Treatment

Tendons are what connect muscles to bones.  These tissues are very tough and injuries to them usually occur from repetitive stress and overuse.  As the tendon is overloaded, it will reach a point when it will begin to tear at a microscopic level.  These tiny tears will cause inflammation and pain. 

The painful tendon, itself, is usually not the cause, but the effect of faulty movement elsewhere in the body.  This faulty movement may be due to scar tissue adhesions restricting motion, weakness in certain muscles and lack of balance and coordination.

Common areas of tendonitis are the elbow, wrist, shoulder (rotator cuff, biceps, triceps), knee (jumper’s knee or extensor patellar tendonitis) and ankle (Achilles).  

Treatment

When treating tendonitis, it is important to determine the main cause –  why is this tendon being overloaded and irritated?  Where is the imbalance?  It is essential to determine which tissue is the main culprit and to treat it appropriately.

Treatment of tendonitis involves reducing inflammation with ice, functional soft tissue therapy (A.R.T., Graston) to remove scar tissue and to restore normal motion and function, and functional soft tissue rehabilitation to correct faulty movement patterns and develop strength, balance and coordination.  Kinesiotaping may be used to support the tendon, relax muscles and reduce inflammation.