Tendon Injuries

WHY DOESN’T MY TENDON INJURY JUST GO AWAY?

Tendons are made up of strands of a material called collagen. The collagen strands are lined up in bundles next to each other.  Repeating some types of activities over and over again can put too much strain on the tendons.   In an acute “new” injury, the body undergoes an inflammatory response.  Special inflammatory cells make their way to the injured tissues to help them heal. Conditions that involve inflammation are indicated by -itis on the end of the word.  For example, inflammation in a tendon is called tendonitis.

Often, inflammation isn’t even involved.  Rather the problem is within the cells of the tendon and due to degeneration there is an abnormal arrangement of the collagen fibres.  This is known as “tendonosis.”  Instead of inflammatory cells, the body produces a type of cells called fibroblasts.  When this happens, the collagen loses its strength.  It becomes fragile and can break or be easily injured.  Each time the collagen breaks down, the body responds by forming scar tissue in the tendon. Eventually, the tendon becomes thickened from extra scar tissue and may even begin to form bone within it.

These injuries often remain unresolved and can provoke pain even in the absence of ongoing injury or tissue damage.  This is often the reason that your injury continues to prevent you from enjoying everyday activities.  It is often the reason that you still hurt even though you should have healed long ago.  This is often why, it won’t just go away!

If your problem persists longer than 2 to 3 weeks, you should be assessed to determine if Radial Shockwave, Graston Technique, IMS and/or other physical therapies may be right for you.  We will work with you to determine the right treatment for your injury.

Information on this site is not a substitute for physical therapist directed care.

Please consult your personal physician or physical therapist for more detailed information concerning specific injuries or illnesses.