Tendinitis – Symptoms, Treatments And Causes
What Should I Do For Tendonitis?
If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend the best tendonitis treatment plan for your specific case.
Confirming Tendonitis
First, consult with a wellness professional or doctor to ensure you have tendonitis. Accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any tendinitis treatment.
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the microscopic tearing of the tendon fascicles due to overuse, resulting in inflammation, irritation, and pain in the affected area. A tendon is a thick cord of fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
Types of Tendonitis
Tendonitis can occur in various parts of the body, each with specific names:
- Wrist Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Patellar (Kneecap) Tendonitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Pitcher’s Shoulder
- Jumper’s Knee
- Swimmer’s Shoulder
Causes of Tendonitis
Tendonitis can be caused by a wide range of activities and factors, including:
- Overuse from activities like gardening or sports
- Conditions like arthritis
- Aging
- Anatomical issues that may require surgical realignment of the tendon
Symptoms of Tendonitis
Common symptoms include:
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Swelling or lumpiness on tendon sheaths
- Adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder.”
Tendinitis Treatments Options
Once diagnosed, explore various Tendinitis treatment options, such as:
- Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the condition.
- Icing: Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: Use NSAIDs to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Massage Therapy: Consider techniques like deep transverse friction massage (DTFM), active release technique (ART), and sports massage therapy, which can aid in healing and improving mobility.
- Physical Therapy: Engage in exercises and stretches recommended by a physiotherapist Abbotsford to strengthen the affected area and prevent future injury.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Consult a healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive Tendinitis treatment plan tailored to your needs and condition.
Registered Massage Therapy For Tendinitis Treatments
Benefits Of Massage Therapy For Tendinitis
- Pain Relief:
- Techniques: To reduce pain and discomfort, our Surrey registered massage therapists use effleurage (light stroking) and petrissage (kneading).
- Endorphin Release: Massage promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
- Improved Blood Circulation: Enhanced blood flow to the affected area helps reduce inflammation and promote healing by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissue.
- Reduction of Muscle Tension: Tendinitis often leads to compensatory muscle tension. Registered massage therapy can relax these muscles, reducing overall strain on the tendons.
- Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility: Regular massage therapy can improve joint mobility and flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial in maintaining function while recovering from tendinitis.
- Scar Tissue Breakdown: Deep tissue massage can help break down scar tissue that may have formed due to chronic tendinitis, improving tissue quality and function.
Techniques Used in Massage Therapy for Tendinitis
- Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue to break down adhesions and improve tissue pliability.
- Cross-Fiber Friction Massage: Applying pressure across the grain of the muscle fibers helps break down scar tissue and improve mobility.
- Myofascial Release: Focuses on releasing tension in the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), which can relieve pressure on the tendons.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Involves applying pressure to specific muscle points that refer to the tendons, helping alleviate chronic pain and tension.
Precautions and Considerations: Tendinitis Treatments
- Consultation and Diagnosis: It’s essential to have a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider to ensure that registered massage therapy is appropriate for your condition.
- Severity and Stage of Tendinitis: The type and intensity of massage should be adjusted based on whether the tendinitis is acute or chronic. Acute inflammation may require more gentle techniques.
- Combining Therapies: Massage therapy can be more effective when combined with other treatments such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, stretching exercises, and rest.
- Professional Expertise: Ensure the massage therapist is registered and experienced in tendinitis treatments to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Tendinitis Treatments At Revive Rehab
Conventional Treatments For Tendonitis
The conventional tendonitis treatments typically include:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition.
- Icing: Applying ice to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Discontinuation of Heavy Activities: Halting strenuous activities that may worsen the injury.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Considered as a last resort when other treatments have failed.
Massage Therapy for Tendonitis
Massage therapy is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for tendonitis. The following guidelines and RMT techniques are important:
- Timing: Massage should not be administered until 48 hours after the injury to avoid aggravating the condition, especially if tissues are swollen or noticeably inflamed.
- Technique: Massage therapy for tendonitis involves working on the injured fibers with a back-and-forth motion rather than up and down.
Self-Massage Techniques
One effective self-massage technique for tendonitis is friction massage therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for injuries to the shoulder, elbow, back of the heel, or thumb side of the wrist.
Friction Massage Therapy:
- Application: Strokes are applied perpendicular to the injury using gentle pressure from the fingers and thumb.
- Benefits: Studies have shown that friction massage stimulates collagen production in damaged tendon fibers, promoting faster healing.
Trigger Point Massage:
- Application: Targeting trigger points in the forearm can help reduce tendonitis-related wrist pain.
Effective Tendinitis Relief at Revive Rehab
Tendinitis is a common condition that occurs when the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed or irritated. This can happen due to overuse, aging, injuries or underlying medical conditions. At Revive Rehab, we offer specialized treatments for tendinitis to help alleviate pain and discomfort and improve overall function.
Our Approach
At Revive Rehab, our approach to treating tendinitis involves a combination of manual therapy techniques and exercise-based rehabilitation programs. Our team of experienced therapists will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the underlying cause of your tendinitis and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Direct Billing for Tendinitis Treatments at Revive Rehab
At Revive Rehab, we simplify your healing journey by offering direct billing for tendinitis treatments. Our dedicated team works directly with your insurance provider, ensuring a hassle-free experience so you can focus on your recovery. Enjoy personalized care without the stress of upfront payments or complicated paperwork. Trust Revive Rehab to manage the billing process seamlessly, allowing you to get back to doing what you love, pain-free.
FAQs About Massage Therapy for Tendinitis
Massage therapy helps with tendinitis by reducing pain and inflammation, improving blood circulation, and breaking down scar tissue. Techniques such as deep tissue massage, friction massage, and myofascial release can relieve muscle tension around the affected tendon, promote healing, and restore mobility.
Effective massage techniques for tendinitis treatments include:
- Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deeper muscle layers to relieve tension and break down adhesions.
- Friction Massage: Involves back-and-forth strokes perpendicular to the tendon fibers to stimulate collagen production and healing.
- Myofascial Release: Focuses on releasing tension in the fascia (connective tissue) to reduce pressure on the tendons.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Applies pressure to specific muscle points to alleviate referred pain and muscle knots associated with tendinitis.
The frequency of massage therapy sessions for tendinitis depends on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. Generally, starting with 1-2 sessions per week can be beneficial, gradually reducing frequency as symptoms improve. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional or massage therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
While massage therapy is generally safe, there are some risks and side effects to consider:
- Temporary Soreness: Mild soreness or discomfort after a session, particularly if deep tissue techniques are used.
- Bruising: Possible bruising in sensitive individuals or with aggressive techniques.
- Worsening of Symptoms: In rare cases, massage may temporarily worsen symptoms if applied too soon after an injury or if the pressure is too intense.
- Contraindications: Avoid massage therapy if you have acute inflammation, open wounds, skin infections, or specific medical conditions like osteoporosis or blood clotting disorders.
Always communicate with your massage therapist about your condition and any discomfort during the session, and consult with a healthcare provider before starting massage therapy if you have any underlying health concerns.
You can book an appointment online at Revive Rehab for Tendinitis Treatments.