4 benefits of physical therapy for tendinitis

Your musculoskeletal system is made up of a complex network of ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles. They work together to help you move fluidly and comfortably. However, after an injury to any of this tissue, moving your body can become more difficult.  Tendinitis is one type of injury that can leave any part of your body feeling tender or weak. People commonly develop tendinitis in their elbow, knee, shoulder or hip while overusing muscles at work or on the field. Learning common symptoms and treatments of tendinitis can help you prioritize your health, heal faster, and prevent further injury.

What is tendinitis? 

Tendons are thick bands of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones to allow for movement. When tendons are damaged from injuries like overuse, overloading or trauma, they can partially or fully tear. Tendinitis usually causes pain in the tissue surrounding a joint, especially after the joint is used too much during play or work. In some cases, the joint may feel weak, and the area may be red, swollen and warm to the touch. You should seek immediate medical attention if your tendinitis symptoms are accompanied by fever or unbearable pain. Tendinitis can go away on its own with proper rest. However, some forms of tendinitis can worsen without treatment and develop into tendinopathy. To avoid worsening symptoms, physical therapy is often recommended to fast-track recovery. Physical therapy exercises and stretches can improve well-being and quality of life long after your tendinitis has healed. 

4 benefits of physical therapy for tendinitis

Tendinitis can be treated through the rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) method. However, active treatments like physical therapy can increase blood flow to your injury and encourage your body to heal. Physical therapy for tendinitis aims to reduce inflammation and pain. The following benefits of physical therapy can help patients with tendinitis symptoms: 

1. Physical therapists tailor treatments to your symptoms. One of the major benefits of physical therapy is the customization of treatment plans. When you first visit a physical therapy clinic, a physical therapist will evaluate your condition by asking you about your medical history, analyzing your gait and balance, and inspecting the affected tendon. From there, the physical therapist can develop a treatment plan that fits your body, its symptoms and its limitations so that you can heal faster. 

2. Physical therapy gives you access to the latest technologies. Most physical therapists are in the know about state-of-the-art modalities and technological updates. Breakthrough techniques like dry needling and myokinesthetic therapy can help release tension in your affected tendon and in surrounding tissue. Plus, manual therapy can help break down built-up tension in the tissue and decrease inflammation. If you work with a physical therapist, you can take advantage of these techniques to fast-track your healing. 

3. Physical therapy teaches you effective stretches and strengthening exercises. During one-on-one sessions, your physical therapist can teach you stretches and strengthening exercises that can increase your mobility and lessen your tendinitis pain. As part of your treatment, you will most likely have to perform these exercises at home. You can ask questions or voice your concerns during your one-on-one sessions to help you understand how to best complete your prescribed movements. Physical therapists therefore act as educators who can show you how to regain the functionality of your tendon, both in and out of the clinic.
4. Physical therapy teaches you effective preventive techniques. While physical therapists can treat your tendinitis after it has already developed, they can also help you avoid developing future tendinitis symptoms. For example, your physical therapist can advise you on proper form while throwing a ball or while sitting at your desk. These seemingly small daily changes can help you avoid developing tendinitis in the long run.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for tendinitis

Are you tired of dealing with tendinitis symptoms on your own? At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address your tendinitis concerns. Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.  Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury.