What is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. Tendons are crucial for joint movement, but overuse, injury, or stress can cause them to become inflamed. Tendinitis often results from repetitive motions in activities such as sports, manual labor, or improper body mechanics during everyday tasks. Common areas affected by tendinitis include the shoulder (rotator cuff), elbow (tennis or golfer’s elbow), knee (patellar tendon), and Achilles tendon.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Bursae help reduce friction and allow for smooth movement. Bursitis occurs when these sacs become irritated due to repetitive motion, direct pressure, or injury, resulting in pain and restricted movement. Common areas affected by bursitis include the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.

Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, significantly impacting daily activities. At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we provide personalized treatments to help relieve the symptoms of tendinitis and bursitis, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.

Common Causes of Tendinitis and Bursitis

1. Overuse and Repetitive Motion
   • What is it? Repetitive movements in sports, work, or daily activities can place excessive strain on tendons and bursae, leading to inflammation.
   • Symptoms: Gradual onset of pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, often worsening with activity.
2. Injury or Trauma
   • What is it? Sudden injuries or direct impact to a joint can lead to inflammation of the tendons or bursae, causing acute pain and swelling.
   • Symptoms: Immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
3. Poor Posture or Biomechanics
   • What is it? Improper posture or poor movement patterns, especially during physical activities, can place excessive stress on certain joints and tendons, leading to tendinitis or bursitis.
   • Symptoms: Chronic or recurring pain that worsens with specific activities or postures.
4. Age-Related Changes
   • What is it? As we age, tendons lose elasticity and become more prone to injury, making tendinitis more common in older adults. Similarly, bursae can become less effective in cushioning joints, leading to bursitis.
   • Symptoms: Persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
5. Underlying Conditions
   • What is it? Conditions such as arthritis, gout, or diabetes can increase the risk of developing tendinitis or bursitis.
   • Symptoms: Pain, inflammation, and swelling in multiple joints, often accompanied by other systemic symptoms.

Symptoms of Tendinitis and Bursitis

• Pain: Often localized to the affected tendon or joint, and worsens with movement or activity.
• Swelling: The area around the tendon or bursa may become swollen, red, or warm to the touch.
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the affected joint, particularly after rest or in the morning.
• Weakness: In some cases, tendinitis or bursitis may cause muscle weakness or reduced strength in the affected area.
• Tenderness: The area may be tender to the touch, and pressing on the tendon or bursa may cause sharp pain.

How Active Pulse Physiotherapy Can Help with Tendinitis and Bursitis

At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating tendinitis and bursitis, focusing on reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing recurrence. Our treatment plans are customized to each patient’s specific condition, activity level, and recovery goals.

1. Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis

Our first step in treating tendinitis or bursitis is a thorough assessment of your condition. This includes:

• Medical history review: Understanding the onset of your symptoms, any activities that may have contributed to the condition, and previous injuries or treatments.
• Physical examination: Assessing the range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness in the affected joint.
• Functional testing: Identifying specific movements or activities that aggravate your symptoms.

If necessary, we may refer you for imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

2. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is an essential part of our treatment approach, focusing on relieving pain and restoring mobility. Techniques we use include:

• Soft tissue mobilization: Hands-on massage and myofascial release to reduce tension and inflammation in the surrounding muscles and tendons.
• Joint mobilization: Gentle movements to improve the range of motion in the affected joint and reduce stiffness.
• Trigger point therapy: Targeting specific areas of muscle tightness or knots to relieve pain and improve function.

3. Targeted Exercise Program

Strengthening and stretching exercises are key components of your recovery plan, helping to restore function and prevent future injuries. Our physiotherapists will design a personalized exercise program that includes:

• Strengthening exercises: Focused on rebuilding strength in the muscles that support the affected tendon or joint. This reduces the strain on the tendon or bursa and promotes long-term recovery.
• Stretching exercises: Gentle stretches to improve flexibility in the affected area and reduce stiffness, preventing further injury.
• Range of motion exercises: Gradual movements designed to restore full movement in the joint without causing additional stress on the inflamed tissues.

4. Pain Relief Modalities

To help manage pain and inflammation, we may use a variety of modalities, including:

• Heat or ice therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to reduce pain and inflammation in the tendon or bursa.
• Ultrasound therapy: Using sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation in deeper tissues.
• Electrical stimulation (TENS): A technique that uses mild electrical currents to block pain signals and promote muscle relaxation.

5. Ergonomic and Postural Education

Our physiotherapists provide guidance on how to modify your activities to prevent further strain on the affected tendon or bursa. This includes:

• Postural correction: Teaching you how to maintain proper posture during daily activities, work, or sports to reduce stress on your joints and tendons.
• Ergonomic adjustments: Recommending changes to your workstation, footwear, or equipment to improve body mechanics and prevent flare-ups.

6. Taping or Bracing

In some cases, taping or bracing may be used to provide additional support to the affected joint or tendon, reducing stress and allowing the tissues to heal. Techniques such as kinesiology taping can help relieve pain and improve mobility during recovery.

7. Education and Self-Care Strategies

We believe that education is essential for long-term recovery and prevention. Our physiotherapists will teach you:

• Home exercise routines: To continue building strength and flexibility between sessions.
• Self-care techniques: Including when to use heat or ice, how to modify your activities, and strategies to manage pain and inflammation at home.

8. Injury Prevention

Our treatment doesn’t end with recovery. We provide long-term strategies to help you avoid future episodes of tendinitis or bursitis, including:

• Gradual return to activity: We’ll guide you in safely resuming your work, sports, or daily activities to avoid re-injury.
• Strength and flexibility maintenance: We’ll create a maintenance exercise program that focuses on keeping the affected area strong and flexible, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Why Choose Active Pulse Physiotherapy for Tendinitis and Bursitis?

At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we take a patient-centered approach to treating tendinitis and bursitis, focusing on hands-on care, personalized treatment plans, and long-term recovery. Our team provides:

• Tailored treatment plans: Based on your specific condition, goals, and activity level.
• Experienced physiotherapists: Our therapists are skilled in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including tendinitis and bursitis, using the latest evidence-based techniques.
• Patient education: We empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your condition and prevent future injuries.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic tendinitis or an acute episode of bursitis, we’re here to help you recover quickly and safely, and get back to your favorite activities, pain-free. Let Active Pulse Physiotherapy guide you through your healing journey, with comprehensive care and support.