Tendon conditions & how to manage them

What are tendons?

Tendons are located at the ends of our muscles. They are the tissue that anchors the muscle onto a bone. Fortunately, tendons are very strong and able to withstand large forces. Therefore, they are very resilient in the grand scheme of our anatomy. They are subjected to tremendous forces to transfer energy from our contractile muscles to our bones. When they are damaged, tendons seem to take a long time to recover, especially when we compare them to the healing rate of muscle tissue.

Common Tendon disorders

• tendon rupture - a partial or complete tear of your tendon

• tendinitis- inflammation within a tendon usually after an injury

• tendinopathy- the breakdown of collagen in a tendon. This causes burning pain in addition to reduced flexibility and range of motion

Symptoms and causes

Although tendinitis can be caused by a sudden injury, the condition is much more likely to stem from the repetition of a particular movement over time. Most people develop tendinitis because their jobs or hobbies involve repetitive motions, which put stress on the tendons.

Using proper technique is especially important when performing repetitive sports movements or job- related activities. Improper technique can overload the tendon. symptoms of tendinitis tend to occur at the point where a tendon attaches to a bone and typically include:

• Pain often described as a dull ache, especially when moving the affected limb or joint

• Tenderness

• Mild swelling

  Treatment

A specific exercise programme designed to stretch and strengthen the affected muscle-tendon unit has proven to be an effective intervention. For instance, eccentric strengthening which focuses on contraction of a muscle while it's lengthening, has been shown to be a very effective treatment. For many chronic tendon conditions, it is considered first line of treatment.

If you feel you are suffering from any of the tendon conditions mentioned in this blog- then give us a call on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk

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