Having tendonitis is not a simple thing to deal with, and if it is not given the proper care it needs, it could have lasting consequences. A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that annually, more than 70,000 individuals are unable to go to work due to tendonitis.
Acupuncture can be an excellent treatment option for pains associated with tendonitis. It is a safe and effective treatment for tendinitis, and it can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy or medications.
However, it is important to speak with your doctor before beginning any form of treatment, including acupuncture, to ensure the best possible outcome.
What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a medical condition where a tendon in the body becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful. Any tendon can develop tendinitis, but is most commonly observed in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and heel regions. Depending on the location, tendinitis can be referred to by different names, such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinitis, or rotator cuff tendinitis.
Tendonitis can be the result of activities that involve repeating the same motions over and over, causing tiny tears in the tendon. Some of the common symptoms of tendonitis include pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness in the affected area.
Different Types of Tendinitis
The different types of tendinitis include:
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Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow):
It is a condition characterized by pain in the elbow and forearm, specifically on the outer side of the elbow. Common activities that can cause tennis elbow include gripping or squeezing motions such as playing tennis, gardening, painting, or using tools.
Symptoms of tennis elbow usually start gradually and can include pain and tenderness in the elbow and forearm, difficulty gripping objects, and weakness in the forearm and wrist. In severe cases, the pain can be felt down the arm and into the hand.
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Rotator Cuff Tendinitis:
This type of tendinitis affects the tendons in the shoulder caused by repetitive overhead motions such as sports activities, work-related activities or tasks at home. It is a common cause of shoulder pain and can limit the range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Signs of rotator cuff tendinitis consist of hurting in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm up over the head, pain when lying on the influenced side, and lessened strength or variety of motion in the shoulder.
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Bicipital Tendinitis:
This type of tendinitis affects the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is commonly caused by repetitive strain or overuse, such as running or jumping, and is often seen in athletes. Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon and tenderness when pressing around the area.
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Achilles Tendinitis:
This is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon located in the heel and lower leg. Pain and swelling in the affected area make it hard to walk or jog, caused by the affliction. It can be caused by overuse or a sudden increase in activity, such as running too much or quickly changing from one type of exercise to another. It can also be caused by tightness in the calf muscles, poor foot mechanics, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.
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Patellar Tendinitis:
This is an inflammation of the patellar tendon located at the knee joint. It is also known as jumper’s knee, as it is a common injury among athletes who participate in sports that involve jumping. The patellar tendon, a ligament that links the kneecap to the tibia, is strained due to excessive utilization. Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the kneecap, difficulty bending or straightening the knee, and swelling.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. This method involves inserting small needles into certain points on the body in order to stimulate the circulation of qi (energy). The goal of acupuncture is to improve a person’s health and well-being.
Overall, acupuncture is a holistic therapy that can help with both physical and mental health. Its other benefits include:
- Physical – Acupuncture is used to treat pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery from injuries. It is also believed to help regulate hormones, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
- Psychological – Acupuncture can help reduce stress, improve mood, and reduce anxiety. It can also help with insomnia, headaches, and other mental health issues.
How does acupuncture treat tendinitis?
When treating tendinitis, acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, reduce pain, and reduce muscle tension. Acupuncture can also help to reduce swelling and improve range of motion. It may also help to reduce scar tissue in the area, which can cause chronic pain.
Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, which then produces neurotransmitters such as endorphins to act as natural painkillers. Furthermore, it also increases blood flow, distributing white blood cells and other essential nutrients to the swollen tissue.
The key to successful treatment of tendinitis with acupuncture is to use the correct points in order to stimulate the body’s healing process. Acupuncturists will often use points around the area of tendinitis, as well as other points along the meridians in order to stimulate the area.
Where to get the best acupuncture treatment in Florida?
Like with other health conditions, it is advisable to address tendinitis as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a trusted clinic for Chinese medicine in Gainesville Fl, we are ready to assist you. Our acupuncturists are experts in helping you recover your movement and bodily functions to ensure you get the most out of life.
At our clinic for Gainesville acupuncture, our world class acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into the skin into the specific body points that treat tendinitis .
We can also help treat other health conditions with acupuncture, including:
Contact us today to make an appointment or to have your questions answered. We look forward to helping you soon!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
