Tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This condition can cause acute pain and tenderness, making it difficult to move the affected joint. If you’re dealing with this painful condition, you might be wondering how to treat tendonitis effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore several treatment options including physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and trigger point injections.
Understanding Tendonitis
Before we delve into the treatment options for tendonitis, it’s important to understand what causes this condition. Tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive minor impact on the affected area or from a sudden more serious injury. Age also plays a role as tendons become less flexible with age and more susceptible to injury.
Tendonitis can occur in any part of your body where a tendon connects a bone to a muscle. The most common places are the base of the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and Achilles tendon. The pain from tendonitis is typically worse when you’re moving the affected limb or joint.
Physical Therapy for Tendonitis
Physical therapy is often recommended as one of the first lines of defense against tendonitis. A physical therapist can provide treatments to help relieve your pain and improve your strength and flexibility. They can also teach you exercises to do at home that will help prevent future episodes of tendonitis.
The goals of physical therapy for treating tendonitis include reducing inflammation and pain while increasing strength and flexibility in the affected area. This may involve stretching exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises to build up the muscles around the affected tendon which helps take pressure off it, and range-of-motion exercises to keep your joints flexible.
Shockwave Therapy for Tendonitis
Shockwave therapy is another effective treatment option for those suffering from chronic cases of tendonitis. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the injured tendon. The shockwaves are delivered through the skin and into the injured tendon, which can stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood flow.
Shockwave therapy is usually recommended for patients who have not responded to more conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. It’s a safe procedure with minimal side effects, although some patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort during treatment.
Trigger Point Injections for Tendonitis
Trigger point injections are another treatment option for tendonitis, particularly when the condition is caused by muscle knots or trigger points that irritate the surrounding nerves. These injections contain a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
During a trigger point injection procedure, a healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your trigger point, or knot of muscle. The injection can help to alleviate pain and promote healing in the affected area.
The injection process itself is usually quick and straightforward. However, you may need multiple treatments over time to fully address your symptoms. It’s also important to note that while trigger point injections can be very effective for treating tendonitis, they’re typically used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy or other interventions.
Tendonitis can be a painful condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. However, there are several effective treatment options available including physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and trigger point injections. By working with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs, you can effectively manage your symptoms and get back to doing the activities you love.
Remember that while these treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of tendonitis, it’s also crucial to address any underlying causes such as repetitive strain or poor posture in order to prevent future episodes of this condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen for tendonitis.