This is one question we are often asked: will physiotherapy cure my tendonitis? 

While there is no definitive “yes” or “no” answer to this, as there are too many variables for a blanket answer, at the very least, physiotherapy can help relieve the pain tremendously.

What is Tendonitis?

We have strong bands in our bodies that connect our muscles to our bones. This is called connective tissue. Tendonitis occurs when these bands become irritated or inflamed and is typically caused by overstretching or repetitive use. Tendonitis commonly happens in the elbow, knee, shoulder, hip, Achilles tendon, and base of the thumb. Tendinitis is also called tendonitis. 

Tendinitis can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) in nature.

Everyday activities that lead to tendonitis include:

• Painting 
• Scrubbing
• Tennis
• Shoveling
• Gardening
• Tennis
• Golf
• Baseball
• Darts
• Ax throwing
• And more… 

Other risk factors for tendonitis include rheumatoid arthritis, Kidney disease, blood diseases, and gout. Certain medications can make you more susceptible to experiencing tendonitis, such as being over the age of forty. 

Symptoms of Tendonitis 

The main symptom of tendonitis that requires physiotherapy is pain at the site of the tendon and surrounding area. Pain may occur as a gradual buildup or sudden and severe, particularly if calcium deposits are present.

Physiotherapy for Tendonitis Can Relieve Symptoms

Physiotherapy treatments work to relieve your symptoms, promote further injury prevention, improve your muscle strength, and return to your everyday activities pain-free. 

Your individualized physio plan will depend on your symptoms and their severity, whether surgery has been involved, and your overall goal for rehabilitation.

Rest is often at the top of the rehabilitation list. The continued overuse of your tendons will worsen symptoms; however, if caught early enough, functional physiotherapy can cure your tendonitis. Paying close attention to your physiotherapist’s instructions will improve overall results, including rest.

Physiotherapy Options for Tendonitis

Our physiotherapists may recommend any of the following treatment options to relieve your tendonitis pain:

• Cold therapy
• Hot therapy 
• Immobilization
• Ultrasound
• Massage
• Electrical stimulation
• Joint mobilization techniques
• Customized patient exercise program

Your Physiotherapy Treatment for Tendonitis 

These general treatment options for physiotherapy concerning tendonitis do not override the importance of seeking an individual treatment plan. And although a “cure” may or may not be on your horizon, once your specific physiotherapy needs are met, you should experience significant relief. Treatment can sometimes take weeks or months before pain is significantly reduced. 

How Can You Avoid Tendonitis?

Learning the proper mechanics of lifting and carrying objects is one of the main objectives of treatment. This includes being mindful of not sitting in the same position for too long, sitting with your legs folded underneath your body, not gripping objects too tightly while holding or carrying them, stopping an activity once you feel pain, and stretching before beginning an activity.

If you are in the Mississauga area and experiencing tendonitis, don’t hesitate to contact our team of specialists to discover how we may serve you. 

Until then, we hope this answers the commonly asked question, “does physiotherapy cure tendonitis?”