Tendonitis is a common and often frustrating condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who enjoys daily activities without pain, tendonitis can be a major setback. Understanding why tendonitis is so hard to heal requires a look into the nature of tendons, the causes of tendonitis, and the treatment approaches that can facilitate healing. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we offer a comprehensive and integrated approach to treating tendonitis, bringing together the expertise of physiotherapists and chiropractic doctors to provide effective, personalized care.
Understanding Tendons and Tendonitis
Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement and providing stability to the joints. Unlike muscles, tendons have a limited blood supply, which plays a crucial role in their healing process. When tendons are overused or subjected to excessive strain, they can become inflamed, leading to tendonitis. Tendonitis is characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired function in the affected area. Common sites for tendonitis include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. The condition can be acute, resulting from a sudden injury, or chronic, developing over time due to repetitive motion or overuse.
Why Tendonitis is Hard to Heal
Several factors contribute to the difficulty in healing tendonitis:
1. Limited Blood Supply: Tendons have a relatively poor blood supply compared to muscles, which means that nutrients and oxygen essential for healing are not delivered as efficiently. This limited circulation slows down the repair process, making recovery from tendonitis longer and more challenging.
2. Chronic Inflammation: When tendonitis becomes chronic, the persistent inflammation can lead to degenerative changes in the tendon fibers. This condition, known as tendinosis, involves the breakdown of collagen, the primary structural protein in tendons. The degenerative changes can create a cycle of pain and inflammation that is difficult to break.
3. Repetitive Strain: Tendonitis often results from repetitive movements or overuse, which means that the tendons are continuously subjected to the same stresses that caused the injury in the first place. Without addressing the underlying causes and modifying activities, the tendons do not get adequate rest to heal.
4. Biomechanical Factors: Poor biomechanics, such as improper posture or gait, can place additional stress on tendons, exacerbating the condition. Identifying and correcting these issues is essential for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.
5. Scar Tissue Formation: During the healing process, the body forms scar tissue in the damaged tendon. While scar tissue helps to repair the injury, it is not as flexible or strong as the original tendon tissue. This can lead to stiffness and a reduced range of motion, making the tendon more susceptible to future injuries.
How CARESPACE Can Help
At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we understand the complexities of tendonitis and offer a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Our team of regulated health professionals, including physiotherapists and chiropractic doctors, work together to create personalized, evidence-based plans of care tailored to each client’s needs.
Physiotherapy for Tendonitis
Physiotherapists at CARESPACE play a crucial role in the treatment of tendonitis. They focus on reducing pain, improving function, and promoting healing through various techniques to help severe tendonitis, including:
Manual Techniques: Hands-on techniques such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation can help to reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance the mobility of the affected tendon.
Exercise: Customized exercise programs are designed to strengthen the muscles around the tendon, improve flexibility, and correct biomechanical issues. These exercises help to offload the stressed tendon, allowing it to heal more effectively.
Chiropractic Care for Tendonitis
Chiropractic doctors at CARESPACE provide complementary care for tendonitis by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting overall joint health. Their approach includes:
Spinal and Joint Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments can help to restore proper alignment and function of the joints, reducing unnecessary strain on the tendons.
Soft Tissue Treatment: Techniques such as Active Release Techniques (ART) and myofascial release are used to break down scar tissue, improve flexibility, and enhance blood flow to the affected area.
Postural and Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors provide guidance on maintaining proper posture and ergonomics in daily activities to prevent further strain on the tendons.
Coordinated Care at CARESPACE
What sets CARESPACE apart is our commitment to coordinated, client-focused care. Our physiotherapists and chiropractic doctors collaborate closely to develop and deliver comprehensive treatment plans. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of your condition are addressed, from pain management and tissue healing to strengthening and prevention of recurrence.
For example, a client with shoulder tendonitis might receive manual therapy and exercise prescription from a physiotherapist, while a chiropractor addresses underlying spinal misalignments and provides soft tissue therapy. Together, they monitor the client’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
Tendonitis is a challenging condition to heal due to the unique nature of tendons, the chronic inflammation involved, and the repetitive strain often responsible for the injury. However, with the right approach, healing is possible. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, our integrated team of physiotherapists and chiropractic doctors works together to provide comprehensive, personalized care that addresses the root causes of tendonitis and promotes long-lasting recovery. If you’re struggling with tendonitis, don’t let it hold you back any longer. Reach out to CARESPACE Health+Wellness to learn how our multidisciplinary approach can help you achieve your health goals and get back to the activities you love.
