Anyone who has played sports or has a job that requires repetitive movements is at a higher risk of developing tendonitis. It can start as stiffness in your joints or pain as you repeat a certain movement. The pain can be accompanied by redness or swelling and can feel as if your tissues are crackling when you move them. You will know that you have injured yourself, but you might not know right away that you have tendonitis.
The injury is commonly mistaken for symptoms of arthritis or general joint pain. Seeing a professional to help you understand the nature of your injury is the first step to treating your symptoms. Once you know you have tendonitis, you can pursue treatments such as physical therapy, red light therapy, and massage treatments tailored to tendonitis symptoms.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendons are cord-like tissues that connect muscles to bones. When a tendon is inflamed and swollen, the condition is called tendonitis. The inflammation and swelling can cause discomfort, pain, and limited range of motion, which is why it is often confused with arthritis.
What Causes Tendonitis?
A tendon becomes inflamed when it is overused, injured, or affected by other health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Repetitive motion from regular tasks or work can lead to tendonitis. Sports and physical activity can also lead to tendonitis. You have likely heard sport-linked nicknames such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, and jumper’s knee.
How to Manage Tendonitis
The good news is that tendonitis can heal. Several treatments work well together to reduce inflammation and stress on your tendons and help you regain motion and strength. If you think you have tendonitis, try these steps to relieve pain:
- Ice application
- Rest
- Massage therapy
- Red light therapy
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
The Best Types of Massage for Tendonitis
The best massage for tendon pain depends on the cause and location of your tendonitis. For example, Achilles tendon injuries are common in athletes, while elbow tendonitis is common in both athletes and professionals who perform repetitive movements for work. Here are effective options:
Deep Tissue Massage
When you have tight, sore muscles and overworked tendons, deep tissue massage can offer long-lasting relief and faster healing. This technique reaches deeper layers to smooth knots and surrounding tissues. If you are pausing an activity, deep tissue massage can help you heal and return sooner.
Sports Massage
Sports massage treatment works well for physically active people with tendonitis and other sports injuries. Whether you swim, run, jump, play golf or tennis, or have an impact injury, sports massage can be tailored to your needs to help reduce swelling and break up scar tissue. Scheduling sessions alongside range of motion exercises and light stretching can speed recovery.
Other Ways to Manage Your Tendonitis
In addition to massage therapy, these options can help heal tendonitis through in-clinic care and at-home activities.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, a form of photodynamic therapy, can support recovery from tendonitis. It helps provide cells with an energy boost that supports immunity and healing. Inflammation, joint pain, and muscle tension are all symptoms that red light therapy can help address. This non-invasive, non-toxic treatment leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated while giving your cells a healing boost.
Physical Therapy
Once inflammation decreases, physical therapy provides stretching and exercise recommendations to strengthen tendons and surrounding muscles without excessive stress. Consistent appointments and at-home techniques help you return to your normal routine sooner. If you need a referral to a physical therapist in St. Albert, we are happy to help.
Strength Building
After pain and inflammation ease, rebuild strength in muscles and joints. Light strength-building activities help restore capacity for physical activity and can reduce the chance of tendonitis returning.
How to Prevent Tendonitis
Because tendonitis is often caused by overuse and injury from sports or routine activities, prevention focuses on addressing those causes.
Mix Up Your Activities
If you play sports regularly, ease up when you feel pain or discomfort. Rotate activities to stay active while taking pressure off specific joints or muscles.
Stretching and Strength Training
Stretching after exercise relieves tension in muscles and tendons and helps prevent injuries. Building strength supports muscles so tendons do not carry excessive load. Even recreational athletes benefit from keeping the body prepared for movement.
Work with a Professional
Learning safe techniques for your sport can make a significant difference. Consider hiring a coach to refine movement patterns. You may be using a technique that contributes to injury. Mixing activities can also reduce repetitive stress on tendons.
Massage Therapy for Tendonitis in St. Albert
If you need an Achilles tendon massage or a tennis elbow massage, our registered massage therapists are here to help. Call our St. Albert massage clinic or book online for a massage therapy appointment, optionally paired with red light therapy for added benefit. You can find relief from tendonitis pain and get back to living your life sooner.
