Tendinitis: When to See a Physical Therapist

When a sports season is in full swing, the last thing any athlete wants is an injury that will take them out of their game for weeks or even months. Some people experience more serious injuries such as sprains or tears, but the most common sports injury we see at our clinic is tendinitis. With an injury such as tendinitis, resuming physical activity too early can cause even more damage that will take longer to heal, so it’s important to make sure you treat a tendon injury with care.

What causes tendinitis?
Tendinitis is an overuse injury of a tendon, frequently caused by poor body mechanics. If one muscle in the body is weak and not moving properly, the surrounding muscles will try to compensate for that imbalance. This overcompensation can put too much strain on a tendon, causing pain and inflammation. Tendinitis can develop in a number of areas such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or event feet (known as plantar fasciitis).

When should I see a Physical Therapist?
The first step towards healing tendinitis is taking a break from activity to rest and recover, but some injuries need expert care to heal properly. If your pain is persistent, schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists! We will work with you to develop a comprehensive plan of care that may include safe stretching, soft tissue mobilization, and/or corrective exercises. All of our therapists at Body Balance are expertly trained in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, and are eager to help you reach the wellness goals you want to achieve.

S. Ryan Peck, DPT says:
“The longer you wait and put off treating these injuries, the more likely they become something much worse – such as a tear or nerve impingement. Those injuries will have a much greater impact on the rest of your life, rather than just a few weeks. Let us help you find relief from your pain!”

This blog is designed to provide general information on pertinent physical therapy topics. The statements made are provided for educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Body Balance Physical Therapy or any of its therapists other than the author. This blog is not intended to create a therapist-client relationship between you and Body Balance Physical Therapy. If you have specific questions as to the application of this information to your medical condition, you should seek the advice of your physical therapist.

Twin Falls clinic: (208) 736-9011

Gooding clinic: (208) 934-9011