Tendinitis in
Chillicothe, Ohio and Waverly, Ohio
Premium physical therapy for active adults and athletes
What is tendinitis
Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach muscle to bone and are primarily composed of collagen, making them stiffer and less flexible than muscle. Tendinitis refers to inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often due to acute overload, while tendinopathy is a broader term describing tendon degeneration from chronic overuse or an inability to tolerate repeated loading, rather than an active inflammatory process.
What causes tendinitis
Tendinitis and tendinopathy are most commonly caused by repetitive stress or overuse, where a tendon is repeatedly loaded without adequate time to recover. It can also develop from sudden increases in activity, poor movement mechanics, or muscle imbalances that place excessive strain on the tendon.
Where can you get tendinitis?
Tendinitis/tendinopathy can develop in many tendons throughout the body, but certain areas are more commonly affected due to repetitive stress and high loading demands:
Medial (golfer’s elbow) and lateral (tennis elbow) epicondylitis: Pain on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the elbow caused by repetitive wrist flexion or extension, often leading to reduced grip strength and difficulty with daily or sport-related activities.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy: Shoulder pain related to irritation or overload of the rotator cuff tendons, which can limit range of motion, strength, and overall upper extremity function.
Patellar and quadriceps tendinopathy: Pain just below or above the kneecap, commonly aggravated by running, jumping, stairs, and other repetitive lower body activities.
Achilles tendinopathy: Pain and stiffness in the back of the lower leg just above the heel, often impacting walking, running, and higher-level athletic performance.
How long does it take to get rid of tendinitis?
Depending on the what tendon is affected, how long it has been irritated, and lifestyle, tendons can be tricky to recover and can take anywhere from 2-6 months to rehab.
Can you prevent tendinitis?
Tendinitis can often be prevented by focusing on a few key principles:
Activity modification when needed: Avoid excessive repetitive stress, use proper form, and incorporate rest breaks during high-demand activities.
Adequate rest and recovery: Allow sufficient time between workouts or repetitive tasks so tendons can adapt and repair, reducing the risk of overload.
Strength and flexibility: Maintain appropriate muscle strength and mobility to ensure tendons are well-conditioned and capable of handling the demands placed on them.
Looking for tendinitis treatment?
Tendinitis and tendinopathy can be effectively managed with conservative care, including physical therapy, appropriate medication, bracing, and activity modification when applied correctly. At Atleta Physical Therapy, our approach is designed to identify and address the root cause of your symptoms—helping you return to the activities you enjoy while reducing the risk of recurrence. Rather than simply masking pain, we focus on restoring strength, movement quality, and load tolerance for long-term results.
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