Tendon pain can be stubborn, but it responds well to the right kind of progressive loading. We build a plan that rebuilds tolerance in the tendon.
Tendinopathy is pain and reduced function in a tendon that has been overloaded relative to what it can currently tolerate. It commonly affects the Achilles, the patellar tendon at the front of the knee, the gluteal tendons at the hip, and the elbow (tennis and golfer’s elbow).
It tends to grumble on with rest alone, because tendons need graded load to adapt and get stronger.
Common symptoms:
The mainstay of treatment is a progressive loading programme that gradually rebuilds the tendon’s capacity, which the evidence supports strongly. We coach the right exercises and progressions for your specific tendon.
For stubborn cases that have not settled, shockwave therapy can be added alongside your loading programme.
Tendons recover best with patient, progressive loading. Here is the path we follow from assessment to a strong tendon and a return to what you enjoy.
We identify which tendon is affected and what stage it is at, and review your recent activity to understand what tipped the load beyond what the tendon could tolerate.
Early on we adjust your activity to a level the tendon can handle and begin gentle loading, such as isometric holds, to help settle the pain.
The core of treatment is a graded strengthening programme that steadily rebuilds the tendon's capacity, which the evidence supports strongly.
We progress your loading back towards running, jumping, gripping or whatever your goal is, and give you a plan to keep the tendon resilient.
Not sure whether physiotherapy is right for your tendon pain? Book a free discovery call and we will talk through your symptoms and help you find out if we are the right fit, with no obligation.
Book a Free Discovery CallTendinopathy is pain and reduced function in a tendon that has been loaded beyond what it can currently tolerate, usually from overuse or a rapid change in activity.
Tendons respond best to progressive loading rather than complete rest, which tends to leave them weaker and slow to recover. We guide the right amount of load for your stage.
Tendons adapt slowly, so meaningful improvement often takes three months or more of consistent loading. Sticking with the programme is what makes the difference.
Tendinopathy is the current term, because long-standing tendon pain usually involves very little active inflammation, which the older word tendonitis implied.
Usually not. Imaging findings often do not match a person's symptoms, so we diagnose and guide treatment clinically in most cases.
Often yes, at a modified level. Some tolerable discomfort during loading is acceptable, and we set clear limits so you can keep training safely.
Injections may give short-term relief in some cases, but they do not build the tendon's capacity, so a progressive loading programme remains the mainstay of recovery.
Book a thorough assessment in Uckfield and we’ll explain what’s going on and build a plan to get you moving again.
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