Tendonitis can happen anywhere in the body and, at its worst, can be a debilitating condition. So there’s no surprise that you’re looking for solutions to solve your tendonitis, but is sports massage one of them? Here we take a closer at the question of can sports massage help tendonitis.
First, we’ll take a look at exactly what tendonitis is. After that, we’ll take an in-depth look at whether sports massage can help and what other treatment options are available. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a medical condition caused by the inflammation of one or more tendons. It occurs when repetitive strain is placed on the tendon that it cannot sustain, leading to inflammation.
Common symptoms include mild swelling, tenderness in the affected area, and pain when moving the affected joint. Depending on the area, tendonitis is often given names such as tennis elbow or swimmer’s shoulder.
Treatment for tendonitis typically involves rest and activity modification, such as avoiding placing further strain on the affected area, alternating heat and cold treatments, and taking medications such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
If left untreated, tendonitis can adversely affect a person’s mobility and range of motion by making movement painful. It is important to seek medical attention if these conditions worsen or if symptoms do not subside with normal treatment methods.
Can Sports Massage Help Tendonitis
Sports massage is a valuable tool in aiding those with tendonitis. A sports massage therapist can use stretching and target deep muscles to help relieve pain associated with tendonitis.
By applying pressure on affected areas, sports massage helps increase blood flow, promoting healing by allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Additionally, sports massage increases flexibility while decreasing inflammation and tightness, thus reducing further injury of the area around the injured tendon.
With proper treatment from a professional sports massage therapist, people experiencing tendonitis can enjoy relief from pain and benefit from an improved range of motion.
DTFM and Deep Tissue Massage for Tendonitis
Deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) and Deep Tissue Massage can also be extremely beneficial for treating tendonitis. DTFM is used to help heal the injured tendon by directly applying deep, focused pressure to it.
This helps to break down any accumulated scar tissue, increase circulation, and speed up the healing process. The deep tissue massage helps restore elasticity and flexibility in tendons that have stiffened from overuse or strain.
It increases blood circulation and breaks up fibrous tissues in the muscles and ligaments, which cause pain associated with tendonitis. Both techniques are proven treatments for helping people afflicted with this chronic condition manage its symptoms and restore their active lifestyles.
These two methods, along with sports massage, can all be useful tools in overcoming tendonitis. You can choose the one that most appeals to you and
Other Treatments for Tendonitis
Tendonitis can be difficult to treat. In addition to massage therapy, there are several other possible treatments.
Depending on the severity and exact location of the injury, treatments such as physiotherapy, painkillers, corticosteroid injections, or surgery may be utilized to reduce pain and swelling. Surgery, however, is very unlikely and should only be considered if there is significant tendon damage.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) are commonly used to alleviate symptoms while a patient recovers from tendonitis.
Despite the potential effectiveness of these treatments, individuals must discuss them with a specialist beforehand to identify the best course of action for them.
How Can I Treat Tendonitis at Home?
Treating tendonitis at home can be a successful way to reduce symptoms and the duration of recovery. However, while tending to your injury, it is important to address your lifestyle and practice good habits, such as reducing physical activities that exacerbate the condition.
You can also help by applying cold compresses or ice packs, taking appropriate over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, and using compression wraps or sleeves. Additionally, massage can effectively promote blood flow and lymph drainage to encourage healing.
Rehabilitation exercises also play an essential role in strengthening the area and returning it to a full range of motion. However, it is advised that before beginning any exercise, you should get advice from a professional such as a doctor or physiotherapist.
Will Tendonitis Ever Go Away?
Without proper rest and rehabilitation, it can be a chronic condition leading to more issues.
While it may appear discouraging at first, don’t be disheartened. As we’ve seen, there are treatment options available that can help manage the discomfort and help alleviate the symptoms so that you can restore your tendon to its former healthy state.
With dedication, patience, and the implementation of effective strategies such as physical therapy and stretching, you may be able to find relief from your tendon issue before it becomes a long-term problem.
What Flares Up Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that can be caused by a wide range of activities. Repetitive strain injury (RSI), especially from overworking the same muscles, joints, and tendons, can often cause tendonitis.
Activities such as typing, playing sports, handling tools, and writing for long periods often result in tendonitis. Even though rest will generally help alleviate symptoms, a physio may prescribe therapeutic massage, stretching, and other exercises to reduce inflammation and strengthen the area.
More invasive options such as ultrasound, steroid injections, and surgical repair may be recommended if conservative treatments don’t solve the issue. Understanding what causes tendonitis is essential for preventing flare-ups and managing it correctly when it does arise.
Final Thoughts
Tendonitis is a horrible condition as it can prevent you from doing what you love, such as writing, playing sport, and gaming. If you think you have tendonitis, then it’s important to speak to your doctor, who will investigate the issue and see if further investigation is needed.
Alongside seeing a doctor, getting a sports massage is a great idea. It will help to alleviate pain and speed up your recovery times. With the appropriate rest and treatment, your tendonitis will soon be a thing of the past.
