Treatment for Tendon Pain and Tendinopathy
Tendon pain can be persistent and frustrating. It may initially appear only during exercise but can gradually begin to affect walking, stairs, work or everyday activity.
Conditions commonly described as "tendonitis" are often better described as tendinopathy. These problems do not always involve straightforward inflammation, which is one reason why rest alone may not provide a lasting solution.
At Huddersfield Physiotherapy Clinic, I offer a detailed assessment, progressive rehabilitation and shockwave therapy where it is clinically appropriate.
Tendon-related problems I assess
These include:
- Achilles tendon pain
- Patellar tendon pain
- Plantar heel pain
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
- Gluteal tendon pain
- Hamstring tendon pain
Not all pain near a tendon is caused by tendinopathy. An assessment is therefore important before starting treatment.
Why do tendon problems develop?
Tendon pain often follows a change in the demands being placed on the body. This might include:
- Increasing running mileage
- Introducing faster or hillier training
- Returning to sport after a break
- Starting a new job or activity
- Repetitive lifting or gripping
- A reduction in strength or physical capacity
Age, general health, medication and previous injuries may also be relevant.
Rehabilitation for tendon pain
Progressive exercise is usually an important part of tendon rehabilitation. Your programme may include:
- Isometric exercises for symptom management
- Gradual strengthening
- Heavy or slow resistance exercises
- Exercises that store and release energy
- Progressive return to running or sport
- Advice about managing activity and training load
The programme will be adjusted according to your starting point, symptoms and goals.
Shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy may be considered for certain persistent tendon and plantar fascia problems, particularly when symptoms have not responded adequately to appropriate initial management.
It uses pulses of acoustic energy applied to the affected area. It is not suitable for every person or every condition, so an assessment and safety screening are needed first.
Where shockwave is recommended, it should normally form part of a wider rehabilitation plan rather than being used as a stand-alone treatment.