Treating tendinosis typically involves strategies focused on rest, rehabilitation exercises, and promoting healing, rather than addressing inflammation like in tendinitis.
Tendinosis is a chronic condition involving the breakdown of collagen in the tendon due to overuse, rather than acute inflammation. Effective treatment focuses on improving the tendon's structure and function. Based on common approaches and the provided reference, key treatments include stretching, massage, and strengthening.
Key Treatment Strategies for Tendinosis
Addressing tendinosis requires a multi-faceted approach tailored to the individual's specific condition and affected tendon. The goal is to restore the tendon's integrity and capacity.
1. Rehabilitation Exercises
A cornerstone of tendinosis treatment is targeted exercise, specifically incorporating the methods mentioned in the reference. These exercises help remodel the tendon and build supporting structures.
- Stretch: Stretch the tendon to increase its range of movement and flexibility and to promote circulation. Gentle stretching can improve flexibility in the affected tendon and surrounding muscles, reducing stiffness and potentially improving blood flow.
- Example: For Achilles tendinosis, calf stretches (both with the knee straight and bent) are often recommended.
- Strengthen: Strengthen the muscles around the tendon with exercises to reduce daily strain on the injured tendon. Building strength in the muscles that support the affected joint helps offload stress from the injured tendon. Eccentric exercises (where the muscle lengthens under tension) are particularly important for tendinosis, as they have been shown to stimulate collagen production and remodeling in the tendon.
- Example: For patellar tendinosis, squats or leg presses focusing on the lowering phase can be beneficial.
2. Manual Therapy
Manual techniques can complement exercise programs.
- Massage: Massage the affected area to promote circulation. Massage can help improve blood flow to the injured tendon, which is often poorly vascularized. This increased circulation can aid in the delivery of nutrients necessary for healing.
- Techniques: Cross-friction massage or trigger point therapy may be used by therapists.
3. Other Potential Treatments
While not explicitly detailed in the provided reference, other treatments often used for tendinosis include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that aggravate the tendon is crucial to allow healing to begin. This doesn't necessarily mean complete immobilization but rather modifying intensity, duration, or technique.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a specific exercise program, including stretching, strengthening (especially eccentric loading), and manual therapy, tailored to your needs.
- Topical Pain Relief: Over-the-counter topical pain relievers might be used for symptom management, although they do not treat the underlying tendon issue.
- Orthotics or Bracing: Devices that support the joint or alter mechanics can help reduce strain on the tendon.
- Injection Therapies: In some cases, injections like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or dry needling are explored to stimulate healing, though evidence varies depending on the tendon. Corticosteroid injections are generally avoided in chronic tendinosis due to potential harm to the tendon structure.
Treatment Comparison Overview
| Treatment Category | Primary Goal | Reference Inclusion? |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise (Stretch) | Increase flexibility, range of motion, promote circulation | Yes |
| Exercise (Strengthen) | Reduce strain on tendon by supporting muscles, promote tendon remodeling | Yes |
| Manual Therapy (Massage) | Promote circulation | Yes |
| Activity Modification | Reduce aggravating stress | No |
| Physical Therapy | Guided rehabilitation program | No |
| Injection Therapies | Stimulate healing (e.g., PRP), manage pain (less common) | No |
Treating tendinosis requires patience and consistency with rehabilitation exercises. Following a structured program is key to restoring tendon health and function.
