East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic and Trilogy Physiotherapy have partnered in order to provide you with the experienced and skilled care you deserve.
Tendonitis is a condition where tendons become inflamed and stressed. Symptoms of tendonitis can be very painful, with swelling and a soreness deep within the tissue that leads to an inability to perform daily tasks comfortably. One of the most common causes of tendonitis is a significant strain or injury where the tendons are made to elongate or pull past their typical range of motion.
What is Tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy occurs when small tears of the collagen within and around the tendon are caused by long-term overuse. As time goes on, this overuse leads to a deterioration of the tendon that, unlike tendonitis, does not involve significant inflammation.
Tendinopathy is also known as cumulative trauma or repetitive strain injuries.
Common types of tendon problems can include:
Achilles Tendonitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Wrist Tendonitis
Treatment
Your treatment will vary greatly depending on whether the tendon issue is caused by inflammation, as with tendonitis, or by long-term degeneration, as with tendinopathy.
Inflammation from acute tendonitis usually improves rapidly in response to treatment by medication and anti-inflammatory measures. However, if the injury is caused by tendon tissue deterioration over time, treatment can take a bit longer to take effect, since it focuses on the strengthening of the tendon and regeneration of the tissues.
Braces or splints can also be used to reduce the impact and pressure on the tendon during the healing process. Massage therapy is also a common treatment.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
For both tendonitis and tendinopathy, flexibility and strength training guided by a physiotherapist can begin immediately. An individualized rehabilitation schedule is necessary because every injury is unique and the lifestyle and goals of patients can range.
For the fastest recovery time, carefully follow the instructions of your physiotherapist on what you need to do at home between appointments.
Identifying the cause of the tendon injury is key, along with implementing corrections to the movement or activity that caused the injury. This way, long-term problems with the tendons can be prevented.
To book an appointment, Call Us today at 416-691-3943 or contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tendonitis & Tendinopathy
How can you prevent tendonitis?
1) Decrease or eliminate repetitive or overuse movement patterns
2) Optimize posture
3) Improve technique
4) Maintaining good strength and flexibility in the muscles, joints and connective tissue
Does tendonipathy ever heal?
Yes it can heal. A combination of rest, stretching, manual therapy and modalities are all important to help heal a tendinopathy, however exercise has been shown to be the most evidence based treatment for it. The tendon needs to be loaded gradually in order for it to be able to develop a better tolerance to load/movement. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a personalized exercise program with proper exercise progression.
Can you work with tendonitis?
The short answer is yes, however it depends if your injury will put you at risk of your own safety and the safety of other. Also, continuing to work might delay your recovery depending on what kind of movements are required of you at work. There might be some modifications that your physiotherapist will advise you to do such as maintaining a good posture and proper biomechanics. Modified duties can be an option for some individuals. For certain types of tendonitis, a brace could be of benefit to offload the tension placed on the tendon and disperse the force (i.e elbow brace). A brace can help the individual continue with theirs tasks with less pain. Also, pacing a task can help tremendously too.
What should you do after treatment?
You should listen to your body and see how things feel. It can sometimes take 24-48 hours after a treatment to feel the effects. Write down any observations or comments you would like to share with your physiotherapist and pay attention to you limitations and abilities. Follow the exercises your physiotherapist has provided.
Can stretching make tendonitis worse?
It all depends on the severity of the tendonitis. Proper, gentle and gradual stretching in important to maintain flexibility in the muscles and tendons. However, if the tendon is torn or ruptured, stretching can make it feel worse. You should have your joint properly evaluated by your physiotherapist in order to be prescribed the right exercise and the right amount of stretching.
Is heat or ice better for tendonitis?
Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, therefore heat will only increase the inflammation and potentially increase pain. It is advised to use ice for approximately 15 mins directly on the tendon.
What is the best way to heal tendonitis in the foot?
Depending on what tendon is involved, your physiotherapist will complete a full body and gait analysis of your foot, ankle, legs and hips mechanics. I de tiffing a faulty movement pattern, a weakness in a joint or a lack of mobility somewhere(to name a few), is the first thing to do in the rehabilitation process. An exercise program that will be monitored by your physiotherapist and progressed as needed is key to the client's return to ADLs or return to sport. A combination of manual therapy, mobility and strengthening exercises and the use of a type of modality to calm the inflmmatin should be advised when treating tendonitis in the foot.
Bryce Lee
13 September 2023
Adam was super. Always positive and very encouraging thru my rehab.
Marcello Sapienza
10 August 2023
Excellent service . I highly recommend this clinic. Teresa the receptionist is very helpful and nice . Adam is a knowledgeable physiotherapist. And Fatima is a very good acupuncturist .
Samantha Duncan
25 July 2023
Excellent experience with Adam - thorough and very personable.
Kristin Patterson
26 June 2023
Marshall was very helpful and professional and worked with me on a very painful knee injury. i began a few months ago barely able to bend it or walk up and down stairs and have improved greatly with his program. i am now able to run up and downstairs with no problems and am almost back to 100%. the receptionists are also accommodating and professional and were easily able to process insurance claims, answer questions, and reschedule appts when i was sick or something came up. i was very impressed by my experience here and would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a new physio!
Adriano Trapani
13 June 2023
Great experience. I had foot pain that wouldn’t go away so I came here and found so much assistance in regaining my mobility.
Kartik Uppal
8 June 2023
Went to the Pape and Danforth clinic for a massage with Robert. Customer service from initial onset was with Therese. Was very patient with me when it came to form filling and billing. Robert was also extremely good at working on my pain points and being thorough with his explanations. Overall great massage, experience and education!
AD
26 March 2023
Everyone at this clinic is very kind and professional- Would recommend!
Efficient Sense
7 January 2023
Trevor is great! He has guided me on my road to recovery. Staff is also friendly and knowledgeable. Nachi is also great!
Lucy Barron
5 December 2022
I would highly recommend the services of Trevor - he provided excellent care. I received a thorough assessment and a clear treatment plan. Trevor is knowledgeable, friendly and is a good communicator. The office is well-equipped and Mina at the front desk was always very welcoming.
Sabrina Oliver
15 November 2022
I have seen Trevor for several different problems over the years and he has always done an amazing job helping me with my recovery. He is knowledgeable in many areas and always happy to answer questions and explain what he is doing. He is thorough with assessment and treatment so you always feel like you are in good hands. He is also very honest and won't push you to keep coming if he doesn't feel you need it. Mina at the front desk is really welcoming and the clinic is very clean and comfortable. Overall a great physio experience and would highly recommend to anyone!
