Tendonitis appears when your tendons get inflamed, making it difficult to move comfortably. Your shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels are common locations because those are the areas of your body that move and generate a lot of force. If you are looking for treatment possibilities, then chiropractic can come as a natural and effective option. In this article, we’ll explore how can chiropractic help tendonitis and make the sufferer feel better.
Chiropractors are experts who utilize specialized techniques to make your muscles and bones feel better without needing medication or surgery. They make minor modifications and movements to improve joint function and aid in the healing process. This treats the underlying cause of the tendonitis in addition to relieving the pain related to it. Let’s explore more!
Understanding the Tendonitis
The diagnosis of tendinitis is also known as overuse tendinopathy. It is usually discovered by physical examination. In order to identify tendon thickness, dislocations, and tears, if you exhibit signs of overuse tendinopathy, your doctor might prescribe an MRI or ultrasound scan. Also, your physician can determine whether you have comparable issues like bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid “cushion” around the joints.
The Symptoms of Tendonitis
Every part of your body is covered in tendons. They serve as a link between the muscles and the bones of your joints, such as the knees, elbows, and shoulders. Here are some tendonitis symptoms.
-
Pain
Pain in the area of the injured tendon and surrounding tissues is the most prevalent and noticeable sign of tendonitis. When moving the afflicted limb or joint, this pain usually gets worse. For example, pain from a condition called tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow may spread to the wrist and forearm.
-
Swelling
Inflammation of the tendon may cause the affected area to bulge visibly. This swelling may occur suddenly or gradually following an intense exercise that puts an excessive amount of strain on the tendon.
-
Tenderness
It is common for the area surrounding the inflamed tendon to become tender and touch-sensitive. This soreness is usually restricted to the precise location where the tendon joins the bone.
-
Stiffness
People who have tendinitis report feeling stiff in the affected zone. This happens especially in the morning or after being inactive for extended periods of time. This rigidity can restrict the range of motion and make it uncomfortable to carry out specific actions.
-
Warmth and Redness
The afflicted area may occasionally feel warm to the touch or exhibit redness. This is because the body is trying to mend the inflamed tendon by increasing the blood supply to the area.
-
Crepitus
When manipulating the afflicted joint or tendon, some people may experience a crunching sensation or sound. The tendon rubs against the surrounding tissue as it moves, causing the sensation known as crepitus.
-
Weakness
Chronic tendinitis might result in a weakening of the tendon and the corresponding muscle. In Achilles tendonitis, this weakening may manifest as a decreased capacity to carry out tasks. That puts stress on the affected tendon, such as carrying objects or ascending stairs.
The Causes of Tendonitis
Unexpected injuries might result in tendinitis. The same movement repeated over time is a far more likely cause, though. The majority of people get tendinitis as a result of repetitive actions from their work or hobbies. Here are some common causes:
-
Repetitive Motion
Repeating the same exercises might lead to tendonitis since it stresses and inflames your tendons. Tendonitis is more common in jobs involving repetitive motions, such as typing or assembly line labor. The same is true for sports where you repeatedly employ the same body components, like tennis, golf, or jogging.
-
Age
Those between the ages of 40 and 60 are more susceptible to tendon issues. This is because the tendons of older individuals are more prone to injury and are less elastic than those of a younger person.
-
Injury or Sudden Increase in Activity
Strain overloading can result in direct injury and swelling to the tendons. This happens particularly when there is a sudden violent movement or a large increase in the intensity or length of an activity.
-
Poor Posture or Technique
Tendons are overstressed by improper alignment or movement patterns. Especially when performing repetitive duties. This is seen in those who work at computers in poor posture or athletes with improper swing mechanics.
-
Arthritis and Other Medical Conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus are a few illnesses that can cause inflammation in the tendons as well as other parts of the body. Diabetes can also affect blood flow and repair, which increases the susceptibility of tendons to damage.
-
Physical Stressors
Prolonged gripping, rapid motions, or vibration are among the occupations and activities. It can cause tendons to become chronically stressed, which raises the risk of tendinitis. Carpentry, building, and playing specific musical instruments are a few examples.
Types of Tendonitis Conditions
Any tendon in the body can get tendinitis. But here are some varieties that are more common than others.
-
Tennis Elbow
Tendinosis, a disorder characterized by tiny tears in the tendon, is commonly seen in patients with tennis elbow. Six physical therapy exercises that focus on strengthening can be beneficial, but the most crucial part of treatment is undoubtedly avoiding activities that aggravate the condition. Although they are sometimes used for treatment, tennis elbow injections are controversial.
