What is a Tendinopathy?- Physio Albany
Tendinopathy (tendon injuries) can develop in any tendon of the body, a tendon is a tough structure which connects a muscle to a bone, so that movement can happen. Tendinopathies are also called tendonitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis and tendinosis. In simple terms, they are all tendon categorised by pain in a tendon. There are technical differences between these things within the medical community but you can discuss that within your appointment at Pure Physio. Typically, tendon injuries occur in three areas: tendon insertion (where the tendon attaches to the bone) mid-tendon (non-insertional tendinopathy) musculotendinous junction (where the tendon attaches to the muscle). These three areas require different approaches your physio will be able to discuss this in more detail.
What is a Tendon Injury?
Tendons are the tough fibres that connect muscle to bone. Most tendon injuries occur near joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. A tendon injury may seem to occur suddenly, but usually, it is the result of repetitive tendon overloading. As mentioned earlier, health care professionals may use different terms to describe a tendon injury. You may hear: Tendinitis (or Tendonitis): This means “inflammation of the tendon”. Mild inflammation is actually a normal tendon healing response to exercise or activity loading, but it can become excessive, where the rate of injury exceeds your healing capacity.
Tendinopathy Phases
There are several reasons a tendon can hurt. Conventionally it is thought that too much load is put upon a tendon too quickly causing tears within the structure. If left unaddressed the tendon can break down and cause bigger problems (hint call now 09 4481277 or book online here 😉 )
1. Reactive Tendinopathy
Normal tissue adaptation phase. This is where the tendon is trying to adapt to put the load upon it and just needs a gentle nudge from the physio to get you back on track. Prognosis: Excellent. Normal Recovery!
2. Tendon Disrepair ]
This occurs when the damage being done to the tendon exceeds the current rate the tendon can heal. Prognosis: Good.
The tendon tissue is attempting to heal. With appropriate advice to adapt your activities to prevent some damage and appropriate physio to boost the healing rate full recovery can be achieved and you can avoid tendon degeneration (phase 3).
3. Degenerative Tendinopathy
If left untreated the cells which nourish the tendon can die. At this stage, some extra help can be needed or recovery can take longer than we would both like Prognosis: Poor! Tendon cells are dying!
4. Tendon Tear or Rupture
This sounds horrific, and it can be, the tendon snaps in 2. However, even in these situations, there can be workarounds and a good recovery can be achieved depending on which tendon is injured. Loss of function. Prognosis: very poor. Surgery can be required on occasions.
What are the Symptoms of Tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy usually causes pain, stiffness, and loss of strength in the affected area. The pain may get worse when you use the tendon. You may have more pain and stiffness during the night or when you get up in the morning. The area may be tender, red, warm, or swollen if there is inflammation. You may notice a crunchy sound or feeling when you use the tendon. The symptoms of a tendon injury can be similar or combined with bursitis.
How is a Tendon Injury Diagnosed?
To diagnose a tendon injury, your physiotherapist or doctor will ask questions about your past health, your symptoms and recent exercise regime. They’ll undertake a thorough physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. They will then discuss your condition and devise an individualised treatment plan. They may refer you for specific diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound scan or MRI.
Tendinopathy Treatment
Most tendinopathies can normally be quickly and effectively rehabilitated. However, it is important to note that the earlier you see a physio the quicker a problem will resolve. This can be tricky because you tend to remember you want appointments when pain is bad, so often weekends and evenings. That’s why at Pure Physio Albany we offer online booking so that you can book in even if we are closed. Your physiotherapist can assist not only your diagnosis but also guide your treatment to fast-track your recovery.
Before you seek the advice of your physiotherapist you can start treating an acute tendon injury at home. To achieve the best results, start these steps right away: Rest the painful area, and avoid any activity that makes the pain worse. Apply ice or cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, as often as 2 times an hour, for the first 72 hours. Keep using ice as long as it helps.
When to Return to Strenuous Activity
Every tendinopathy is different, so please be guided by your physiotherapist’s assessment. It may take quite some time for some tendon injuries to heal and safely cope with a return to sporting or heavy loads. Be patient, and stick with the treatment exercises and load doses prescribed by your physiotherapist. If you start using the injured tendon too soon, it can lead to more damage, and set you back!
Tendinopathy Prevention
To minimise reinjuring your tendon, you may require some long-term changes to your exercise activities. These should be discussed with your physiotherapist. Some factors that could influence your tendinopathy risk include: Altering your sport/activities or your technique Regular prevention exercises. Fortunately at Pure Physio, we are very experienced and it’s rare that significant changes to activity are needed
Discuss your loading with your physiotherapist, coach or employer. Communication between key people can really aid recovery. Always take time to warm up before and cool down after you exercise. Tendons gain strength by containing water so being well hydrated really helps too.
Tendinopathy Prognosis
While most tendinopathies which are caught in the first month can resolve really quickly, persisting tendon injuries may take much longer to resolve. Long-term or repeat tendinopathies usually have complex causes that will require a thorough assessment and individualised rehabilitation plan.
Researchers have found that tendon injuries do respond differently to muscle injuries and can take longer to solve. By improving how you move with balance, posture and dynamic strengthening exercises this can be resolved well. For specific advice regarding your tendinopathy, please seek the advice of your trusted physio with a special interest in tendinopathies.
How can Pure Physio help with your tendon problem?
Give us a call on 09 4481277 to sort an appointment or click here to book online