How Chiropractic Helps to Treat Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendon—the tissue that connects muscle to bone—becomes inflamed, causing significant pain. When severe enough, Tendonitis can restrict muscular function and movement. Common areas affected by tendonitis include the shoulder, elbow, thumb, knee, hip, and Achilles tendon.

Tendonitis is most common among active individuals and people over 40 as tendons age and weaken over time or when under continuous strain.

Common Causes of Tendonitis

When the body performs a motion, tendons help move the muscles to exert the necessary force on the object. When the tendon is overextended or overused, the inflammation is prevalent., resulting in swelling, pain, and sometimes tearing. The tissues around the tendon can also become inflamed. Apart from repetitive movements, tendonitis can also be due to age, injury, or incorrect form during training sessions.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

Individuals who suffer from tendonitis can experience different symptoms, including:

·      Tenderness over the tendon area.

·      A burning sensation.

·      A stiff or swollen tendon.

·      Pain when moving the affected muscles and tendons.

·      Pain during activities involving the tendon.

Understanding Chiropractic Care for Tendonitis

Chiropractic focuses on the musculoskeletal system to resolve muscular pain and injuries. A trained evidence-based chiropractor uses different modalities such as myofascial release, cupping, and therapeutic ultrasound to relax muscle tightness, decrease inflammation, and promote blood flow to relieve pain. Chiropractic treatment can relieve conditions affecting the joints, muscles, bones, cartilage, and connective tissue.

With a proper prescribed treatment plan involving muscle work, therapeutic exercise, stretching, and adjustments when appropriate, body mechanics and regular movements will be improved, resulting in a decrease in chronic pain.

Treating Chronic Tendon Pain

A “one-size fits all” approach is not effective in treating chronic pain, individualized treatment is necessary and prescribed following a thorough evaluation and consultation with your chiropractor. Finding the best treatment plan for your condition is crucial if you suffer from chronic tendon pain. A treatment program combining strength training, stretches, and restorative exercises unique to each patient has been proven to help prevent the injury from becoming a chronic condition.

Identifying the Underlying Cause of Chronic Pain

Before treating tendonitis, the Chiropractor will identify the condition's underlying cause by taking a detailed history of the patient’s chief complaint, as well as their lifestyle and any recent accidents or injuries.

The initial treatment assessment helps determine the root cause of why the patient is experiencing tendonitis. Understanding the underlying cause of pain may result in diagnosis of another condition such as a strained muscle, bursitis, or extensive scar tissue. Once this is determined and a diagnosis is confirmed, an individualized treatment plan can be developed and implemented to aide in pain relief.  

There are several risk factors for developing tendonitis, including:

·      Age

·      Occupation

·      Stress

·      Injury

·      Joint or bone abnormality

·      Excess weight

Your chiropractor will prepare a plan to fit your needs and help with your tendonitis. Treatment may include soft tissue mobilization, rehabilitation exercises, stretches, and an adjustment if deemed necessary.

For more on how chiropractic care can help your tendonitis, visit Concierge Chiropractic of Texas at our Houston, Texas office. Call (832) 895-5400 today to schedule an appointment.