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tendinopathy

Tendinopathy

Remedial Massage Preston for tendinopathy

Preston Remedial Massage by Billy provides effective remedial massage treatment for tendinopathy to residents of Preston, Fairfield, Kingsbury, Northcote, Reservoir, Thornbury, Coburg and surrounding suburbs. Get pain relief and restore quality of life today. Book online. HICAPS & EFTPOS available. Read more about tendinopathy and learn how remedial massage can help below.

What is tendinopathy?

Tendons are bands of strong connective tissue that attach muscle to bone.

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Tendinopathy symptoms include pain, swelling and reduced function.

 

Tendinopathy is usually a type of overuse injury, where the tendon is repeatedly strained until tiny tears form. It commonly affects the shoulder, wrist, knee, shin and heel. Most cases of tendinopathy will settle naturally. The symptoms of tendinopathy can be similar to other conditions, such as arthritis or infection, so it’s important to seek professional advice if your symptoms don't improve after a week or two.

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The symptoms of tendinopathy can include:

  • pain

  • swelling

  • stiffness and restricted mobility at the affected joint

  • muscle weakness

  • the skin over the affected area may feel warm to the touch.

what is tendinopathy
Fit and healthy young woman undertaking highly stressful workout routine

Causes of tendinopathy

Some of the common causes of tendinopathy can include:

  • overuse of the tendons by repetitive actions

  • calcium deposit along the tendon at the site of insertion (where it attaches to the bone)

  • bone spurs on the heels

  • any sporting activity that requires lots of jumping and running

  • running on hard surfaces

  • poor sporting technique, such as holding a tennis racquet or golf club incorrectly

  • inappropriate sporting equipment, such as a tennis racquet that's too heavy

  • lifting weights that are too heavy

  • lifting heavy weights without warming up properly

  • neglecting to warm up properly before doing sport or exercise

  • extreme and regular physical effort, such as an intensive sports training schedule

  • not taking enough time between training sessions to allow full recovery

  • exercising in cold temperatures

  • awkward positions that are maintained for a long time

  • being obese, which puts excessive pressure on the tendons of the legs.

Tendinopathy assessment & treatment

Your physio may use a variety of tests to diagnose tendinopathy, including:

  • medical history

  • physical examination

  • imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasound or MRI

 

Treatment options for tendinopathy may include:

  • stretching and strengthening exercises

  • weight loss advice, if necessary

  • tendon loading program 

  • corticosteroid injections if there is associated inflammation

  • in persistent cases surgery may be discussed as an option

tendinopathy treatments
tendinopathy

Decrease risk of tendinopathy

To reduce your risk of tendinopathy:

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  • Lose excess body fat, if necessary.

  • Make sure to thoroughly warm up and cool down before and after exercising.

  • Include slow, sustained stretches in your exercise routine.

  • Make sure you maintain good form when participating in your chosen sport or exercise and resist the urge to push yourself too far too fast.

  • Reduce the risk of overtraining by participating in a range of exercises and sports.

  • Wear footwear appropriate to your sport.

  • Strain on tendons caused by bowed legs or flat feet (for example) can be eased with the use of professionally fitted shoe inserts (orthoses) – see your podiatrist for further information and advice.

  • Rearrange your workstation or daily work schedule to avoid long periods of the same manual activity (such as typing on a keyboard or using a hammer).

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