A chiropractor can assist with the management of tendonitis, a condition characterized by irritation and inflammation of a tendon. This pain often results from repetitive strain or overuse, leading to microtrauma in the tissue. Chiropractic care for this issue extends beyond spinal adjustments to include a comprehensive approach to managing injuries in the extremities and surrounding soft tissues. The goal is to facilitate the natural healing process and restore full function to the affected area.
Understanding Tendonitis and the Chiropractic Approach
Tendonitis pain is frequently a symptom of deeper underlying biomechanical stress rather than a simple isolated injury. This condition often develops due to improper movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or joint restrictions that consistently place excessive tension on the tendon. A chiropractor’s initial approach is to identify these root causes, not merely to suppress the local discomfort.
The diagnostic process begins with a detailed patient history and a thorough physical examination assessing the function of the affected joint and surrounding musculature. The practitioner evaluates joint mobility, muscle strength, and specific points of tenderness to pinpoint areas of dysfunction. This assessment helps determine if the strain is caused by an issue elsewhere in the kinetic chain, such as a subtle misalignment or a weakness in a stabilizing muscle group. Treating the source of the biomechanical stress is central to the chiropractic philosophy for musculoskeletal health.
Specific Soft Tissue Techniques and Joint Mobilization
Treatment frequently involves hands-on methods specifically designed to address the damaged tendon and the surrounding connective tissue. These soft tissue therapies work to promote healing by breaking down scar tissue that forms as the tendon attempts to repair itself. Techniques like Myofascial Release or Trigger Point Therapy are used to relieve tension and restore elasticity to the affected muscles and fascia.
Another common intervention is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), which uses specialized tools to effectively target chronic inflammation and fibrosis. By applying focused pressure, the chiropractor can stimulate a localized inflammatory response, helping restart the body’s healing cascade and improve blood flow to the injured site. This action is important because tendons naturally have a poor blood supply, which can slow recovery.
Joint mobilization and manipulation are also employed to restore proper mechanics to nearby joints. If a joint, such as the elbow or wrist, is restricted or not moving correctly, it can increase the mechanical load placed on the adjacent tendons. By gently adjusting or mobilizing the restricted joint, the chiropractor can reduce this mechanical strain, allowing the tendon to operate in a less stressful environment. Supportive modalities, such as therapeutic ultrasound or electrical stimulation, may also be used alongside manual therapy to help manage pain and inflammation in the injured area.
Integrating Rehabilitation and Long-Term Prevention
For lasting recovery, the hands-on treatment performed in the office must be paired with patient-led rehabilitation to prevent the tendonitis from recurring. The chiropractor prescribes specific therapeutic exercises tailored to strengthen the weakened muscles and stretch the tightened tissues identified during the assessment. These exercises often include eccentric loading protocols, where the muscle lengthens under tension, which is a highly effective method for stimulating collagen repair within the tendon.
Patient education is a major component of this phase, focusing on correcting the daily habits that contributed to the injury. Guidance on ergonomics is provided, such as adjusting a workstation setup or optimizing the posture used during physical activity to minimize future strain. Advice might be given on the ideal height for a computer keyboard or the correct grip for a golf club.
The chiropractor also helps the patient with activity modification, which involves learning how to properly warm up before activity and gradually reintroducing tasks that previously caused pain. Understanding how to manage the intensity and duration of the activities that stress the tendon is essential for long-term maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures that the recovery is sustained long after the initial pain subsides.