Chiropractic Treatment For Tendinopathy Pain
Introduction:
Tendinopathy, a common condition affecting millions worldwide, can significantly impact one's quality of life, causing pain and limiting mobility. As chiropractors, we understand the complexities of tendinopathy and offer holistic approaches to alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and restore function. In this blog post, we'll explore what tendinopathy is, how chiropractic care can help, and the benefits of taking a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Understanding Tendinopathy:
Tendinopathy refers to a range of conditions affecting tendons, the thick fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. It is often characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired function in the affected tendon. Common sites of tendinopathy include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and certain cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are common examples of tendinopathies.
The terms tendinopathy and tendonitis are sometimes used interchangeably. Both can be painful but tendonitis is better thought of as a precursor to tendinopathy. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon where a tendinopathy involves a degeneration of the collage protein that forms the tendon, causing a more significant injury to the tendon. If caught early and managed correctly, tendonitis can improve with rest and activity modification alone whereas tendinopathy may require more focused rehabilitation.
Tendinopathy can develop due to various factors, including:
Overuse or repetitive movements: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive motions or overloading the tendon can lead to tendinopathy. This is common among athletes, manual laborers, and individuals who engage in activities like gardening or cleaning.
Aging: Tendons naturally become less flexible and resilient with age, increasing the risk of tendinopathy.
Poor biomechanics: Improper movement patterns or biomechanics can put excessive stress on tendons, leading to injury and tendinopathy.
Inflammatory conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can contribute to the development of tendinopathy.
The symptoms of tendinopathy can vary depending on the affected tendon but commonly include:
Pain that worsens with movement or activity
Swelling and tenderness around the affected tendon
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Weakness in the affected area
A palpable lump or thickening along the tendon
How Chiropractic Can Help:
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing tendinopathy, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. Here's how chiropractic interventions can benefit individuals with tendinopathy:
Joint Manipulation: Joint restrictions and musculoskeletal imbalances can cause alterned movement patterns and increased stress on tendons. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper movement patterns and improve performance and reduce stress on tendons.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors utilize various soft tissue techniques, such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), to address muscle imbalances, scar tissue formation, and adhesions around affected tendons. These therapies promote tissue healing, flexibility, and range of motion.
Corrective Exercise: Chiropractors prescribe specific exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, improve joint stability, and correct biomechanical imbalances that contribute to tendinopathy. These exercises focus on enhancing flexibility, mobility, and functional movement patterns, reducing the risk of re-injury.
Lifestyle / Activity Modifications: Chiropractors provide guidance on ergonomic modifications, posture correction, and activity modification to prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promote optimal healing. Education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics can help individuals avoid repetitive strain injuries and reduce the risk of developing tendinopathy.
Conclusion:
Tendinopathy can be a debilitating condition preventing you from not only doing the activities you love, but also every day activities of daily living. But with the right approach, individuals can find relief and regain function. Chiropractic care offers a holistic and integrative approach to managing tendinopathy, addressing the root causes of the condition and promoting natural healing processes. By combining chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, corrective exercise, lifestyle modifications, chiropractors empower patients to take control of their health and achieve long-term relief from tendinopathy symptoms. If you're struggling with tendinopathy, schedule an appointment with us and let our chiropractor help you get back to doing the activities you love pain free.
