Causes and Treatment
Dr. Edward G. Holtman, D.C. 48+ Years Chiropractic/Tendinitis Treatment Specialist
by Dr. Edward G. Holtman, D.C.
April 6, 2009

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There are many areas of the body where tendinitis can occur: Shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, groin, hip, knee, ankle, foot, and toe areas.

A tendon consists of white fibrous connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. (Ligaments attach a bone to another bone). Some tendons are short, round, and small. Others are larger and flat.

Tendons are located where the action is. They attach a muscle to a bone near a joint and are responsible (in part) for the movement of that joint.

Because the tendons can’t tolerate as much use, or over-use (punishment) as muscles can, they are the first to yell “Help!” when hurting.

The reasons

The reasons for this tendon pain are numerous; over-use by work activities that require repetitive movements (perhaps all day). This includes factory work, ladder climbing, gardening, stair climbing, and computer work.

Over use through sporting activities such as tennis, golf, baseball, squash, and running. Recreational activities such as dancing, ballet, jumping rope, mountain climbing/rock climbing, marathon running, and walking.

Lack of Activity

Persons who have a sedentary life, or are retired are also at risk for tendinitis. There may be poor circulation to the muscles and tendons; the muscles tend to tighten with no or little activity, which in turn adversely affects the tendons.

Age

Age can also contribute to the cause of tendinitis, because as we age we lose muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle tone, and muscle elasticity (stretch). This causes a constant strain on the tendons, consequently giving rise to the pain of tendinitis.

Direct Injury

Direct injury to the tendon and or muscle of the tendon, I.E. a factory worker or any other activity that would predispose the person to direct injury by something falling on them, or that person falling on some object.

My theory is “The root of the Tendinitis problem lies in the muscles!”

Treatment

It has been my experience that a great number of tendinitis victims have been repeatedly disappointed with the “therapies” that have been available to them. So much so, that they have resorted to gimmick instruments and “quick fix” promises in a vain hope of achieving lasting results with their tendinitis pain.

Even the more accepted avenues of therapy have been disappointing. Medical treatment usually consists of anti-inflammitories, painkillers, cortisone injections, and elastic braces.

While the above procedures may help, they are often temporary.

Chiropractic

“Hands-on” manipulation helps when there is a spinal or neurological component to the tendinitis. But often times there is not. Furthermore, the patient should be well or nearly well in six visits.

Acupuncture

This procedure can help relax muscles, but without a series of specialized stretching exercises to accompany it, the treatment is not complete.

Massage Therapy

This method is much the same as the acupuncture (above).

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Disclaimer:

Dr. Holtman's information or advice is not to be interpreted as diagnosing or treating any disease, ailment, or injury of the human body. F.D.A.