Tendonitis Treatment: From Acute Injury to Full Recovery
A comprehensive guide to tendonitis treatment covering acute management, rehabilitation exercises, and return-to-activity protocols.
Key Takeaways
1. Tendonitis involves inflammation of a tendon, usually from overuse2. Early treatment focuses on pain management and activity modification3. Eccentric strengthening is the gold standard for chronic tendinopathy4. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks with proper rehabilitation
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.
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Related Conditions
Related Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Manisha Sachdeva
Physiotherapist at Actilife Physiotherapy · Updated 3 June 2026
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