…and how Osteopathy can help
You might know it as tennis elbow, jumper’s knee or swimmer’s shoulder but tendonitis is a common condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re a keen runner, a busy parent, or someone who spends long hours at a desk, tendonitis can cause persistent pain and make everyday activities feel uncomfortable or difficult.
In my osteopathic clinic, I regularly see patients with tendonitis in various parts of the body, from the shoulder and elbow to the knee and ankle. With the right care, tendonitis can usually be managed effectively, allowing you to return to your usual activities with confidence.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendons are strong, flexible bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. They play a crucial role in movement by transmitting the force generated by a muscle to the bone, allowing joints to move. Tendons are incredibly strong but not very elastic so they can become irritated or inflamed when strained or overused, leading to tendonitis or even tendinopathy which is chronic degeneration.
Common types of tendonitis include:
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Tennis elbow or golfers elbow
- Patellar tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Wrist tendonitis
Typical symptoms include:
- A dull ache or sharp pain near a joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Swelling or tenderness
- Discomfort when using the affected area
If left untreated, tendonitis can become a long-term issue or progress to tendinosis—a more chronic condition involving tendon degeneration.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopaths take a whole body approach to assessing and treating tendonitis. Rather than just treating the painful area, we aim to understand what’s causing the strain in the first place; whether it’s a postural habit, a movement imbalance, or tension elsewhere in the body.
Treatment may include:
- Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscular tension and improve circulation
- Joint mobilisation to restore proper movement in surrounding joints
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to support recovery and prevent recurrence
- Postural and ergonomic advice to reduce everyday strain on the tendons
- Lifestyle guidance to support healing, including pacing, rest, and activity modification
By addressing the root causes, osteopathy can help reduce pain, support tendon healing, and improve your overall movement.
Preventing Future Flare Ups
Once symptoms begin to improve, your osteopath will guide you on how to keep your tendons healthy. This may involve:
- Warming up properly before exercise
- Balancing training and rest
- Strengthening supporting muscles
- Avoiding repetitive movements or poor posture for long periods
- Gradually increasing any new activities or workloads
Osteopathy can also be a useful part of a preventative routine… keeping your body moving well so you can stay active and pain free.
Book Your Appointment Today
Tendonitis can be frustrating, but with the right support, recovery is entirely possible. If you’re experiencing tendon pain or discomfort near a joint, osteopathy may be just what you need.
👉 Book an appointment with me today Book here and take the first step toward better movement and lasting relief.