Tendonitis

Tendinopathy, an umbrella term for conditions such as tendonitis or tendinosis, is a common condition that involves pain, swelling, and impaired function of tendons, which are the connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. This condition can significantly impact your daily activities and overall quality of life. At our clinic, we specialise in treating tendinopathy through a combination of osteopathy, acupuncture and physical therapy, providing a comprehensive and personalised approach to your recovery.

Understanding Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy typically develops due to overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons. It can affect any tendon in the body but is most commonly found in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. The condition can be acute, characterized by sudden and severe pain, or chronic, where pain persists over a longer period.

Common causes of tendinopathy include:

• Overuse: Repetitive activities or excessive strain on the tendons.

• Injury: Direct trauma or injury to the tendon.

• Age-Related Degeneration: Tendons lose elasticity and strength as we age.

• Biomechanics: Improper movement patterns can place additional stress on tendons.

• Sports: Certain sports such as jiu jitsu, sprinting and weightlifting can increase your likeliness of developing tendinopathy due to the repetitive nature of training and competing

• Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of tendinopathy.

Our Approach to Treatment

At our clinic, we utilise a holistic and integrative approach to treating tendinopathy, combining the expertise of osteopathy and physical therapy. Our goal is to not only relieve pain but also address the underlying causes of the condition to prevent recurrence.

1. Comprehensive Assessment:

   • We begin with a thorough assessment to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and specific symptoms. This includes a physical examination and, if necessary, diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the affected tendon and assess the severity of the condition.

2. Osteopathic Treatment:

   • Our osteopaths use a variety of hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected tendon. Techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and myofascial release are tailored to your specific needs.

   • Osteopathy aims to restore balance and function to your musculoskeletal system, promoting natural healing and preventing further injury.

3. Physical Therapy:

   • Our practitioners focus on rehabilitative exercises and functional training to strengthen the muscles and tendons, improve flexibility, and enhance overall movement patterns.

   • We provide personalised exercise programmes that you can continue at home, ensuring that you maintain progress and prevent future issues.

   • Techniques such as eccentric loading exercises, stretching, and proprioceptive training are employed to target and strengthen the affected tendon.

4. Pain Management and Education:

   • We equip you with the knowledge and strategies to manage your pain effectively. This includes advice on activity modification, ergonomic adjustments, and techniques to reduce strain on the affected tendon.

   • Education on proper biomechanics and posture is provided to help you avoid habits that contribute to tendinopathy.

5. Holistic Support:

   • Our team offers holistic support, including nutritional advice and stress management techniques, to enhance your overall health and well-being, promoting a faster and more complete recovery.