Tendinitis

Golfer’s elbow…Tennis Elbow…Rotator Cuff Tendinitis…Achilles Tendinitis…Biceps Tendinitis…Knee Tendinitis…

Do any of these sound familiar to you?  The commonality here is that these are the most common culprits involved with “Tendinitis.”  Late in the summer, many of you may be experiencing pain due to tendinitis in various regions of your body. Golfers may be feeling pain on the inside part of the elbow and tennis players may be feeling pain on the outside of the elbow, but don’t be misled by the terms “Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow.” Any of you may be inflicted with Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow even if you never picked up a golf club or tennis racket in your life!  This is because these terms are associated with the repeated movements that a golfer or tennis player makes.  For instance, golfers repeatedly grip a club and then swing using the same gripping muscles in the forearm and elbow region. Over time, the muscles become fatigued and the tendons that connect the muscle to the bone are unable to handle the excess stress. This results in inflammation around the tendon and muscle so you feel pain during or shortly after these activities. So, anyone who over-uses these same flexor muscles — baseball pitchers, swimmers, carpenters, hair stylists, etc.— can get this form of tendinitis termed “Golfer’s Elbow.”

Similarly, “Tennis Elbow” refers to pain caused by inflammation at the tendons involved in the backhand swing, the extensors.  Anyone who over-uses these muscles — gardeners, typists, bartenders, etc.— also may get this form of tendinitis felt at the outside of the elbow.  Another reason tendinitis is so common is because your tendons naturally weaken with age, even when you are not over-using your muscles.  Therefore, even normal daily activities may lead to tendinitis.

Unfortunately for all of us, tendinitis does not discriminate; whether you are an athlete or a couch potato, full time worker or part time worker, young or old, tendinitis may sneak up on you at some point.  As alluded to above, it may be in your elbow, shoulder, ankle, knee or even fingers.  Since these are all used with regular daily activities and with job duties, it is difficult to allow these muscles to rest sufficiently for healing.  Consequently, tendinitis often becomes chronic, lasting several months or longer.

The best way to overcome the pain cycle associated with tendinitis is to get treatment for the underlying problem, which may be muscle tightness and/or weakness.  In addition, you must allow for adequate rest for the involved muscles by modifying your activities or by using a tendinitis “band” or splint.  Further, treating the actual inflammation (usually with ice) is also helpful for short-term relief.

As with all things, the sooner you do something about it, the better.  Ideally, you should try to allow the tendons to heal before it develops into a chronic problem.  Whether a recent or longstanding problem, make it a priority to get treatment so you can get back to the golf course, tennis court or whatever it is that you do.

Conshohocken Physical Therapy is not an ordinary Physical Therapy clinic. We believe in changing your life. We are driven by the desire to make a positive impact, both personally and therapeutically, on every person who enters our office.

You will experience pain relief, improved motion and a greater quality of life. Our approach is friendly, evidence-based and innovative and our Doctors of Physical Therapy have the most specialized training in treating your body.

Learn more about Conshohocken Physical Therapy by visiting us online at www.conshypt.com.