Tendinitis Treatment in Mataró — Dr. Marc Bony
Tendinitis is a painful condition characterised by the inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. If you are looking for an effective, non-invasive approach to managing tendinitis, chiropractic care may be an excellent option.
Tendinitis can develop in virtually any tendon in the body, but it most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and heels. It is often caused by repetitive movements, overuse, poor posture or age-related degeneration, and can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life.
Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors use manual techniques, joint adjustments and soft tissue therapies to relieve pain, restore proper biomechanical function and address the root causes of conditions like tendinitis.
What is tendinitis? Causes and symptoms
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are the thick, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones and transmit the force needed for movement. When a tendon becomes inflamed, it causes pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling near the affected joint, limiting movement and daily function.
Causes and risk factors
Tendinitis is most commonly caused by repetitive movements or overuse — particularly in work or sports activities. Poor posture, improper ergonomics, sudden increases in physical activity and age-related tendon degeneration are also significant contributing factors. Spinal misalignments can alter biomechanics and place abnormal stress on tendons, accelerating wear and inflammation.
Conventional treatments for tendinitis
Conventional treatments for tendinitis typically include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy. While these can provide temporary relief, they often address symptoms rather than the underlying biomechanical dysfunction that may be contributing to the condition.
Chiropractic as a treatment option for tendinitis
Chiropractic offers a natural, non-invasive alternative for treating tendinitis. Rather than simply masking symptoms with medication, chiropractors focus on identifying and correcting the underlying biomechanical dysfunctions that contribute to tendon overload. Through spinal and extremity adjustments, soft tissue techniques and rehabilitative exercises, the goal is to restore proper joint alignment and function.
Chiropractic care can provide several key benefits in the management of tendinitis:
Pain relief
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in relieving pain associated with tendinitis. By correcting joint misalignments and reducing abnormal mechanical stress on tendons, adjustments help decrease inflammation and alleviate discomfort without the need for medication.
Improved mobility and function
Chiropractic treatments help restore proper joint mechanics and improve range of motion in the affected area. By addressing spinal and extremity restrictions, treatment reduces compensatory movement patterns that place excessive strain on tendons, helping to restore full functional capacity.
Holistic approach
Chiropractic takes a holistic approach to treating tendinitis. Beyond joint adjustments, chiropractors evaluate posture, ergonomics, movement patterns and overall musculoskeletal health, providing comprehensive recommendations including therapeutic exercises, workplace modifications and nutritional guidance to support tendon healing.
Chiropractic techniques for tendinitis
Several chiropractic techniques are used to effectively treat tendinitis. Some of the most common include:
Joint adjustments
Precise adjustments are applied to misaligned joints — both in the spine and the affected extremity — to restore proper alignment and biomechanics. Correcting these misalignments reduces the abnormal stress patterns that contribute to tendon overload and inflammation.
Soft tissue therapy
Myofascial release and soft tissue techniques target the muscles, tendons and fascia surrounding the affected area. These methods help break down adhesions, reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow to the injured tendon, promoting faster healing and recovery.
Rehabilitative exercises
Chiropractors prescribe targeted strengthening and stretching exercises designed to rehabilitate the affected tendon, improve joint stability and prevent recurrence. These exercises are tailored to your specific condition and activity level.
Examples of therapeutic exercises and approaches for tendinitis include:
- Eccentric loading exercises: These exercises involve slowly lengthening the muscle-tendon unit under load. Research has shown eccentric training to be one of the most effective rehabilitation strategies for tendinitis, stimulating tendon remodelling and promoting healing.
- Postural correction exercises: Poor posture can alter the biomechanics of the shoulder, elbow or wrist, contributing to tendon overload. Targeted exercises to improve postural alignment help reduce the mechanical stress on affected tendons.
- Progressive strengthening: Gradually increasing the load on the affected tendon and surrounding muscles builds resilience and helps prevent future episodes of tendinitis. This is done in a controlled, progressive manner under professional guidance.
It is important to perform these exercises under the supervision of a chiropractor to ensure they are done correctly and at the appropriate intensity for your stage of recovery.
The chiropractor’s role in treating tendinitis
The chiropractor plays a key role in the treatment of tendinitis. Using expertise in anatomy and biomechanics, the chiropractor performs a thorough examination to identify not only the site of inflammation but also the underlying joint restrictions, postural imbalances and movement dysfunctions that may be contributing to the problem.
In addition to hands-on adjustments and soft tissue techniques, the chiropractor provides ergonomic advice, activity modifications and personalised rehabilitation programmes. This comprehensive approach addresses both the symptoms of tendinitis and its root causes, promoting long-term healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Is chiropractic safe for tendinitis?
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe and effective for the treatment of tendinitis when performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner. The techniques used are gentle and specifically adapted to the type and severity of the tendinitis, minimising any risk of aggravation.
It is advisable to consult your primary care physician before beginning chiropractic treatment if you have other pre-existing medical conditions, are taking blood-thinning medication, or if your tendinitis involves a suspected partial or complete tendon tear that may require surgical evaluation.
Tips for choosing a chiropractor
When looking for a chiropractor to treat tendinitis, follow these guidelines to ensure a positive and effective experience:
- Verify the chiropractor’s licence and certifications: Ensure they are properly licensed and have relevant training in musculoskeletal conditions and extremity adjusting.
- Research patient reviews and recommendations: Look for online reviews and ask for referrals from friends, family or other healthcare professionals you trust.
- Communicate with the chiropractor: Ask about their experience treating tendinitis, the specific techniques they use and what outcomes you can expect.
- Look for a holistic approach: The best chiropractors will assess your overall posture, ergonomics and movement patterns, not just the painful area.
- Feel comfortable and confident: A good patient-chiropractor relationship is essential. You should feel listened to and confident in the treatment plan.
Remember that choosing a chiropractor is a personal decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Research on chiropractic and tendinitis
The role of chiropractic care in the management of tendinitis has been supported by a growing body of clinical evidence. While further research continues, current studies demonstrate encouraging results for both pain relief and functional improvement.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients with shoulder tendinitis who received chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain and shoulder function. Research published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association demonstrated that combined chiropractic and soft tissue treatment was effective in managing lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), a common form of tendinitis.
These findings support the use of chiropractic care as an effective approach to tendinitis management, but it is important to note that each case is unique and results may vary depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition.
Patient experiences with chiropractic for tendinitis
Many patients have reported positive experiences with chiropractic treatment for tendinitis. From significant pain relief to restored mobility and the ability to return to their favourite activities, here is what some of our patients have shared.
Shoulder tendinitis was preventing me from even getting dressed. After the chiropractic sessions, I regained my mobility and the pain disappeared. A great alternative to corticosteroid injections.
— Miguel
I suffered from chronic elbow tendinitis due to my work. Dr. Marc Bony identified that the root cause was a cervical misalignment. After the adjustments, the inflammation resolved completely.
— Rosa
I tried physiotherapy without success for my tendinitis. Chiropractic addressed the problem at its root and within a few weeks I noticed a real improvement. Now I can get back to sport.
— Jorge
Conclusion
Tendinitis can be a painful and limiting condition, but chiropractic care provides a safe, effective and non-invasive approach to treatment. Through joint adjustments, soft tissue therapy and personalised rehabilitation exercises, chiropractors address the root biomechanical causes of tendinitis and help restore pain-free function.
Choosing a qualified and experienced chiropractor, following their recommendations and maintaining open communication are essential for the best outcomes. If you are struggling with tendinitis, consider chiropractic care as a viable treatment option that can help you recover your quality of life and return to the activities you enjoy.
