Tendinopathy Vs Tendonitis… What’s the difference?
Tendonitis and Tendinopathy both refer to issues with tendons, but they differ in their specifics:
Tendonitis and tendinopathy are distinct conditions often confused with one another. Tendonitis is an acute inflammation caused by sudden activity increases or repetitive strain, resulting in pain and swelling. In contrast, tendinopathy is a chronic issue marked by degenerative changes in the tendon, leading to persistent pain and stiffness without significant inflammation. Proper treatment varies, with tendonitis benefiting from rest and anti-inflammatories, while tendinopathy often requires strengthening exercises and a gradual rehabilitation approach.
Tendonitis
Definition: Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or injury. It is typically characterized by pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected area.
Causes: Commonly results from repetitive strain or acute injury. Activities that involve repetitive movements or excessive use can trigger tendonitis.
Symptoms: Pain is usually sharp and localized, and it can worsen with movement or pressure on the tendon.
Tendinopathy:
Definition: Tendinopathy is a more general term that encompasses various types of tendon damage, including tendonitis but also chronic conditions like tendinosis. It refers to tendon degeneration rather than just inflammation.
Causes: Often due to chronic overuse or aging, and it may develop over time without a specific acute injury.
Symptoms: Pain is usually dull and achy, and it may be accompanied by stiffness. There might not be obvious swelling, but there can be thickening or tenderness in the tendon.
How Chiropractic care can help
Chiropractors can offer various treatment options for tendonitis and tendinopathy, focusing on alleviating pain, improving function, and promoting healing. Here are some common approaches:
- Manual Therapy
- Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper joint function and mobility, which may alleviate stress on affected tendons.
- Soft Tissue Techniques: Techniques like myofascial release or trigger point therapy can help relieve muscle tension around the affected tendon.
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized exercises can strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, which may help in recovery.
- Eccentric Exercises: Often recommended for tendinopathy, these exercises focus on lengthening the muscle while it is under tension.
- Cold and Heat Therapy
- Cryotherapy: Ice packs can help reduce inflammation and pain in acute tendonitis.
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat can assist with chronic tendinopathy by increasing blood flow and promoting healing.
- Electrotherapy
- Ultrasound Therapy: This may help to promote healing in the tissue.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): Can be used to help manage pain.
- Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
- Activity Modification: Chiropractors can provide guidance on modifying activities to prevent further irritation of the tendon.
- Posture and Ergonomics: Advice on proper posture and ergonomic setups to reduce strain on tendons.
- Nutritional Support
- Dietary Recommendations: Suggestions for anti-inflammatory foods or supplements that may support healing.
- Education and Self-Care
- Patient Education: Teaching patients about their condition and effective self-care strategies can empower them in their recovery process.
- Referral to Other Professionals
- In some cases, a chiropractor might recommend referral to physical therapists, orthopedists, or other specialists for more comprehensive treatment.
- Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In essence, tendonitis focuses on inflammation and acute conditions, while tendinopathy covers a broader range of tendon issues, including long-term degeneration.
Keep the pain and inflammation away by booking an appointment at Back Pain Relief Clinic today!
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