Tendinitis / Overuse Injuries

What are Tendinitis / Overuse Injuries?

Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is the tough, fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone. It typically results from overuse injuries, which are a broader category of musculoskeletal problems that develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress placed on tissues, often without adequate time for recovery.

Unlike acute injuries (like a sudden sprain or strain), overuse injuries are cumulative. Repeated small stresses cause microtrauma to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even bones. If the body doesn't get enough rest or if the repetitive movements are performed with poor biomechanics, inflammation sets in, and the tissues don't have a chance to repair themselves fully.

Common sites for tendinitis and overuse injuries include:

• Shoulder: Rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement (often related to overuse).

• Elbow: "Tennis Elbow" (lateral epicondylitis) or "Golfer's Elbow" (medial epicondylitis).

• Wrist/Hand: De Quervain's tenosynovitis (thumb tendonitis), carpal tunnel syndrome (often exacerbated by overuse).

• Knee: Patellar tendinitis ("Jumper's Knee"), Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome (runner's knee).

• Achilles: Achilles tendinitis (back of the ankle).

• Foot: Plantar fasciitis (heel pain, often an overuse of the foot fascia).

Contributing factors often include: sudden increases in activity intensity or duration, improper technique, inappropriate equipment, muscle imbalances, and poor posture. As experienced osteopaths, we look beyond the site of pain to identify these underlying causes.

How does it feel?

Tendinitis and overuse injuries typically manifest as a persistent ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest, though sometimes the pain can become sharp. Common sensations and issues associated with tendinitis / overuse injuries include:

• Gradual Onset of Pain: The pain usually develops slowly over days or weeks, rather than from a single acute event.

• Pain with Activity: The most distinguishing symptom is pain that increases during or after the repetitive activity that caused it, and often subsides with rest.

• Localized Tenderness: The affected tendon or area often feels tender to the touch.

• Stiffness After Rest: Stiffness and pain, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity, often improve slightly with movement.

• Swelling: Mild swelling or thickening around the affected tendon might be noticeable.

• Weakness: A feeling of weakness in the affected muscle or joint, particularly when performing the aggravating movement.

• Clicking or Creaking: Sensations or sounds when moving the affected tendon or joint.

• Impaired Performance: Inability to perform at usual levels in sports or work due to pain and dysfunction.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

For those experiencing the persistent pain and inflammation of tendinitis, our Osteopathic Treatment at MallorcaOsteopaths offers a targeted and holistic approach. We understand that this common overuse injury can affect various tendons throughout the body, significantly impacting your mobility and daily activities. Our focus is not just on the inflamed tendon itself, but on identifying and correcting the underlying biomechanical imbalances and postural issues that may be contributing to its overload and preventing proper healing.

Our osteopathic treatment in Mallorca for tendinitis and overuse injuries focuses on:

1. Reducing Pain and Inflammation: Through gentle, non-invasive manual techniques, we work directly on the inflamed tendons and surrounding tissues to alleviate pain and reduce swelling, creating an optimal environment for healing.

2. Addressing Underlying Biomechanical Dysfunctions: We assess the entire kinetic chain—from your feet and ankles, through the knees and hips, up to your spine and shoulders—to identify imbalances, stiffness, or poor movement patterns that are contributing to the overuse. For example, postural lower back strain or hip stiffness might affect knee mechanics.

3. Restoring Joint and Tissue Mobility: We use specific articulation and mobilization techniques to improve the movement of restricted joints and release tightness in muscles and fascia that may be putting undue stress on tendons. This includes working on areas like the shoulder (for rotator cuff issues) or ankle (for Achilles tendinitis).

4. Improving Load Distribution: By optimizing how your body moves and distributes forces, we aim to reduce the repetitive strain on the injured tendon or tissue, allowing it to heal and preventing future overload.

5. Enhancing Circulation and Tissue Repair: Osteopathic techniques can improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the affected area, supplying vital nutrients for tissue regeneration and aiding the removal of inflammatory byproducts.

6. Ergonomic and Activity Modification Advice: We provide personalized guidance on how to modify your activities, training techniques, or ergonomic setup (e.g., for desk job related issues) to reduce strain on the injured tissues and support long-term recovery.

7. Providing Rehabilitation Guidance: While our approach is hands-on, we may recommend specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve stability, and enhance body control, forming a crucial part of your recovery for a safe and effective return to full activity.

Whether you're a long-term resident struggling with chronic tendinitis from work or sports, or a visitor needing acute pain relief from an overuse flare-up in Mallorca, our home visit osteopathy service across the island offers highly convenient and effective solutions. We bring expert, personalized care directly to you, helping you overcome persistent pain and return to your activities stronger.