What is Tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy is an inflammation of a tendon that can occur as a result of repetitive movements or intense, sustained effort.
Tendons are very stiff bands of fibers that connect muscles to bones. They transmit the force from muscles to bones, allowing joint movement.
When tendons undergo small tears, for example after sustained effort or repetitive movements, an inflammatory reaction can be triggered. This is how tendonitis occurs.
Although all tendons can be affected, the most common tendinopathies occur in the shoulder (rotator cuff tendonitis or long head of the biceps), knee (patellar tendonitis or pes anserine), Achilles tendon, elbow (epicondylitis), wrist (De Quervain’s tendonitis), and hip (abductor tendonitis).
What is the Healing Time for Tendinopathy?
Healing from tendinopathy generally takes several weeks to several months, as it is often an overuse injury involving progressive damage to the tendon over an extended period.
Healing time can also vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the tendonitis, the individual’s response to treatment, and the patient’s adherence to healthcare professional recommendations.
What are the Symptoms of Tendinopathy?
The main symptom of tendonitis is pain that occurs during movement or later after prolonged effort due to fatigue. The pain is typically located in the tendon insertion site. It may be mild at first and worsen over time.
Tendinopathy may also be accompanied by difficulty performing certain movements or exerting normal strength. In some cases, swelling may be observed near the affected joint. The area around the tendon may also be tender to the touch: light pressure or direct contact can cause pain or discomfort.
Symptoms can persist for several weeks and even months, especially if tendonitis is not properly managed.
What Can Cause Tendinopathy?
Most often, tendinopathy is caused by excessive strain on a tendon or repetitive movement. Tendinopathy is thus frequently associated with sports practice (e.g., basketball, running, tennis) or professions requiring repetitive movements (e.g., construction worker, cleaning staff).
Other factors can contribute to tendonitis. For example, poor posture during daily activities, work, or exercise can contribute to tendon overuse and increase the risk of tendonitis. A sudden increase in the intensity or duration of physical activity can also place excessive stress on tendons and lead to tendonitis.
Finally, aging can be a risk factor because tendons tend to lose elasticity and strength over time. Inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, can also contribute to the development of tendonitis.
Who is Most at Risk of Developing Tendinopathy?
Professional athletes, amateur sportspeople, manual workers, office workers, and middle-aged or older individuals are among those who have an increased risk of suffering from tendonitis.
Tendinopathy Diagnosis by a Chiropractor
Doctors of chiropractic are qualified to diagnose neuromusculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis. During a consultation, several steps are carried out to establish an accurate diagnosis.
The chiropractor begins with taking a medical history. They gather detailed information about the patient’s medical background, lifestyle habits, the nature of symptoms, and activities that exacerbate them.
They then perform a thorough physical examination of the painful area. This includes assessing range of motion, muscle strength, the presence of swelling, and tenderness to touch. Neurological tests are also conducted to determine whether the pain is related to a neurological problem.
If necessary, the chiropractor may refer the patient to a physician for imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound.
Finally, after diagnosing, the chiropractor decides whether a chiropractic care program is appropriate or if the patient needs to consult another healthcare professional.
Chiropractic Treatments to Relieve Tendinopathy
Chiropractic offers several treatment options to soothe pain and inflammation associated with tendonitis, including chiropractic adjustments, massages and stretching, therapeutic taping, laser therapy, and rehabilitation exercises.
Chiropractic adjustments are precise and controlled manipulations of the affected joint aimed at restoring mobility, relaxing muscles, and stimulating the nervous system to promote tendon repair.
Several other manual therapy techniques are used in chiropractic to relieve pain and optimize healing of tendinopathy. Stretching and massage reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility. Therapeutic taping supports the joint and decreases tension on the tendon. Laser therapy soothes pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes tendon healing.
It is also common for chiropractors to recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the tendon and improve joint stability. These rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the clinic or at home.
Finding a Chiropractor for Tendinopathy Treatment
Often affecting the shoulder, knee, hip, and several other joints, tendonitis can cause significant pain.
If you believe you are suffering from tendonitis, a visit to a chiropractic clinic could be beneficial to ease your pain and optimize your recovery. As a specialist of the neuromusculoskeletal system, the chiropractor is capable of relieving various other muscle or joint-related disorders such as shoulder problems, knee pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Make an appointment with a chiropractor to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of your health condition and discuss treatment options.