Chiropractic Treatment for Tendinitis

Are you struggling with persistent tendon pain that’s holding you back from doing the things you love? Whether it’s in your shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, or ankle, tendinitis can significantly impact your mobility, strength, and quality of life. At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we focus on helping you move better, heal better, and feel better with active care, strength-focused rehabilitation, and cutting-edge therapies to manage and resolve tendinitis.

What Is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, the thick connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Tendinitis is typically caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or sudden increases in activity levels. It can also be linked to age-related changes in tendon tissue or hormonal shifts, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause.

Common Symptoms of Tendinitis:

  • Pain at the tendon site that worsens with movement
  • Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Weakness in the affected area

Common Types of Tendinitis We Treat

Shoulder Tendinitis

  • Rotator cuff tendinitis: Involves inflammation of the tendons around the shoulder joint.
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome: Caused by repetitive overhead movements.
  • Bursitis and tendinitis: Often occur together, causing pain and limited range of motion.

Elbow Tendinitis

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain on the outside of the elbow, often from repetitive gripping.
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain on the inside of the elbow, common in activities involving wrist flexion.

Knee Tendinitis

  • Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee): Affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.
  • Quadriceps tendinitis: Involves the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap.

Wrist Tendinitis

  • De Quervain’s tendinitis: Affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI): Common in people who perform repetitive hand movements.

Achilles Tendinitis

  • Involves pain and stiffness in the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This is common in runners and active adults.

FAQs About Tendinitis

What Causes Tendinitis to Flare Up?

Tendinitis flares up when tendons are overstressed due to repetitive movements, sudden changes in activity, or muscle imbalances. Poor posture and insufficient recovery time between activities can also contribute.

How Long Does It Take to Heal Tendinitis?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. With active care and rehabilitation, tendinitis can improve within weeks to months. Chronic cases may take longer, but early intervention speeds up recovery.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Tendinitis?

Yes! Chiropractors can address the underlying causes of tendinitis, such as muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, and poor movement patterns, to reduce stress on tendons and promote healing.

tennis elbow

Causes of Tendinitis

Tendinitis is often caused by repetitive overuse, poor biomechanics, or muscle weakness that put extra stress on tendons. Other contributing factors include:

  • Sudden increases in physical activity – especially ones that you aren’t used to
  • Poor posture and movement patterns – like sitting at a desk for hours on end with your shoulders and hips in the same position
  • Weakness or stiffness in surrounding muscles – if one muscle isn’t working well, it puts extra tension and strain on adjacent muscles and joints
  • Age-related degeneration – collagen strength and type changes as we get older
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy 
  • Menopause – this is an often overlooked and misunderstood cause.

Tendinitis in Pregnancy and Menopause

Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause can make tendons more prone to inflammation and injury. For example:

  • Pregnancy-related tendinitis: Increased levels of relaxin, a hormone that loosens ligaments, can cause instability and additional strain on tendons.
  • Perimenopause/menopause-related tendinitis: Reduced estrogen levels can impact tendon health, leading to decreased collagen production and increased risk of tendinitis.

Common areas affected include the wrists (De Quervain’s tendinitis), shoulders, and knees. Addressing strength, mobility, and hormone-related changes can help reduce symptoms and improve recovery.  These are often dismissed as “you’re just getting old” – while this may be true, that doesn’t mean pain and disability are inevitable!

How We Treat Tendinitis at Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we take a whole-person approach to tendinitis care. Rather than focusing solely on pain relief, we work to improve strength, mobility, and overall function.

Our Tendinitis Treatment Services Include:

  • Chiropractic Care: adjustments to the spine and joints to improve joint mobility and stability
  • Strength and Mobility Training: Focused exercises to address muscle tone, strength,  and improve tendon resilience.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Our Avant laser helps reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and relieve pain.
  • Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy: Reduces inflammation and improves tissue healing.
  • Red Light Therapy: Helps enhance cellular repair and reduce chronic inflammation in tendons.
  • Vibration Plate Therapy: Improves strength, balance, and proprioception to support tendon recovery.

Home Care and Rehab Exercises

We provide customized rehabilitation programs that include progressive strength training exercises to help you return to your favorite activities safely and confidently. Rest alone won’t resolve tendinitis – targeted movement and strengthening are essential.

Why Choose Us for Tendinitis Treatment in Frederick, MD?

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we go beyond pain relief. Our proactive, patient-centered approach focuses on empowering you to take control of your health with active care, strength-based rehab, and the latest therapeutic technologies.

If you’re dealing with tendinitis, don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery!

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