Tendon Injuries

Tendon injuries can result from acute or traumatic mechanism or can develop slowly from overuse or repetitive loading. Tendinopathies describe the later, and are often related to sport or work, where a repetitive action of a particular area is required. Traumatic injuries can result in a small or large tear to the tendon, or even a rupture of the tendon.

Common Tendon Injuries:

Tendinopathy/tendinitis: Usually related to work or sport, where a repetitive action is required
- Achilles
- Rotator cuff (often with bursitis)
- Forearm extensors (tennis elbow)
- Gluteal (often associated with bursitis)
- Hamstring
- Patella tendon
Tendon tear/rupture: Usually related to an acute or traumatic injury with a large force

What Can We Do?

Hand On Physiotherapy:

Whilst tendons benefit and respond best to strengthening and loading, manual techniques can assist in treating surrounding structures that may be contributing to the issue. These may include;

Soft tissue massage
Joint mobilisation
Dry needling
Taping
The use of a brace

Exercise Based Physiotherapy:

This is an essential component of tendon injury management. Research shows that tendons respond best to being loaded and strengthened within pain parameters, in a progressive manner.

Activation exercises for the muscles loading the affected tendon.
Progressive strengthening exercises for the injured area.
Rehabilitation including plyometric and propulsive exercises where indicated or necessary to return to sport/work.

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