Physiotherapy for tendonitis is one of the most effective treatments for long-term recovery. It helps reduce pain, improve tendon healing, restore strength, and prevent future flare-ups through guided exercises, hands-on manual therapy, and safe activity modification.
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis means the tendon is irritated or inflamed. This happens when we use a muscle or joint too much or in the wrong way. It is not a problem that happens suddenly. It usually starts slowly and gets worse if not treated.
Pathophysiology of Overuse Tendon Injury
Overuse tendon injuries typically develop slowly rather than occurring all at once. Repeated activities such as running, lifting, or performing the same movement repeatedly place constant stress on the tendon. Over time, small internal micro-tears begin to form within the tendon tissue. When these tiny injuries are not given enough time to heal, they start to accumulate.
As the tendon continues to be overloaded, inflammation develops, leading to pain, stiffness, and discomfort during movement. The internal structure of the tendon may also change, making it weaker and slower to heal. This delayed healing occurs partly because tendons have a limited blood supply. If left untreated, tendonitis can progress into long-term tendon damage, known as tendinopathy, resulting in persistent pain and reduced function.
Research shows that overuse tendon injuries can change the normal structure of the tendon, making it weaker and slower to heal, especially because tendons have limited blood supply as explained in clinical Pathophysiology of Overuse Tendon Injury studies published on PubMed).
Some Common Types of Tendonitis are:
- Tennis elbow – pain on the outer side of your elbow
- Golfer’s elbow – pain on the inner side of your elbow
- Shoulder tendonitis – pain when moving or lifting the arm
- Achilles tendonitis – pain at the back of your ankle or heel
- Knee tendonitis (jumper’s knee) – pain in the front of your knee
Tendonitis can happen in people of all ages, but it is more common in adults who play sports, do physical work, or use the same muscles too often.
What Causes Tendonitis?
There are many reasons why tendonitis happens. It usually builds up over time due to small injuries that do not heal properly. Here are the most common causes:
1. Repetitive Movement
Doing the same motion again and again puts stress on tendons. For example, typing on a keyboard, lifting things at work, or playing a sport can cause this.
2. Sudden Activity
If you start a new activity or exercise too much without warming up or building strength, the tendons can get strained.
3. Poor Posture
Sitting, standing, or walking in the wrong way for a long time puts extra pressure on muscles and tendons.
4. Weak Muscles
If the muscles around the joint are not strong, the tendons work harder and get tired quickly. This can cause tendonitis.
5. Getting Older
As we age, tendons lose their strength and flexibility. They become more likely to get hurt, especially if we stay active without proper care.
Tendonitis is not caused by one bad move. It builds up slowly, so early treatment is very important.
Symptoms of Tendonitis
Tendonitis symptoms can start mild and slowly become worse if ignored. Here are common signs to watch for:
- Pain near a joint (elbow, shoulder, knee, etc.)
- Swelling or tenderness in the area
- Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning
- Pain that increases when you move the area
- A burning feeling or weakness in the muscles
Sometimes people ignore the pain and think it will go away on its own. But if you wait too long, tendonitis can become harder to treat.
How Physiotherapy Treatment Helps Tendonitis
Tendonitis physiotherapy treatment is a natural and drug-free way to reduce pain, improve movement, and help the tendon heal. A trained physiotherapist expert understands how the body works and creates a plan to treat the root of the problem.
Here’s how physiotherapy for tendonitis works:
1. Pain Relief
Physiotherapists use ice packs, heat therapy, or machines like ultrasound and TENS to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Manual Therapy
This includes hands-on techniques like gentle massage, joint movement, and stretching. It helps reduce tightness and increases blood flow to the tendon.
3. Strengthening and Stretching
You will be guided through safe and simple tendonitis exercises that help your muscles grow stronger and your tendons become more flexible.
4. Posture Correction
Bad posture can lead to tendonitis. A physiotherapist will teach you how to sit, walk, and move correctly to avoid future problems.
5. Safe Activity Plan
You’ll learn how to do your daily tasks without making the tendon worse. The physiotherapist may also suggest ways to change your work or sport routine.
Tips to Recover from Tendonitis
Healing from tendonitis takes time. Here are some simple tips to help you get better:
- Do not ignore the pain. Rest the area if it hurts.
- Follow your physiotherapy plan. Do your Tendonitis exercises every day.
- Avoid activities that caused the problem. Give the tendon time to heal.
- Apply ice or heat. Use it based on your physio’s advice.
- Maintain good posture. Sit and stand the right way.
- Take breaks. Don’t sit or do the same motion for too long.
- Use support. Wear braces or use tape if needed.
Sticking to your physio’s plan and being gentle with your body will help you feel better faster.
Other Physiotherapy Treatments Options for Tendonitis
In physiotherapy clinics, some helpful tools and products are used to support healing. These are safe, tested, and often very helpful:
- Shockwave Therapy: A machine that sends sound waves to the tendon to promote healing
- Ultrasound Therapy: Gentle sound waves that reduce swelling and speed up recovery
- TENS Machine: Sends small electrical pulses to block pain signals
- Resistance Bands: Used to build strength in a safe and gentle way
- Foam Rollers: Help relax tight muscles around the tendon
- Cold and Hot Packs: Reduce swelling and relax muscles
- Braces or Tape: Give support to the joint and reduce strain
Your physiotherapist will decide which tools are best for your condition.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
You should see a physiotherapist if:
- The pain does not go away after a few days
- It hurts to do simple tasks like lifting a cup or walking
- You feel weak in the joint
- You want to avoid medicines or surgery
Getting help early makes it easier to treat tendonitis and avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Tendonitis can be painful, but it is not something you have to live with. With the right care, you can heal and feel better. Physiotherapy for tendonitis focuses on natural, safe treatment that helps your tendon heal and stops the pain from coming back. With the right tendonitis physiotherapy, exercises, and tools, you can return to your normal life without pain.
At Alphaone Physio, our expert team helps people recover from tendonitis every day with care, patience, and personalized plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time depends on how severe the tendonitis is and how early treatment begins. In most mild cases, people start to feel better in 2 to 6 weeks with regular physiotherapy. More serious or long-term tendonitis may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Sticking to your physiotherapist’s plan, doing exercises at home, and avoiding activities that cause pain will help speed up recovery.
You should avoid exercises that cause pain or strain the affected tendon. However, gentle movement and safe exercises are important for healing. A physiotherapist will guide you through tendonitis-friendly exercises that build strength and improve flexibility without causing further damage. Never force an exercise if it hurts.
In most cases, surgery is not needed. Tendonitis usually improves with rest, physiotherapy, and the right exercises. Surgery is only considered when the tendon is badly torn or if the pain lasts for many months and doesn’t get better with treatment. Physiotherapy can often help avoid the need for surgery.
