What is Tendinitis?
In order to understand tendinitis, one must know what tendons are and what they do. They are thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. Tendons and muscles work together,exerting the pulling force necessary to move bones. Tendons should not be confused with ligaments which are bands of long stringy fibers that attach bones to each other, and stabilize joints. Although tough and fibrous, both are considered soft tissues to differentiate them from bones and cartilage.
Simply put, tendinitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed. Tendinitis, also known as tendonitis, also has several specific names, depending on where in the body the inflamed tendon happens to be. Since sports injuries are often the culprits responsible for the inflammation, they too play a part in the naming. You may recognize:
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Jumpers Knee
- Skier’s Knee
- Pitcher’s Shoulder
- Swimmer’s Shoulder
They are all forms of tendinitis, caused by repetitive movement that, over time, aggravates the tendon involved in producing it. Tendinitis also strikes people engaged in jobs or hobbies that require repeating the same movement over and over. The elderly also fall victim to tendinitis since aging robs tendons of their their elasticity and makes them weaker.
Symptoms of Tendinitis and How Chiropractic Care Can Help Alleviate It
Patients with tendinitis usually exhibit the following types of discomfort:
- Pain which worsens each time the affected area is moved
- A feeling that the tendon is cracking or grating each time it is moved
- Swelling in the area
- Heat and inflammation
- The development of a movable lump along the tendon
If a gap can be felt, then the tendon is ruptured and movement is very difficult.
At Bankers Hall Chiropractic, our chiropractor will physically examine the area to determine whether the patient is suffering from tendinitis, and since each case is unique, will treat it with a technique tailored to suit the individual.
Active Release Technique (ART) is a personalized hands-on approach consisting of 500 specific moves to apply precisely directed tension on the affected area, and works well on muscles, fascia, ligaments, and nerves, as well as tendons. The Active Release Technique also helps remove scar tissue on the supporting muscular structures helping to optimize joint function and restore mobility. In addition to tendinitis we use it to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, shin splints, sciatica, and plantar fasciitis.
Shock Wave Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that is used in treating calcific tendinitis in which calcium deposits surround the tendon. It is a painless treatment using a wand to send acoustic waves through the injured area. If our chiropractor deems it an appropriate treatment he will schedule the patient for several five to ten minute painless sessions after which he can resume his normal activities.
In many cases, our chiropractor will complement chiropractic care with massage therapy to manipulate the affected area to provide immediate relief and speed the healing process, and lifestyle advice to prevent re-injury during treatment and after healing.
If you would like to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you, we invite you to call our Downtown Calgary office at (403) 243-0111!
