Tendinosis is a condition characterized by the deterioration over time of the collagen in a tendon. This deterioration usually occurs as a result of repetitive overuse. Tendinosis results when a person doesn’t allow their tendon enough time to rest and heal before using it over and over again. This condition can be triggered even by the smallest of movements using the tendon.
It’s often confused with tendinitis, even by medical professionals. However, it’s important to know what differentiates tendinosis from tendinitis, what exactly tendinosis is and what treatments there are for it. That way, patients can expect more productive outcomes from their care providers regarding their condition.
What is the primary difference between tendinosis and tendinitis?
It’s important to note the differences between these two conditions to better diagnose and treat them. Tendinitis is more commonly known. It refers to the inflammation of a tendon somewhere in the body. Tendinosis is a condition that becomes chronic in response to a lack of appropriate healing time from small injuries to the tendon. Not only is it chronic, but it also spurs the deterioration of the collagen in the tendon, as previously mentioned.
What are some of the causes?
There are a couple of primary causes of this condition. See if either of these might be behind your inflammation:
- Overuse or repeated stress — The most common cause of tendinosis is overuse or repeated stress. Participating in activities that require repetitive motions each day can cause you to develop small tears in the tendon that aren’t given enough time to heal.
- Traumatic injury — Overuse and repeated stress are the most common causes of this condition. But it’s possible to develop tendinosis as a result of a physically traumatic injury. Examples include contact during a rough sports game and vehicular accidents.
What are some of the treatments available for someone with tendinosis?
There are a few treatment options for those who are struggling with inflammation in their tendon. Each of these treatment options presents its own unique sets of advantages, including long-term effectiveness, noninvasiveness, and more.
- Physical therapy — Physical therapy is a long-term, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with tendinosis. A PT specialist can help address the root of your inflammation and treat it throughout several sessions. Physical therapy is an effective long-term solution for managing your symptoms of tendinosis.
- Resting — Resting is always a good idea for those who have inflammation in their tendon. This specific condition develops because an injured tendon wasn’t given proper time to heal. Rest is generally recommended for these types of patients. If you have a job that requires constant physical activity, you may benefit from giving yourself small breaks in between activities.
- Anti-inflammatory medication — Anti-inflammatory medications, like NSAIDs, can temporarily reduce inflammation and pain for a few hours at a time. They may provide relief almost immediately, but their effectiveness wears off quickly.
- Corticosteroid injections — Corticosteroid injections can provide inflammation and pain relief for a few weeks at a time, but the number of injections you can receive in one area is limited. They may be effective for some patients but are likely to eventually wear off.
Why should you get physical therapy care for your tendinosis?
Physical therapy is one of the best care options for this condition for several reasons. It provides symptom relief to patients over a long time and helps patients manage their symptoms. PT can help prevent future injury and reveal how you sustained your injury in the first place. It is also effective because it adopts a whole-body approach, rather than targeting one small problem area at a time. You can rest assured that you’re getting the best care for your tendinosis when you choose physical therapy.
Ready to receive the high-quality physical therapy care you deserve? Let Alliance PTP find you a care provider
Physical therapy can be an effective and affordable way to care for your tendonosis. You just need the right partner to provide it.
Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has you covered. We can help you find a PT clinic near you that’s staffed with experienced and caring physical therapists.
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