Tendinopathy

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Tendinopathy is a broad term used to describe pain and dysfunction involving a tendon. Tendons are the strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, allowing movement and force production. Tendinopathy develops when a tendon is repeatedly overloaded and cannot recover properly, leading to pain, reduced strength, and impaired function.

In the past, many tendon injuries were called tendonitis, implying inflammation. However, research has shown that most chronic tendon injuries involve degeneration and failed healing rather than ongoing inflammation. For this reason, the term tendinopathy is now preferred.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we provide evidence-based, conservative treatment to improve tendon healing, restore strength, and help you return to work, sports, and everyday activities.

How We Treat Tendinopathy

Successful treatment focuses on improving the tendon's ability to tolerate load rather than simply reducing pain.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to improve the mobility of surrounding joints and reduce abnormal stress on the affected tendon

• Manual therapy to improve soft tissue mobility and decrease muscle tension

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to stimulate tendon healing and reduce chronic tendon pain

• Dry needling to address muscle tightness and painful trigger points that may contribute to tendon overload

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to improve tissue mobility and promote tendon remodeling

• Progressive corrective exercises emphasizing tendon loading, strength, and movement mechanics

• Personalized home exercise program to safely rebuild tendon capacity and reduce recurrence

Our goal is not only to relieve pain but to improve the tendon's ability to handle everyday activities and athletic demands.

Common Types of Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy can occur throughout the body. Common examples include:

• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy – Pain in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead, lifting objects, or sleeping on the affected side. Common in athletes and people with repetitive overhead jobs.

• Achilles Tendinopathy – Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel or lower calf that is often worse during the first few steps in the morning or after running and jumping activities.

• Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee) – Pain just below the kneecap that worsens with jumping, squatting, climbing stairs, or running. Frequently seen in basketball, volleyball, and other jumping sports.

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylopathy) – Pain on the outside of the elbow caused by overuse of the wrist extensor muscles. Symptoms often increase with gripping, lifting, or using tools.

• Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylopathy) – Pain on the inside of the elbow that develops from repetitive gripping, throwing, or wrist flexion activities. It can affect golfers, weightlifters, and manual laborers.

• Gluteal Tendinopathy – Pain on the outside of the hip that is often worse when walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or lying on the affected side. Frequently mistaken for hip bursitis.

• Hamstring Tendinopathy – Deep pain near the sitting bone (ischial tuberosity) or back of the thigh that typically worsens with prolonged sitting, sprinting, or uphill running.

• Biceps Tendinopathy – Pain in the front of the shoulder that increases with lifting, carrying, throwing, or overhead activities. It often occurs alongside rotator cuff disorders.

• Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy – Pain along the inside of the ankle or arch of the foot. As the condition progresses, patients may notice flattening of the arch and difficulty walking or standing for long periods.

• Peroneal Tendinopathy – Pain along the outside of the ankle or foot that is aggravated by walking, running, uneven surfaces, or repeated ankle sprains. It is common in runners and athletes participating in cutting or lateral movements.

Regardless of the location, treatment principles are similar and focus on restoring healthy tendon loading.

Symptoms of Tendinopathy

Common symptoms include:

• Pain with activity

• Morning stiffness

• Tenderness over the tendon

• Pain that improves after warming up but returns afterward

• Weakness

• Reduced athletic performance

• Pain with repetitive movements

• Thickening of the tendon in chronic cases

Symptoms often develop gradually rather than after a single injury.

What Causes Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy usually develops because the tendon is being asked to do more than it can currently tolerate.

Common contributing factors include:

• Repetitive overuse

• Sudden increases in activity

• Sports participation

• Poor movement mechanics

• Muscle weakness

• Joint stiffness

• Occupational repetitive motions

• Aging

• Previous tendon injuries

The key is not simply "overuse," but rather underprepared tissue facing excessive demand.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to identify the affected tendon and determine why it became overloaded.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Orthopedic examination

• Functional movement assessment

• Strength testing

• Joint mobility evaluation

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging or referral is appropriate, we will help coordinate your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors understand that tendon pain is rarely caused by the tendon alone. We evaluate surrounding joints, muscles, and movement patterns to identify why the tendon became overloaded in the first place.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce tendon pain

• Improve tendon strength

• Restore mobility

• Improve movement mechanics

• Return you safely to work and sports

• Reduce the risk of future tendon injuries