-
Golfer’s Elbow
The painful area where the tendons of your forearm muscles connect to the bony protrusion on the inside of your elbow is known as the golfer’s elbow. You may get wrist and forearm pain. It develops on the outside of the elbow and is comparable to a golfer’s elbow. It’s not only for golfers, either. It can also occur to tennis players and other people who clench their fingers or use their wrists excessively.
-
Jumper’s Knee
Patellar tendinopathy, another name for “jumper’s knee,” is a painful knee condition mostly associated with exercise that is brought on by tiny rips in the patellar tendon. It primarily affects athletes who play sports that require intense jumping and causes localized patellar tendon soreness.
-
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a thick group of tissue that helps to join the heel to the calf muscle. Although it remains under a lot of strain, this tendon is necessary for sprinting, jumping, and walking. Because of this, Achilles tendinitis is a common sports injury. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are also more prone to develop this serious issue.
How Can Chiropractic Help Tendonitis
Chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises can correct musculoskeletal abnormalities. It also promotes healing, which may reduce the symptoms of tendonitis without requiring invasive procedures. Chiropractic treatment for tendonitis focuses on a few crucial methods:
-
Spinal Adjustments
A fundamental component of chiropractic care is spinal adjustments. They entail adjusting the vertebrae in order to-
- Realign the spine
- Release pressure on the nerves, and
- Improve the nervous system’s general performance.
Despite the fact that tendinitis affects the tendons rather than the spine, spinal manipulation is a valuable treatment for tendonitis-related back and neck pain. Achieving the right spinal alignment can help the body recover itself more effectively and improve biomechanics, which lessens the load on injured tendons. For patients with tendinitis, this unintended advantage may be very important to their total healing.
-
Shockwave Therapy
Seeking advice from a sports medicine professional or physiotherapist can also be helpful in determining whether shockwave therapy is a feasible treatment option for your tendonitis. Shockwave therapy offers an alternate treatment option. It can be part of a comprehensive recovery plan, ensuring tendinitis doesn’t disrupt quality of life.
-
Graston Technique
The Graston technique is a form of manual treatment. It involves massaging and rubbing the skin with specialized stainless-steel implements. Beveled implements are commonly used. Light to moderate pressure is delivered directly into the skin in sweeping strokes. This strategy is best utilized by professionals with specialized training in the Graston technique. Chiropractors are one of them. Others include sports trainers, osteopathic physicians, and physical therapists.
FAQs
Will Tendonitis Heal on its Own?
Tendonitis sufferers need to understand that their illness will not go away on its own. Intentional rest and refraining from tendon use are necessary for proper recovery. The good news is that there is no need for invasive surgeries because the tendon will repair itself. Rest, physical treatment, and the right chiropractic might be sufficient to heal the injured area.
Can You Ever Fully Recover from Tendonitis?
The majority of tendinopathy patients recover entirely on their own without the assistance of a doctor. However, if ever happens, a severe tendinopathy left untreated can result in tendon rupture.
How Long Does It Take for Tendonitis to Heal?
After receiving therapy for tendonitis, the healing process of your tendon may take two to three weeks. In the event that your tendonitis is severe, it may take several months. Resting is the best approach to hasten the healing process. Avoid physically demanding activities or workouts that can strain your mending tendon. After your tendon recovers, your healthcare practitioner will tell you when it’s safe to resume your favorite sports and activities.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is the result of inflamed tendons brought on by injury or repeated use. Tendonitis most frequently affects the elbow, ankle, shoulder, or neck. People who experience it are aware of how excruciating and incapacitating it may be. Most of you, we know, would prefer to ignore dull pain in the hopes that it will go away with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. What occurs, though, if tendinitis is not treated? Tendinosis, a much more severe and painful condition, can result from it. A ruptured tendon is known as tendinosis, and it can cause aberrant blood vessel formation and more tendon deterioration.
In The End
Many people look for solutions outside of medical treatments to relieve their tendonitis. A holistic approach, like chiropractic, holds the key to healing from such an issue. At The Brost Clinic, we are familiar with the significant impact of chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments can improve general musculoskeletal function. It can also lessen inflammation and promote healing by correcting misaligned spines. Chiropractic adjustments and lifestyle modifications provide a natural approach to managing tendonitis. With chiropractic care, enjoy the possibility of living a pain-free life. It’s a path worth pursuing for maximum wellness and health.