An often used term to describe inflammation (‘itis’) of the tissue that connects muscle to bone that may occur as result of an acute strain or appear gradually over time.

Recent evidence suggests this inflammation process naturally resolves over 2-3 months yet the pain and stiffness remain.

Therefore a new term is now used – ‘Tendonopathy’ – to describe the changes taking place in these specialised tissues (fibrosis, micro-damage, degeneration and sensitivity of pain nerves)

This is why there is so much confusion as to the use of Anti-inflammatory drugs/creams, cold packs vs hot packs, and rest vs activity (to name just a few)

The key to understanding tendon problems is accepting that not all tendons are the same and that there are definitive stages that they go through before they completely heal. These factors have to then be dovetailed in with your own unique characteristics (age, sex, previous injuries etc.) to better understand the nature of ‘your’ Tendonopathy.

Only when this is achieved can a tailored treatment plan, rehabilitation and graded loading programme be put in place.

“There is no standard treatment recipe for any Tendon problem”

Diagnostic Ultrasound

James incorporates ‘point-of- care ultrasound’ (often referred to as POCUS) for musculoskeletal disorders alongside his normal assessments of soft tissue injuries. This significantly increases diagnostic accuracy and allows for better treatment decisions and goal setting.

What conditions can benefit from diagnostic ultrasound scanning?

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Rotator cuff tendon problems, tears and bursitis
  • Foot and ankle ligament injuries.  Morton’s neuroma
  • Patella/ quadriceps tendinopathy, knee osteoarthritis, bursitis, joint effusions, Baker’s/popliteal cyst
  • Hamstring injuries
  • Tennis/golfer’s elbow, biceps injuries
  • Tendon problems in the wrist and hand.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

At The Bay Clinic we use it to accurately guide treatments to the tissues that require it. e.g. for medical acupuncture, shockwave therapy and rehabilitation.

Helping clients from Thanet and East Kent

The Bay Clinic is based in Broadstairs but easy to reach from Towns and Cities such as Canterbury, Dover, Margate, Ashford, Folkestone and Maidstone.

The Bay Clinic, 44 York Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1PB

Find out more about Tendonitis

Here at The Bay Clinic we have a special interest in tendon related problems, conducting our own research and attending numerous post graduate conferences to keep abreast of new developments.

If you want to find out more about your ‘tendonitis’ and how to achieve a full recovery then book now or email james@bayclinicbroadstairs.co.uk for more information.