Tendinitis
That dull ache or sharp twinge from tendonitis can be a constant pain, and rest alone often isn’t enough to solve it. That’s why relief starts here at home with Physit’s mobile physiotherapy services. We reduce pain, calm inflammation, and strengthen the muscles and tendons that support you, so you can get back to living life the way you want to.
What Is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, the thick, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. When a tendon becomes irritated or overused, it can swell, become painful, and lose some of its flexibility. This makes movement uncomfortable and can limit your strength or range of motion in the affected joint.
Tendinitis can affect many different areas of the body, but it’s especially common in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Whether the pain comes on after a sudden movement or creeps up slowly over time, tendinitis can impact your ability to enjoy your daily tasks, exercise comfortably, or simply keep up with your usual routine.
The good news? With the right combination of rest, movement, and strengthening techniques, your tendons can heal, and that’s exactly where we come in.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Tendinitis
Tendinitis symptoms can vary depending on which tendon is affected, but they often show up in some very frustrating ways. Here are some of the most common signs of tendinitis:
- A dull ache near a joint (often when moving)
- Tenderness when pressing on the area
- Swelling or warmth over the tendon
- Pain that worsens with repetitive use
- Difficulty lifting, gripping, or bearing weight
- Stiffness, especially after periods of rest
You might feel a sharp twinge when lifting your arm, a pulling sensation when climbing the stairs, or discomfort after working in the garden. If left unaddressed, tendinitis can start to affect your confidence level and cause pain with every movement, but with the right support, it’s entirely manageable.
What Can Make Tendinitis Worse?
Tendinitis often develops slowly, but certain habits and conditions can increase the strain on your tendons and slow down the healing process. Recognising these contributing factors is important in order to avoid flare-ups and encourage faster recovery.
Here are some of the most common factors:
- Repetitive movement or overuse: Repeating the same motion over and over again (like lifting, typing, or gripping) without rest can irritate the tendon over time.
- Poor posture or joint mechanics: When your body isn’t moving as it is meant to, certain tendons take on more stress than they should.
- Sudden increase in activity: A big jump in intensity, like starting a new workout or lifting heavier objects, can overwhelm the tendon.
- Weak supporting muscles: If surrounding muscles aren’t strong enough, tendons have to work harder, increasing the risk of irritation.
- Age-related changes: As we get older, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury.
- Inadequate warm-up or recovery: Without proper preparation or rest, tendons don’t have the chance to respond and repair.
What Causes Tendinitis?
Tendinitis typically develops due to small, repeated strains on a tendon that gradually build up into inflammation. This can result from:
- Repetitive activities: Such as painting, gardening, or lifting with poor form.
- Sudden force or trauma: A quick pull or twist that places too much demand on the tendon.
- Muscle imbalances or poor biomechanics: When certain muscles are weak or tight, your tendons often take on more stress in order to compensate.
- Posture and alignment issues: Rounded shoulders, flat feet, or uneven movement patterns can all contribute.
- Underlying health conditions: Things like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or certain medications may make your tendons more susceptible to irritation.
How Physit Can Help
While tendinitis recovery should include proper rest, it’s also necessary to rebuild your strength, improve movement patterns, and reduce the stress on your tendon so that healing can happen. At Physit, we do exactly that, with expert physiotherapy delivered in the comfort of your home.
We tailor every session to your body, your symptoms, and your routine. Whether you’re dealing with pain in your shoulder, elbow, knee, or another joint, our approach is thorough, taking the time to understand the root cause of your tendonitis so we can encourage your healing without pushing your limits.
Your treatment may include:
- Hands-on therapy: Gentle techniques help ease tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the tendon, creating a more comfortable foundation for healing.
- Mobility and flexibility work: We guide you through controlled stretches and range-of-motion exercises that help release tension and give you back smoother, more natural movement.
- Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the correct muscles around the affected area helps offload the tendon and restore function without overuse. We progress carefully based on your symptoms and recovery stage.
- Posture and movement coaching: We help you move more efficiently, so your tendons aren’t under unnecessary strain during daily activities like lifting, standing, or reaching.
- Daily activity support: Whether it’s opening a jar, going up stairs, or returning to a favourite hobby, we focus on the movements that matter most to you, and make them more manageable.
- Progress tracking and symptom management: Your recovery plan adjusts as you do. We monitor your progress, keep your pain levels in check, and ensure you’re improving steadily without overdoing it.
With Physit, we believe in the importance of understanding your body, supporting your goals, and helping you move forward with less pain and more confidence every day. We take the time to listen, observe, and customise your care so it feels practical, achievable, and personal. Every session is designed to help you feel stronger, more in control, and more at ease in your movement, both now and in the long term.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Tendinitis
1. Is physiotherapy effective for tendinitis?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for tendinitis. It addresses the root causes, encourages healing, and helps prevent future flare-ups by improving strength, flexibility, and movement patterns.
2. Do I need to stop using the joint completely while it heals?
Not necessarily. Complete rest can sometimes lead to more stiffness and weakness. Our approach includes safe, guided movement that boosts healing without adding any extra strain.
3. Will I need equipment to do my exercises?
No fancy gear needed! We use simple, practical tools (like resistance bands or household items) and tailor your program to fit your space and comfort level.
4. Do I need a referral to work with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us for an in-home assessment, and we’ll create a personalised plan that fits your needs and supports your recovery journey.
Feel Stronger, Move Easier, and Get Back to Doing What You Love
Let’s face it, tendinitis can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With Physit, you get expert care that’s personal, practical, and delivered right to your door. We help you feel stronger, move with greater ease, and return to your daily routine with a lot less pain and a lot more confidence.