Tendonitis is sometimes referred to in terms describing the affected area. For example, tendonitis in the elbow is known as tennis elbow, and tendonitis in the shoulder is referred to as swimmer’s shoulder.
In this article, we’re going to explain more about tendonitis and find out how chiropractic treatment can help.
Signs and symptoms of tendonitis
While it can affect any of your tendons, it’s most common to find tendonitis in the knee, elbows, shoulder, wrist and heel. It may cause one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort in the affected tendon, which worsens when you move it
- A grating feeling
- Swelling
- A lump on the area around the tendon
- Weakness of the tendon
- A reduced range of movement in the area around the tendon
What causes tendonitis?
You might experience an acute episode of tendonitis as the result of a sudden injury.
But it’s more usual to develop tendonitis over time. This could be as a result of carrying out repetitive tasks to do with your job or if you frequently practise a particular sport.
Who does tendonitis affect?
Tendonitis is more likely to affect older people as their tendons become less flexible over time, making them more vulnerable to injuries.
The condition also affects people carrying out work that involves repetitive movements.
If you practise certain sports such as tennis, golf or running frequently, you may be at higher risk of tendonitis, particularly if your technique isn’t the best.
You may also be at higher risk of developing tendonitis if you already have rheumatoid arthritis, gout or kidney disease.
What treatment is available?
The good news is that a number of options are available to treat tendonitis.
One of the simplest things you can do to treat tendonitis is to rest and avoid any activity that may have triggered your tendonitis. For example, if you experience tendonitis in the wrist, take a break from using a keyboard. Or, if you have tendonitis in the foot, avoid driving.
You can use hot or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice pack to the affected area twice a day for 10 minutes. You can also alternate your ice pack with a warm compress for natural relief.
You can take ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to relieve inflammation and swelling, but always check with your primary health practitioner first. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections around the affected area.
The benefits of chiropractic treatment for tendonitis
Many patients are turning to chiropractic treatment for their painful tendonitis.
A typical session will start with an assessment by the chiropractor to get a picture of how tendonitis is affecting you.
They will then perform hands-on examination. Treatments for tendonitis may include manipulations or adjustments, dry needling and cold laser to ease the area around the affected tendon and provide relief.
They may also prescribe self-care at home — for example, exercises that you can do yourself and the use of hot and cold therapy.
One of the many benefits of chiropractic treatment for tendonitis is that it is a low-risk activity. Chiropractors are fully trained professionals with in-depth knowledge of anatomy, so know that you are in safe hands!
It’s also effective, and, in many cases, results are quick. One scientific study looked at the progress of a 47-year-old female who experienced continuous shoulder pain. After following a chiropractic treatment plan alongside physical therapy over four weeks, the patient reported a 75% improvement in her symptoms.
Patients also love the fact that chiropractic treatment is available to almost anyone and different treatment modalities can be used to treat tendonitis in any part of your body.
We’re here to help!
If you’re suffering with the pain of tendonitis, why not try natural and effective chiropractic treatment?
Our highly qualified and caring staff at Our Chiro Brisbane are here to help resolve the discomfort of tendonitis, restoring your ability to live life to the full. So get in touch today to arrange a consultation to help ease the pain of tendonitis.
References
- Healthline, 2022. What Training Do Chiropractors Have and What Do They Treat? [Online] Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/are-chiropractors-doctors#risks - Karmali A, McLeod J. Identification and management of chronic shoulder pain in the presence of an MRA-confirmed humeral avulsion of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion, The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2016 Jun;60(2):175-81.
