Can Physical Therapy Treat My Tendonitis?

Overusing a tendon or experiencing an injury to the tendon can cause pain and inflammation and restrict your movement. If you're dealing with this issue, called tendonitis, you may wonder whether physical therapy can help you recover and return to your daily activities.

Dr. Eric Gilbertson, DPM, FACFAS, at Renew Foot & Ankle in Minnesota, can help you find relief from tendonitis pain. Physical therapy helps treat tendonitis and gets you moving again faster.

Understanding tendonitis and its effects

Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed due to repetitive movement or sudden injury, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen over time.

Physical therapy is a proven first-line treatment for tendonitis. By addressing the root cause and reducing pain and inflammation, it helps most people recover without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.

How physical therapy helps treat tendonitis

Physical therapy focuses on healing the damaged tendon, restoring function, and preventing future injury. Physical therapy includes exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and therapeutic techniques like heat or ice.

Dr. Gilbertson begins with a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the injury and the most effective treatment approach. Strength and flexibility exercises are key in relieving stress on the tendon, promoting healing, and preventing future flare-ups.

Stretching and strengthening exercises for tendonitis

Stretching improves flexibility, while strengthening builds support around the tendon. Dr. Gilbertson guides you through gentle stretches to improve your range of motion. Each exercise is carefully tailored to avoid overexertion while promoting safe recovery.

Manual therapy and other modalities

Dr. Gilbertson uses hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness, improve blood flow, and relieve pain. Manual therapy helps restore mobility, while additional treatments like heat, ice, or ultrasound therapy further support healing. Heat increases circulation and relaxes muscles, ice reduces swelling, and ultrasound penetrates deep into tissue to accelerate recovery.

Preventing future tendonitis flare-ups

Beyond healing, physical therapy focuses on long-term prevention. Dr. Gilbertson provides personalized exercises and strategies to protect tendons from reinjury. If overuse or poor technique contributed to the condition, he helps you understand how to modify movements and posture. 

Understanding proper body mechanics can help you prevent future issues. 

When to seek physical therapy for tendonitis

Early intervention is key to preventing tendonitis from worsening. If you experience symptoms, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Gilbertson as soon as possible. He will assess your condition and determine whether physical therapy is the best action.

Physical therapy effectively manages symptoms and promotes healing for most people with tendonitis. However, alternative treatments may be necessary in severe cases or when underlying conditions exist. Dr. Gilbertson will guide you in making the best decision for your recovery.