TENDONITIS VS TENDONOSIS – THE DIFFERENCE & HOW TO TREAT

If you have ever experienced pain, stiffness, or swelling in your tendons, you may have suffered from tendonitis or tendonosis. These are common conditions that affect the connective tissues between muscles and bones, and they can occur in any part of the body, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. In this blog post, we will explain what tendonitis and tendonosis are, how they differ, and how chiropractic care can help you recover from them.

A diagram of an ankle with tendonitis and tendonosis
An example of a healthy ankle (top right), an ankle with tendonitis (bottom right), and an ankle with tendonosis (top left)

Tendonitis vs. Tendonosis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon due to overuse, injury, or infection. It causes acute pain, tenderness, and reduced range of motion in the affected area. Tendonitis usually resolves within a few weeks with proper care and rehabilitation exercises.

Tendonosis is the degeneration of a tendon due to chronic stress or repetitive strain. It causes chronic pain, stiffness, and weakness in the affected area. Tendonosis is more difficult to treat than tendonitis because it involves damage to the collagen fibers that make up the tendon. Tendonosis may require longer periods of rest, strengthening exercises, and sometimes surgery.

A diagram of tendonitis in an ankle
Tendonitis
A diagram of tendonosis in an ankle
Tendonosis

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is a natural and holistic way of treating tendonitis and tendonosis. Chiropractors can help you by:

  • Diagnosing your condition with a thorough examination
  • Reducing inflammation and pain with spinal and extremity adjustments as well as soft tissue modalities (such as Graston/IASTM, cupping therapy, manual release therapy, and manual stretching)
  • Restoring joint mobility and function with adjustments
  • Strengthening the tendon and surrounding muscles with specific exercises and stretches
  • Preventing re-injury and recurrence with lifestyle advice and ergonomic recommendations
A picture of Dr. Olivia performing manual release therapy on a patient.
A picture of Dr. Olivia adjusting a patient.
A picture of Dr. Olivia performing Graston/IASTM on a patient

Dr. Olivia at Move Well Chiropractic & Rehab is an experienced chiropractor who can help you with your tendon problems. She will create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs and goals. She will also educate you on how to prevent future injuries and maintain optimal health.

If you are suffering from tendonitis or tendonosis, don’t wait any longer. Contact Dr. Olivia today and schedule your appointment. She will help you move well and feel well again.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
  • SHOCKWAVE THE PAIN AWAY
    SHOCKWAVE THE PAIN AWAY

    Introducing Shockwave Therapy to Move Well Chiropractic & Rehab If you’ve been dealing with pain that just won’t go away, even after stretching, resting, or trying other treatments, you’re not alone. Many chronic injuries take longer to heal because the body’s natural healing response slows down over time. That’s why I’m excited to introduce Shockwave…

    Read More

  • THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF
    THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF

    Seeing a Chiropractor During the Holidays Is One of the Best Gifts You Can Give Yourself The holidays are supposed to feel joyful… but let’s be honest, they can also feel stressful, busy, and physically draining. Between travel, shopping, long hours in the kitchen, family events, or pushing through the final quarter of the year,…

    Read More

  • EAT MORE PROTEIN! THE SECRET TO FEELING GREAT
    EAT MORE PROTEIN! THE SECRET TO FEELING GREAT

    Let’s talk about protein—the powerhouse of nutrition! Whether you’re crushing workouts, recovering from an injury, or just trying to feel your best, getting enough protein is a game-changer.

    Read More