These days, Google is the new family doctor. Scratch that. Google is the new receptionist of the new family doctor, WebMD. When people look for symptom relief, this virtual primary care office is many patients’ first choice. Recently, I have encountered “tendinitis” in a lot of my patients and their main question is, “I have already researched it, but what else can you do?” Here, I’m going to share more about how chiropractic care will help if tendinitis is diagnosed.
First, tendinitis is an inflammatory disorder of the tendon often with calcium salts deposits. It is considered an overuse syndrome and commonly occurs in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. Tendinitis does not discriminate and can occur in any age group due to repetitive actions that inflame the muscle (e.g. continuous jumping, repetitive use of a screw driver, over use of shoulders while working out). According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, tendonitis is one of the most commonly seen conditions among chiropractors. Most patients that present in-person have already tried the internet’s recommendations and are looking for something more than rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E). Frequently, people who want to get back to their active lifestyle are also experiencing the emotional toll the injury has taken (I too am one of these people). If you’re frustrated with tendinitis and are itching to get back to your lifestyle, read on!
Chiropractic care offers the following techniques that have been shown to be beneficial in case studies and peer reviewed research:
–Myofascial release techniques, most commonly known are Functional Range Release or Active Release Technique
– Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, such as Graston or Gua Sha tools.
– Therapeutic ultrasound, which provides a deep heat using on a wave impulses that break up scar tissue and promote healing
– Kinesio tape, different from white athletic tape, this increases surface area, fires mechanoreceptors of the skin all while providing support to the injured area.
Though there is no gold standard as stated in Chiropractic Management of Tendinopathy: A Literature Synthesis by Pfefer et. al, clinical use of these techniques are plausible and promising as shown in many case studies such as this one. Timing is always a big question when treating tendinopathy and as you’ve already read on WebMD, it can take weeks to months, but chiropractic care is a way to expedite healing and get you back to your life pain free.
For more information about the treatment options listed and about Dr. Eric Stumpff, visit www.stumpffchiro.com.
Gliedt, J. & Daniels, C. (2014). Chiropractic management of elbow tendinopathy following a sports related trauma. Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association, 58(1);52-57.
Desjardins-Charbonneau, A., Roy, J.S., Dionne, C.E., Fremont, P., MacDermid, J.C., & Desmeules, F. (2015). The efficacy of manual therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(5); 330-350.