Tendonitis Treatment: From Acute Injury to Full Recovery

A comprehensive guide to tendonitis treatment covering acute management, rehabilitation exercises, and return-to-activity protocols.

Understanding Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It commonly affects the elbow (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow), shoulder (rotator cuff tendinopathy), knee (patellar tendinopathy), and ankle (Achilles tendinopathy).

Acute Phase Management

The acute phase (0-7 days) focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through relative rest, ice therapy, gentle range of motion, and activity modification. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help but should be used judiciously.

Rehabilitation Phase

Rehabilitation progresses from isometric holds to eccentric strengthening, the most evidence-based approach for tendinopathy. Eccentric exercises involve lengthening the muscle-tendon unit under tension, which stimulates collagen production and tendon remodeling.