Hi Friends!
Is tendinopathy taking over your life?
If you find yourself constantly battling tendon pain, struggling with everyday tasks, and feeling frustrated by your limitations, you’re not alone.
Tendinopathy, often mistaken for simple inflammation, is a condition that affects the tendons, those strong cords connecting your muscles to your bones. But in these days of constant activity and repetitive motions, our tendons might be doing more harm than good.
The good news is that you don’t have to live at the mercy of tendinopathy. Here, we’ll learn more about this tricky condition, why it happens, and what you can do to take back control of your body and activities.
What is Tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy is a term that describes what happens when your tendons become overused or injured, leading to pain and swelling. It prevents you from moving freely and enjoying the activities you love.To better understand tendinopathy, it helps to get to know the “players.”
The Tendons: Connective Tissue
Tendons are the strong, flexible tissues that connect muscles to bones. They play a crucial role in movement, allowing you to lift, stretch, and run. But when they’re overworked, they can become painful and inflamed.
The Muscles: Powerhouse of Movement
Your muscles are responsible for generating the force needed to move your body. When tendons are compromised, muscles can’t function optimally, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
The Fascia: The Body’s Support Network
Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, tendons, and organs throughout the body. It plays a vital role in maintaining structural integrity and facilitating smooth movement. When fascia becomes tight or restricted, it can contribute to tendon pain and limit mobility. Acupuncture can help release fascial tension, promoting better movement and reducing discomfort associated with tendinopathy.
What Happens During Tendinopathy?
Before we look at how to manage tendinopathy, let’s first take a look at what happens during a healthy movement:
- You engage in an activity – this could be lifting weights or typing at your desk.
- Your tendons work seamlessly with your muscles to facilitate movement.
- You complete the activity without pain or discomfort.
But when tendinopathy strikes, the tendons become irritated and inflamed, causing pain and limiting your ability to move freely. This can happen with repetitive motions or sudden increases in activity.
What Does Tendinopathy Feel Like?
Tendinopathy often feels like a persistent ache or sharp pain, especially when you move the affected area. You might notice:
- Pain during activity: Whether you’re lifting a bag or going for a run, the pain can be a constant companion.
- Stiffness in the morning: Tendons can feel particularly stiff and sore when you first wake up.
- Swelling and tenderness: The affected area might be swollen and tender to the touch.
Women’s Health: Menopause, Perimenopause, and Tendon Pain
For women, menopause and perimenopause can bring about changes in tendon health due to a decrease in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift can lead to increased tendon pain and discomfort. Understanding this connection is crucial for managing tendinopathy effectively.
How to Manage Tendinopathy and Restore Your Mobility
We’ve all experienced the frustration of tendinopathy at some point. Thankfully, you can learn to manage it and regain your freedom of movement.
Let’s look at some easy tips for managing tendinopathy and strengthening your tendons!
Take a Break
Rest is your most valuable tool against tendinopathy. By giving your tendons a break, you allow them to heal and recover. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain and focus on gentle movements.
Stretch and Strengthen
Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine. Gentle stretches can improve flexibility, while strengthening exercises can support tendon health. Consider activities like yoga or tai chi to keep your body moving without strain.
Get Acupuncture
Want to keep tendinopathy from running the show? Acupuncture can help. Acupuncture is one of the best ways to support tendon health and reduce pain. Studies show that regular acupuncture treatment effectively reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It also promotes hormonal balance, which can alleviate tendon pain associated with menopause and perimenopause. At Calm San Diego, we’ve seen some pretty amazing results from acupuncture. After a course of treatments, our patients consistently report feeling more in control of their movements and experiencing less pain.
Start a Mindfulness Habit
Creating a daily mindfulness habit is essential to managing tendinopathy. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and tension, which can exacerbate pain. Whether you choose to try meditation, go for mindful walks, or practice small doses of mindfulness throughout your day, this simple practice will serve as a daily reminder that you are always in control.
Want to Take Control of Your Tendon Health? We Can Help
Exhausted by the pain and limitations of tendinopathy? Believe us, you are not alone!
But you don’t have to be controlled by tendon pain. Acupuncture and other therapies can help you take your power back.
Schedule your free consultation at Calm San Diego to learn exactly how you can support your tendon health and get back to doing what you love.
