Although tendinitis can develop anywhere on the body, it most frequently affects the ankle, knee, hamstrings, and shoulders. Since the suffix "-itis" suggests inflammation, the term tendinitis is a bit misleading. For this reason, we have more recently shifted to the term tendinopathy. Although inflammation may be visible in the very early stages of tendinopathy or during a flare-up, tissue weakening is the actual cause of the injury.
 

When the strain on a tendon is greater than its ability to withstand it, tendinopathies develop. A runner who abruptly increases her mileage without the appropriate recovery in between runs and subsequently develops achilles tendinopathy is a straightforward example. The tendon became painful because it was not prepared for the abrupt increase in stress being placed on it.
 

Short-term rest is typically necessary to manage tendinopathy in order to give the tissue's sensitivity time to subside. Strength training that targets the tendon needs must start almost immediately in order to develop what is known as "load tolerance." Rehabilitating a painful tendon requires more than just rest. Strengthening strategically is essential.

 

We take this process very seriously at Performance Sport & Spine. No one desires to miss more than one day of their sport or activity. In order to strengthen the tendon while allowing it to heal, we work closely with our patients to determine the ideal strength training level. In order to hasten tissue healing, we also employ laser therapy in addition to soft tissue and strengthening exercises.

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If you live in or around the Quincy area and are experiencing tendinitis that doesn’t seem to get better, click here to work with our team and begin finding relief.