible for these issues under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Oftentimes, adequate amounts of loading is the most beneficial treatment to reduce pain and improve function. This also allows for the tendinous structures to adapt to a more tolerable amount of load to stimulate the healing process. Since every injury is unique, and each person’s lifestyle and goals can vary from patient to patient, it is essential to develop a rehabilitation schedule tailored to their needs and circumstances.

Additionally, splints or braces can be used to reduce the forces and pressure on the tendon during the healing process, and can be utilized in times where load cannot always be managed (for example, during work!).

Conclusion:

Hopefully, by understanding what is tendinopathy, allows you to better understand the direction of your treatment. The issue can certainly be persistent, affecting your day to day tasks! But with the correct guidance, this condition can be well managed to return to the activities you enjoy. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to get some treatment going for your nagging tendinopathy!