Tendonitis

Understanding Tendonitis

 

Tendonitis refers to pain and irritation associated with a tendon. While it is often described as inflammation, many cases involve changes in tendon structure and load tolerance rather than ongoing inflammation alone.

 

Common contributing factors include:

 

• Sudden increases in activity or training load

• Repetitive movements

• Inadequate recovery

• Poor movement mechanics

• Weakness or poor coordination in surrounding muscles

• Previous injury

• Prolonged rest followed by sudden return to activity

 

Tendon pain is often a sign that the tendon is struggling to tolerate current demands.

 

 

Common Tendonitis Presentations

 

Tendon pain can occur in many areas of the body, including:

 

• Shoulder

• Elbow

• Hip

• Knee

• Achilles

• Foot and ankle

 

Common symptoms include:

 

• Localised pain around a tendon

• Pain during or after activity

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest

• Reduced strength or confidence with movement

• Flare-ups when load exceeds tolerance

 

 

Why Tendonitis Is a Load Management Issue

 

One of the most common mistakes I see with tendonitis is either doing too much too soon or resting completely for too long.

 

Tendons require the right amount of progressive load to adapt and become stronger. Avoiding movement altogether often leads to reduced capacity, making flare-ups more likely when activity resumes.

 

Assessment at our clinic includes:

 

• Movement patterns and biomechanics

• Strength and coordination around the affected area

• Load history and activity demands

• Joint mobility and control

• Posture and movement habits

 

The goal is to guide the tendon back to a level where it can tolerate daily and sporting demands without pain.

 

 

How We Help You at Our Clinic

 

At our clinic, we help you:

 

• Identify why the tendon is overloaded

• Reduce pain and irritation

• Restore normal movement patterns

• Improve strength and load tolerance progressively

• Introduce rehabilitation exercises at the right time

• Return to activity safely and confidently

• Reduce the risk of recurring tendon problems

 

Treatment may include hands-on care, movement assessment, education and a structured rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.

 

I believe strongly that successful tendon rehabilitation requires patience, consistency and the right progression of load.

 

 

Who Commonly Benefits From Tendonitis Care

 

Tendon-focused care is particularly helpful for:

 

• Runners and athletes

• Gym and strength-training participants

• Manual workers

• Performers and dancers

• People with repetitive strain injuries

• Individuals with recurrent tendon pain

• Those returning to activity after injury

 

 

When Should You Seek Help

 

An assessment may be helpful if you:

 

• Experience persistent or recurring tendon pain

• Notice pain during or after activity

• Feel stiffness that improves with movement

• Have difficulty progressing training or exercise

• Are unsure how much activity is safe

• Want to prevent long-term tendon issues

 

Early guidance often leads to better outcomes and fewer flare-ups.

 

 

A Progressive, Long-Term Solution

 

Tendonitis responds best to a structured, progressive approach rather than quick fixes or prolonged rest.

 

At our clinic, the focus is on helping you rebuild tendon capacity, improve movement efficiency and return to activity with confidence.

 

 

Book an Appointment

 

If tendon pain is limiting your ability to work, train or enjoy daily activities, we are here to help you understand the cause and guide you toward long-term improvement.